Chapter 9

Ciel’s POV

“You all are animals! I fuckin ha–”

She went quiet all of a sudden and I snuck a glance at her only to find out that the little minx was fast asleep. Hmm interesting. So she was mad that I had gone out for a bit of fun when I was just running late from a meeting with that damned club owner. 

The car phone buzzed and I picked it up, eyes still on the road. 

“Boss.”

“Yes?”

“It turns out that Madam was with Miss Roxanne tonight and they had a few drinks in the hotel bar, went out and back into the hotel again.”

So that's where the anger all bunched up from. She had been drinking with that sneaky little brat and Roxie had unknowingly upset her the more. Tch, she had walked right into that one. I picked up the phone and called the sneaky thing responsible for this. 

“Why hellooo brother.”

“Sigh. I knew you'd be wide awake and grinning about the foolishness you've caused.”

“Awwn. He's mad that I let his blushing bride walk around sad and drunk around Vegas. Tsk, you had it coming by going around for a fuck when you aren't supposed to be doing that. You've been a bad boy. I'm even surprised she didn't even break down in tears like some weakling. She cussed the fuck out of you and went to sleep it off.”

“Well that so called sleeping off had her in clubs with some disgusting man having his hands all over her.”

“Relax brother. It's not like you care about her. I like this one though. She's not like your other bitches. She's a woman. Plus, it'll be fun having her around.”

I kneaded my temples as I tried to process what this annoying brat was spewing.

“Roxanne.”

“Yes brother?” She said sweetly over the call. 

“Stay away from my wife. Don't try to fuck her or get her into trouble. I'll have your head on a spike if you ever think about it again.”

“Mmm. You're no fun. Good night darling brother. I'll see you and my cute little ray of sunshine tomorrow. Muah!”

“I mean it.” I disconnected the call and pulled up in front of the hotel. One of the guards was standing in front of the car as I bundled Isabella in my arms. She seemed surprisingly light for all the trouble she loved causing me. 

“Sir do you want me to–”

Was the bastard even thinking about touching her? 

“My apologies sir. The suite is ready”

“Get lost.”

***

In the dim light of my room, I carefully laid Isabella on the bed, making sure she was comfortable. The noise of the club still buzzed in my ears, but all I could think about was the guy who had dared to dance with her. My jaw clenched in anger. 

“Get the guards in here!” I barked, and within moments, two of my men rushed into the room, confusion on their faces.

“Boss, you called?” one of them asked, glancing between me and the door.

“Yeah, the guy who was dancing with Alessia. I want him found. Beat him up, make sure he remembers not to touch what’s mine.” The words came out sharper than I intended, but I didn't care.

“Will do,” the other guard nodded, and they were gone in an instant.

Once I was alone, I turned toward the door and called out, “Roxie!”

My sister opened the door, a teasing smile flickering across her face. “What’s up, big brother? Did someone spill your drink?” 

I glared at her. “This isn't a joke, Roxie. I need to speak to you seriously.”

She crossed her arms, amusement still playing on her lips. “Alright, serious pants on! What’s got you all wound up?”

“I need you to guard Isabella from now on,” I said, keeping my voice steady. 

Roxie's eyes widened, surprise written all over her face. “Me? Alessia’s guard? You’ve got to be kidding!”

“I’m serious. I want her safe,” I insisted. “You know the kind of people out there. She's been through enough already with all those ruffians touching her.”

“Oh, come on. It was just a dance,” she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Are you starting to care about her? What’s next, a heartwarming family reunion?”

“Roxie!” I pressed, frustrated. “This is important. If something happens to her, it’ll be on me. You’re capable. I need you to do it!”

She pretended to think it over, a smirk never leaving her face. “Well, if that’s the case, I guess I’ll be keeping an eye on the poor girl. Lucky her, right? To have me, her loyal bodyguard.”

I couldn’t shake off the annoyance. “I’m not joking. Just do your job and keep her safe.”

“Okay, okay! I’ll watch over her like a hawk,” she replied dramatically. She leaned against the wall and winked at me. “Just promise me you won’t serenade her or anything mushy like that, alright?”

The corner of my mouth twitched. “I’ll make no promises there,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Just then, Isabella stirred on the bed, letting out a soft sigh. My heart raced as I turned toward her, trying to gauge if she was awake. I quietly approached her, watching her drift in and out of sleep, her brow slightly furrowed. 

Roxie leaned in, whispering, “Looks like she’s waking up, Romeo.”

I shot her a look of annoyance. “Could you just be quiet for a moment? I don’t want to startle her.”

“Ohhhh. You're all worried about startling her now are you?”

“Roxie, can you not?” I interjected, feeling slightly embarrassed by the whole situation. For reasons I didn't understand. I just felt rage come over her seeing that bastard have his hands all over her. 

“Hey, I’m just trying to lighten the mood here. The kid’s been through a lot—she deserves some fun,” Roxie shot back, her playful tone softening slightly.

“But—” I began, but Roxie cut me off. 

“It’s fine, really,” she said, a bright smile appearing on her face. “I need this anyway. How else will I tease you.”

“I don't want it and quit talking trash. It's not like you think.”

“Really?”

“Well–”

“See?” Roxie said, turning me with a triumphant grin. “You can’t deny her!”

I sighed in defeat. “Fine, but let’s keep it reasonable. You’re still under my watch.”

Roxie raised an eyebrow. “Oh sure, big brother. You just want control, don’t you?”

“I want her safe!” I insisted, my voice firm.