2: I Am Not For Sale

“James, Ronaldo’s daughter came at the company?” Alex Russo asked his grandson who was caressing his Golden Retriever dog lovingly as he sat in his mansion.

“Yes,” his voice was void of any emotion. He caressed his pet as he tried to avoid the subject.

“What did she say?” Alex Russo asked taking the seat opposite to his grandson.

James let go of his pet and looked straight at his grandfather.

“Expected. She came barging in the office, shouting and throwing tantrum like a little spoiled girl.” He told him as his mind formed the image of the blonde beauty.

“Did you told that their is no way out? Either she marries you for the sake of her family or be bankrupt.” Alex Russo frowned.

“She is immature. Doesn’t even understand the situation. I told her that she doesn’t have much option.” James told him nodding to himself.

“James, do you really think that this marriage will be as benefiting as we think?” His grandfather asked a little unsure.

James Russo looked at his grandfather straight in his eyes. His pose more straightened. His eyes more serious than before.

“Grandpa, this marriage will strengthen our roots in business world. Ronaldo’s owe us a billion dollar debt which increased with interest. He failed to pay us when he had money. This debt which he took 22 years ago will be costing him his entire fortune. I already have hold on 60% shares of the their company because of the debt. Their daughter hold 15%. With the marriage fixed I will be having those 15% add on and technically I will buy the rest of shares her brother hold. We might have lost a billion dollar to Ronaldo but we will regain it back by owing his 4 billion dollar company. Are you getting my point Grandpa?”

His each word held the confidence of his actions.

“Yes I have that much in my mind but do you think that girl will sign the shares to you? After all she is Ronaldo’s daughter and she isn’t much willing to the idea of marriage.” Alex Russo voiced out the actual question.

“365 nights.” James spoke, “I need only 365 nights to make that woman willingly sign those shares to me.” He let it out.

“365 nights? Why a year when you can get it done in less than three months, son?” Alex asked a clear confusion in his eyes and a frown marring his forehead.

A smirk formed on James Russo mouth. His eyes glinted evilly. Alex Russo could read his grandson face without a difficulty.

“You have some other plan James?” He asked him out of pure curiosity.

James facial expression was still same as looked at his grandfather......

_____________

Sapphire POV;

I was fuming in rage. My father just blindly demanded me to get married to some rich jerk! Did he really think it’s 16 th century where arrange marriages exist? Nonsense!

He wants me to marry a complete stranger just to save the company!

I am not a thing he can bargain in.

I still can recall the emotional play that my dad played just two hours ago......

‘

“Sapphire please....we need your help..daughter.....you are my last hope....if you will leave my side than what will happen? I will die my dearest! Everything will be ruined. We will be bankrupt! Worse your brother and I will be behind the bars for not repaying that bastard James Russo money...think about all the luxuries you are having now dear....you will have more if you get married to him but if you deny...this all will slip from you hand like water.....think of all those poor employees they work day and night to earn...your one wrong decision will affect so many lifes. We all depend on you Sapphire.....”

He narrated his very long speech which fell on deaf ears.

Why should I be put to be sacrificed in front of the butcher! Why me?!

“Dad if mom was alive you would never have thought to do this to me!” I complained with teary eyes. Never in millions years I thought that my dad would get this insensitive when he would have chose between me and his money!

“Sapphire I am helpless— that Russo guy he put forth this condition—.” I was quick to interrupt my father.

“—that guy! Why me? I don’t know him! Why not Lilian?” I countered back angrily.

“Lilian is your cousin and you are my daughter. This has to be you or no one else. Sapphire, you have to do this. There is no option. We need the company. We have worked so hard for it—“ Mason Ronaldo, my father, continued his speech not taking measures of how his words were like a acid to ears and burn to my heart.

“—you can’t force me dad! It’s my choice who I marry! I won’t be a toy in this business world of yours. I won’t—.” Before I could complete my sentence, a hand raised in the air and hit me hard against my face. Tears brimmed in my eyes.

“Dad!” Leo, my brother voice rang in the room, “dad how could you slap sapphire like this!” His voice boomed as he entered the room and was quick to come to my side.

“This ungrateful brat! I did right to slap her actually I should have done more so she could have been a little grateful to all the luxuries I have bestowed over her.” My dad again lunged for me but Leo was quick in hiding me behind him.

“Dad common you are being unnecessarily harsh...of course she will marry James Russo. She loves her family—.” Leo started but I jerked him away and ran to the door.

“I won’t! I won’t marry him!” Shouting loudly I was quick to run out of the room thankfully I had my phone and purse laying in the living room.

Quick to grab them, I headed out of the damn house where no one care about my feelings.

It was time to teach that Russo boy a lesson!

_________________

My ass still pained from the fall I had in that bastard office. He was stubborn as rock! I have told him repeatedly that I don’t want to marry him and he was hell bent on his decision!

One thing I am sure he doesn’t know me, neither does he like me and by no chance I am his type—

Uh no scratch that—he is not my type.

He was so cold and arrogant. His face didn’t held any emotion except the clear mock! He thought of himself as a superior! Against all this I couldn’t help but notice his looks.

He deep grey....that intimidating hovering frame...

My mind recalled his image...

He was handsome by no doubt. His jet black were thick and glossy and I wondered how it would feel to pass my fingers through them. From eyebrows sharp as arrow to the cold grey eyes that were so deep and I felt I can stare in them forever. Those pink lips....how would they kiss? slow and sensual or rough and hard.

Shaking my head as some indecent pictures clouded my mind, I further shamelessly examined his picture in my mind like a rare species under microscope.

His shoulders were broad and arms looks so strong that I couldn't help but wonder how they would feel around me, enveloped in a tight hug.

He was tall almost 6'2 and the aura around him was dominating. He had all those vibes that my mother had warned to stay away from....

He was the type of boy a girl love to be girlfriend of. Too bad, I am not interested!

I was sitting in the cafe waiting for my friends  Selena and Emerald. They must be coming now here from the school. We three work at the school that I own.

3 years back, I made a private school ‘Bloomfield’ which is now a very reputable school for primary in NewYork. I work their as principal and CEO. As it’s still a developing school I don’t have much of head office. Just few employees for finance and marketing.

Selena and Emerald have also their share in the school and COO. We have been together since childhood.

I was tired of sitting here for quite some time. I picked up the magazine in front of and rummage through random pages. A news caught my eyes.

RODRIGUEZ BRIDE RAN AWAY!

Like a sky rocket an idea hit my mind and I was quick to calculate it.

I can disappear for a month till all this marriage fiasco is over. Dad will find some solution I am sure and as for the James Russo, he can keep on dreaming about making me his wife.

I quickly dropped Emerald and Selena a message,

“Plan cancelled, I am going for vacations. Will call you in a week time.”

With a satisfied smile, I stood up and walked out of the cafe.

I don’t care what happens, I am not for sale!