A Traditional Daddy. Arabella Kingsley

on the surface, for her father, our marriage will appear perfect. She will toe the line. One thing you need to know about Scarlett is she is a traditional woman. She believes in marriage vows and whether she likes it or not exhausting every possible avenue to mend it before she walks away. That works well for me and you are not going to interfere. What you don’t understand about Scarlett, Alexander, is she likes the firm guidance of a man of authority. She’s such a submissive thing. She needs a traditional man to be in charge of her. When I demanded she give up her job to stay at home to pursue her art she loves so much and where I could keep an eye on her, she did. She was reluctant but just before she did she became ill with this FND thing so it suited us both. Has she told you about it? Man, it looks like she is having a stroke. Do you really want to be with that?”

      Alexander snapped. He threw the cue on the table and took a swing at Ross landing a blow against his nose and mouth. As Ross staggered shocked by his reaction, Alexander took hold of the lapels of Ross’ suit jacket and pushed him back against the wall.

      “Don’t talk about her like that.”

      Ross sniffed the trickle of blood back up his nose.

      “You’ve really got it bad for her, haven’t you?”

      He tried to laugh but Alexander slammed him back against the wall and he stopped.

      “You are not worthy of her. She belongs to me now and you can tell that to her father. I will be ready for him when he tries to come for her. And if you come near Scarlett again, I will kill you.”

      He let Ross slide down the wall, picked up his suit jacket and left the room.

      Alexander made his way upstairs to Scarlett’s bedroom making a call to his security chief to keep Ross in check and away. He knocked loudly on the door.

      “Scarlett, let me in. It is time to go.”

      “I told you, Alexander, I can’t go with you. I won’t ruin your life. Whatever you think is between us, try to forget it, please.” He could hear the tears behind her voice.

      “No way. Now open this damn door or I am going to knock it down.”

      “No, please. You don’t know what you are getting into. I won’t have you hurt. It would kill me.”

      Alexander shook his head and took a few steps back from the door.

      “Scarlett, I know everything including the fact you are Lance Bartlett’s daughter and what he did to you. I will keep you safe, Scarlett. I won’t let him or anyone else ever hurt you again. Stand away from the door, I am going to break it down.”

      “What? No…”

      Alexander ignored her plea and raised his foot. He gave the lock area of the oak door two powerful kicks and it swung open.