Chapter One
Can anybody find me somebody to love? Everyday – I try and I try and I try – But everybody wants to put me down… Somebody to Love ~ Queen
Elizabeth Alcazar sat at the vanity table and stared at her reflection in the beveled oval mirror. She looked at her dark chestnut curls and her sapphire blues eyes, but didn’t see anything other than the awkward and shy girl she’d always seen. Today was her wedding day and it was nothing like she’d imagined it would be. Rather than marrying her one true love – that man that would save her from her family and from herself – she was marrying a stranger. For business. It wasn’t like there was someone else … someone she loved and wanted to marry, but she wanted the idea of marrying for love. Elizabeth wanted the choice. She wanted to love and be loved – to feel like she finally belonged, that she fit somewhere. Instead, she was marrying a man she’d never even laid eyes on. All she knew about him was that he was a business associate of her father’s and that a merger was very important to the future of the business. She didn’t even know why it was important because women were not to be involved in business – even when it directly affected them. Elizabeth sighed as the door to the bridal room opened and her family walked in. Show time, she thought to herself.
“Elizabeth, you need to get dressed. It’s almost time.” Alexis Alcazar was a striking woman who shared Elizabeth’s dark brown hair and fair complexion, but really nothing else. Alexis was a strong, no-nonsense woman who had made her mark as a successful criminal defense attorney and had never understood or nurtured her daughter’s artistic side. Alexis had always made Elizabeth feel silly for wanting to pursue art and Elizabeth’s decision to major in art in college had been met with contempt and ridicule. To say that Elizabeth and her mother weren’t close was indeed an understatement.
“Yes mother,” Elizabeth replied as she rose from her seat, “I was just finishing my make-up, but I need help getting into my dress.” Elizabeth turned towards the dress hanging on the door and reached up to take it down.
“Here, Liz. Let me.” Elizabeth’s sister, Robin, reached to take the dress from her and removed it from the hanger.
“I know you’re nervous about your wedding, and your marriage, but I know it will be ok.” Robin talked softly while she helped Elizabeth into her dress. “I remember how scared I was before my wedding. People had such dreadful things to say about Mateo – how mean and nasty he was, how ruthless his family was, and how my life as a Ruiz would be sheer hell, but people can’t possibly know until they’ve lived where you are. You’ve seen how Mateo is. He’s so generous and caring, and he loves us more than I ever imagined possible. I know you’re going to have the same kind of relationship with Jason. He’s going to take care of you, and you will take care of him. Just wait and see – you’ll be happy.” Robin leaned in and adjusted Elizabeth’s veil and kissed her on the cheek.
Elizabeth touched her cheek to Robin’s and whispered, “Thank you for being an optimist. I needed to hear that today.” As the sisters pulled apart, the door opened again and Lorenzo Alcazar poked his head in.
“Ah, I see everyone’s ready. I have something for you before we go.” Lorenzo was a tall man with broad shoulders and thick, auburn hair. He was the kind of man you paid attention to, even without knowing why. He was always dressed impeccably and had a way about him that implied power. There was, however, nothing that implied tenderness. He wasn’t the kind of father you could go to with your problems and fears. He quite frankly didn’t want to hear about it. There had been no cozy family moments growing up, no curling on the couch and watching movies or dancing on his shoes when you were too little to dance by yourself. Instead, there had been nannies and boarding schools for Robin and Elizabeth. And now there were arranged marriages to further the Alcazar family holdings and power.
“What is it, Papa?” Elizabeth asked as she fastened her pearl and ruby teardrop earrings.
“It’s a gift from Jason,” Alcazar replied as he held out a small silver box for Elizabeth. “Here’s the note that goes with it.”
Elizabeth’s hand shook as she reached to take both items from her father. She opened the note first and turned slightly so she would have a small amount of privacy while she read what her mysterious fiancé had written.
Elizabeth,
I know this all seems cold and business-like to you. I wish I could tell you that business wasn’t the driving force behind this marriage, but I refuse to start our marriage with a lie. You and I both know that business is the reason we are getting married today. Despite that, I want you to know that I will always do my best to be honest and respectful. I understand that you have chosen rubies and pearls to go with your dress. I hope the enclosed necklace is to your liking. See you at the altar.
Jason
Elizabeth carefully returned the note to its envelope and tore the paper off the package. The lid on the black velvet box opened to reveal an elegant pendant of a heart-shaped ruby with a beautiful ivory baroque pearl suspended from the point of the heart on a fine platinum chain.
“Oh Elizabeth, it’s gorgeous,” Robin exclaimed as she reached to take the necklace from Elizabeth and fasten it behind her neck.
Elizabeth reached up to brush her fingers over the necklace resting on her sternum as she thought about what Jason had written. Above all, she appreciated his honesty. She had been lied to so much in her young life that nothing meant more to her than Jason’s willingness to tell the truth, despite its harshness.
“Alright then, we’d better get a move on. We don’t want to keep your fiancé waiting.” Alcazar reached for Elizabeth’s arm and they moved from the bridal room to the foyer of the church. As the florist handed Elizabeth her bouquet she stared down the candle-lit aisle at her future and couldn’t help but feel apprehension and at the same time a tiny bit of hope. Maybe this marriage wasn’t going to be as dreadful as she’d imagined.
*~*~*~*
“Come on, Jason. She’s a sweet kid. This marriage isn’t going to be as bad as you seem to think.” Sonny rubbed his hand over his chin as his dark eyes glancing warily at his best friend and business partner.
Jason stopped his pacing long enough to glare at Sonny, his ice blue eyes flashing and clearly conveying his annoyance. “That’s exactly my point, Sonny. She’s a kid. She’s 23 years old and her asshole of a father is marrying her off to solidify a god damned shipping route. What kind of father does that? And what kind of guy agrees to it?”
Sonny sighed. “I know you don’t agree with my decision Jason, but this partnership with the Alcazar family is critical to our Puerto Rican holdings. We won’t be able to maintain the casinos without this deal and the only way Lorenzo was willing to agree to a partnership was with a family connection. Since I’m already married and neither of my children are old enough to drive, let alone get married, you’re the only option we have.”
Jason ran his fingers through his chin length hair and glared at Sonny again. “I know, I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Wouldn’t you rather she be married to you than to someone like Mateo Ruiz? That’s who Alcazar’s older daughter is married to. Talk about a ruthless SOB!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. … I just don’t like it. What am I supposed to do with a child bride? I have no experience with someone like her – someone so innocent and guileless. How do you expect me to do my job and still entertain someone with no ambitions other than shopping and gossiping? You know how much I hate stuff like that.”
“Come on Jason. Just because that’s how Alexis described her doesn’t mean anything. Alexis doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who’s real in-touch with her children and their interests. Give Elizabeth a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.”
Both men turned as the door opened and Sonny’s wife Carly stepped into the room. She smiled and walked over to kiss Jason on the cheek. “Jase, look at how handsome you are in your tuxedo.” She reached up to straighten his tie and gave him a hug. “I know you don’t want to do this, but I know things are going to work out for the best. You’re my best friend and if I didn’t have a good feeling about this arrangement, I would have thrown a hell of a fit. You know how I am!” Carly laughed as she stepped over to straighten Sonny’s tie in much the same way she’d done for Jason. “I bought something for you to give to Elizabeth. I knew you wouldn’t think of it, and I thought it would make her feel better about this whole wedding business. Here’s a note card. Why don’t you write something to her and I’ll make sure she gets this before the ceremony starts.”
Jason eyed Carly and the small silver box she held warily. “What is it?”
“It’s a pearl and ruby necklace. Robin told me that’s what Elizabeth chose for earrings and I thought a necklace would go nicely.” Carly wasn’t sure about Elizabeth Alcazar, but she was hoping for the best. As far as Carly could tell, Elizabeth was a quiet girl who had spent most of her life in boarding schools and university. She couldn’t see her as a good match for Jason, but she had to be better than that tramp Samantha McCall that Jason had briefly dated the year before. When Sonny had come to her with the idea of an arranged marriage between Jason and Lorenzo Alcazar’s youngest daughter, Carly had decided that she was going to try to be a true friend to Jason and do what she could to help the two of them establish at least a comfortable marriage.
Jason took the note card, scribbled something, and sealed the envelope before Carly could get a good look at it. “Thanks Carly. I should have thought of a gift. I appreciate you looking out for me and for doing what you can to make Elizabeth feel better.”
Carly took the note and the little silver box and hurried out of the room. Jason turned back to Sonny, but before he could pick up their discussion, Sonny interrupted. “Come on, Jason, it’s time. We need to get out to the altar. Remember, you’re only locked into this marriage for two years. If after that, you and Elizabeth decide you’re ready to move on, you can get a divorce without adversely affecting the business.”
Jason moved to the door and muttered to himself, “Yeah, that’s just what I want to think about … divorce.”
Jason had always known that he would eventually end up marrying someone for the good of the business. It seemed that was just the way Sonny chose to do things. It wasn’t like there was anyone special in his life, and marrying the daughter of a business associate had some distinct benefits. He didn’t have to worry about her reaction to his business or the constant danger in his life. Her moral code probably wasn’t going to be offended by his chosen profession, and now that he was married he wouldn’t have to worry about fending off the single women looking to him for a thrill or for someone to take care of them, or whatever it was they always seemed to want. It would have been nice to at least meet his fiancé before they actually said their vows, but problems in Puerto Rico had kept Jason out of the country until late last night. Jason smiled to himself as he stepped to the front of the church. At least he’d be able to pick her out of the crowd – she’d be the one in the white dress!
Jason watched as Carly and the boys were seated, followed by the Alcazar family. Jason felt Sonny behind him as he looked down the long aisle of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral and saw Robin Ruiz slowly make her way to the front. As Robin took her place, the music swelled and Jason saw Elizabeth and Lorenzo step into the doorway. The crowd rose to their feet as Elizabeth made her way down the aisle. Jason caught his breath as he got his first clear look at his bride. She was gorgeous. And tiny. She had on a simple white strapless dress that showed off her petite frame and porcelain complexion. If he had asked Carly, she would have told him that the dress was silk and very expensive, but all Jason knew was that she looked stunning. And scared.
As she and Lorenzo stopped in front of the priest, Elizabeth’s eyes locked on Jason’s. Jason held her gaze as the priest went through the opening formalities. Lorenzo turned to kiss Elizabeth on the cheek and she broke eye contact with Jason. His gaze flicked to Lorenzo as he moved to place Elizabeth’s hand on Jason’s arm. As Lorenzo stepped away, Jason’s gaze found Elizabeth’s again. He reached up with his right hand and squeezed the hand that was clutching his forearm and she seemed to relax. Part of Jason was relieved that such a simple gesture seemed to relax Elizabeth, but the other part of him was worried that he was marrying a timid little mouse who wouldn’t be able to handle being a part of his life.
Elizabeth couldn’t believe that this man was going to be her husband. She had been expecting someone like Mateo – tattooed, scarred, and really kind of scary. Instead, she found herself standing next to … a hunk. He was tall, at least a foot taller than her petite 5’2”, with bright blue eyes and chin-length light brown hair with lovely streaks of blonde that offset his sculpted jaw and what could only be described as kissable lips. Elizabeth was so lost in her own thoughts that she barely registered the priest and their vows. Before she knew it, Father Joe was pronouncing them husband and wife and telling Jason he could kiss the bride.
Jason reached up to lift Elizabeth’s chin and their eyes locked once again. He leaned down and briefly touched his lips to her soft pink ones. Shots of electricity zipped through Elizabeth at the contact, but it was over before she could even register the feeling. Robin reached out with Elizabeth’s bouquet and Jason placed her left hand on his arm and started back down the aisle. As Elizabeth walked next to Jason, she realized that it had really happened. They were married. She was no longer Elizabeth Maria Alcazar. She was now Elizabeth Morgan. Mrs. Jason Morgan. Oh my god. She was married to the most notorious hitman on the eastern seaboard. What the hell had she gotten herself into?
