Contract Marriage

Chapter 6: The Queen

"Ahhhmmm, let me clarify please. This is not a romantic date! Bradley forced me here then said if I didn't eat then I would have to inform Jefferey myself that I wouldn't be eating, after he set all this up"!

I see my friends are glaring at Bradley, who in turn seems unaffected.
"Bradley Rex Constine!!! How could you? Forcing Ava to have dinner with you by using Jefferey. I demand a do over. A proper romantic outing! I will not let you do this to my best friend".
"I agree with Emile, your being very unfair to Ava! Don't short change her, that's not fair! "
I'm staring at the exchange that's occurring between these three. They're all glaring at each other now. Great looks like its time to intervene.

"Guys I'm right here and I don't need a do over... Really this was fine. It was thoughtful and I was still in the building in case I was needed. They would have paged me and I would have been there in minutes".

"Ummm yeah well about that Ava, they wouldn't have paged you. I gave them strict instructions not to disturb you". Bradley states sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

"You did what? Are you absolutely insane? If I'm in the hospital I have to be reachable. I'm the CEO and a surgeon on call today!!" Do you even realize what you have done?"

I quickly call Betsy and she confirms everything Bradley just said. She informs me that Trescott the Manager and Mason The Chief of Surgery are still in the vicinity and they were filling in during my absence. I breathe a sigh of relief and thank Betsy, who in turn wishes me an enjoyable dinner and a good night". I thank her and hang up now to handle Mr know it all!

Emile and Conrad know me well enough to know what's coming. Bradley is just looking at me with a I told you I have everything under control look.

"Mr Bradley Constine, what you did was unacceptable, you went behind my back and directed my staff. Then you emotionally manipulated me to have dinner with you. Can you see how sick and twisted all this is? Well that doesn't even matter at this stage. I can see just what this is so I never want to see you again.. Ever! "

"Well that's impossible now isn't it. Have you forgotten how closely linked our families, businesses and social circles are. You can't avoid me forever and you can't barricade yourself in this hospital under the cover of work. My methods weren't conventional I'll admit but what other option did you leave me with. You said no to every suggestion I presented." Also Ava and this is something you will only realise if your completely honest with yourself... You had an enjoyable dinner". Smiling "I'll see you tomorrow with my Finance team, have yours ready and a good night Ava".

I'm left there flabbergasted. The nerve of this man!
"Noone will be ready Bradley, you're not to come near me again or enter this hospital! "

"We own the same percentage of this hospital and you shouldn't forget I still haven't cast my vote for the new developments. If you don't want to join us because you're feeling childish then so be it but get your finance team ready". Pausing "We will need to see the hospitals financial reports from the last 10 years and all forecasts along with current and future development plans". " Am I clear Dr Luciano?"

I'm staring daggers at him while I know he could with his expertise and finance team do wonders with our fiance team for the future of this hospital financially. He has in the last 5years quadrupled the profits for Constine industries.

"Dr Luciano? I will not repeat myself".

Through gritted teeth I somehow voice "Crystal!"

"Good, see you tomorrow 9am, Emile, Conrad". With that he leaves, strolling out of the meeting room smiling! Smiling... He has the audacity to smile after all that.

"I'm so sorry Ava, for my brother's behavior, I can't believe he's such a jerk". Takes me into a bear hug. Conrad does the same apologising.

They are the sweetest, it amazes me how they could be related to the cold hearted, stone faced Bradley Constine.

They both convince me to go home to bed and they'll both come and help me tomorrow morning before heading to their respective workplaces. I agree and they offer to drop me home. I'm exhausted so agree to their generous offer.

I get home wave my duo goodbye and head to my room. After a nice hot shower to wash the days stress away, I'm in bed. I set my alarm for an early start and doze off.

"Tesoro Mio", My Treasure he whispers as he trails the knife blade down my neck to my shoulders stopping at the strap of my dress. I'm scared but there is no way I'll ever admit to it. As I spit in his face and shout "mai in un milione di anni" Never in a million years!!! Just then Conrad is pushed into the room tied up and being now tied to a chair. "Get your hands away from her NOW!"

Ahhh young love! Well your feisty girlfriend over here just spat in my face...she has to suffer the consequences.. He clicks his tongue and cuts the strap. It exposes my bra which seems to interest my torturer. "Ahh sexy tesoro mio they teach you from early on...tis good for me no".

"Get away from her...they will all be on their way and when they find you they will give you the worst death E.V.E.R"!

"Hahahaha who the Luciano and Constines the friendly Mafia! Your families are an insult to the mob...making everyone go soft! Look at you pathetic kids you should be able to defend yourselves, protect yourselves that's the Mafia kill before being touched. I can do anything to her and all she has is words... Pathetic!

I wanna see the Luciano's face the world after I deflower their Queen...Regina they named you... Pity they didn't train you like a queen...With that I kick him in the groin. "Cazzo cagna f***ing b***h"! I'll show you Regina just who is in charge here. With that he slaps me, so hard my lip is cut from his rings meeting my skin. My vision blurs but I force myself to look back at him. The ugly scar trailing across his right cheek gives him a sinister look but I'm not going to flinch. I am Regina!

"Get the branding tools ready I'll show this Regina who the King is!"