BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Mama Didn't Raise No Fool

As everyone filed out of the conference room I stayed back with my eye's locked on Ivy. I could see she looked restless and no wonder with all that's transpired since she left the states. We seriously needed to talk but I had to remind myself not to upset her too much more. I didn't want to risk her pregnancy. Taking a few steps toward her I spoke. "Ivanya we need to talk".

She gave a sad little shrug and spoke softly. "What more can be said Demarco?"

"There's plenty that needs to be said Ivy". I said sternly.

This caused a snappy retort from her. "I believe you said enough last night Demarco".

Fuck, why do women have to be so difficult. "I was mad Ivy and I didn't mean it. I said I was sorry but you just won't listen. It has to be your way or no way".

She whipped her head up. "My way". She hissed. "No it has to be your way all the time. Making me confined to your home, that was your way. Your mom insisting I come to the state's to give birth, once again your way as well as hers. It's time I stood my ground with you. I'm not leaving... ever."

That last word kicked in my temper and I spoke harsher than I probably should had. "That's my child too and believe it or not I do have some say so. You can't keep me away."

Ivy interrupted me and screamed back. "I'm the one carrying this baby not you. I will keep my child. Of course I'm not shutting you out. I will keep you updated and you can visit as you like but my baby will never leave Russia. This is my heir, not yours. They will rule here, not the Italian mob".

Oh girl done went and did it now. "The hell you say. My child will rule along side of me. He will be raised the Italian way."

"Stop Demarco". She screamed startling me. "Just shut up. I can't do this anymore with you. All you do is bitch and nag and whine. Your worse than a woman. Please just go".

I stepped toward her. "As long as you have my child I won't be going anywhere. I'm a permanent fixture in your life." Before I knew what I said the word's flowed from my mouth like a free flowing river. "Marry me Ivy?"

A look of total shock, confusion and anger crossed her features. "Because that will fix everything want it Demarco?" She spat in disgust.

"So I take that as a no?" I questioned.

"Not no Demarco but hell no". She almost laughed  as if I had told a joke.

"Why not Ivy?" I said getting riled up once again. "We can make this work and give this child both of his parent's. It's what's best".

"Because look at us Demarco". She squealed. "We can't be near each other for a moment without ripping each other apart. Even when I stayed with you the majority of our time was spent arguing".

"We can do better Ivy. We've got to" I tried to reason with her.

"Why Demarco?" She snorted. "So you can get your way once again. So I'm back under your thumb in the state's and the hell with my title, my Empire. Thanks but no thanks".

"Damn it Ivy, just listen". I gritted out. "We can make it work. I can see to it that you can operate from New York. We can split our time up between here and there. We can do this".

She shook her head slowly and answered as if she was defeated. "You know Demarco I might would have considered your offer. I might have even considered running things from there but there's one thing I refuse to consider and that's being trapped in a loveless marriage".

The fuck she talking about now. Damn her mind must be warped. Does she actually think I'd marry her if I didn't love her. "Ivy why would you think that?" I asked as confused as her mind was.