Speak To Me

(Jolie)

I looked over at Alder, the car thick with silence as I tried not to let this awkwardness take over.

Well..it wasn't awkward between me and Alder's mom..she has actually been super sweet since she got into the car..but his brother on the other hand, yeah, I could tell he doesn't like me already.

"Why don't we stop at that little restaurant you took me to last time Alder? We can get some breakfast there." Viva offered, making me smile toward Alder softly as he just shrugged in response. I could see his eyes darting to the review mirror, glaring at who I assumed was his brother..

"So, how did you two meet exactly?" Viva asked curiously, making me turn towards Alder more.

"You didn't tell them?" I raised an eyebrow..has he seriously not mentioned any of this to them?

"He doesn't tell us a lot of things apparently." Caspian grumbled before Alder could respond.

"I did tell them..I met her at the charity event Mom, remember?"

"It was a lot more romantic than that..he actually bid on me for a dance. It's part of the auction my mom always made me volunteer for." I explained softly, turning to see Viva smiling.

"Oh, that does sound romantic..Alder has always worn his heart on his sleeve..I remember one time in sixth grade when he-"

"Mom..can we not." Both Caspian and Alder snapped at the same time, making Viva and I share a surprised look.

"Fine, no walks down memory lane until after we eat then..got it." Viva grumbled but I could see she was fighting a smile as she turned to look back out the window.

I was a little surprised by how broody Alder was right now..I mean, usually he is cheerful and optimistic. Well, he has been with me..but maybe his brother brings out another side to him or something.

We rode the rest of the way in silence as Alder reached over gripping my hand..at least there is still that..he hasn't stopped touching me since they got here.

"Wait for me okay? I just need to talk to the valet." Alder instructed, making me nod once as he kissed me on the lips before turning and pointing to his brother.

"Don't say shit while I'm gone..I'm serious Caspian." Alder snapped, glaring at his brother who didn't even seem phased.

"He won't." Viva answered for him, her small arm wrapping around her son's broad shoulders before squeezing him.

Alder just sighed as worry seemed to etch on his face before he gave me one more nervous look and jumped out of the car.

"So, what are your intentions with my brother? Obviously you come from wealth and it seems like you have a few guys already lined up..so why him?" Caspian snapped, making his mom's jaw drop.

But before anyone could say anything else, he began tearing into me.

"I know girls like you..Alder knows girls like you..he was almost forced to marry one. Our company isn't worth as much as you think..so if I were you, I would stick with the asshole who was in your bed a few weeks ago. He seems like a better fit." "Caspian King!" Viva gasped, looking just as shocked as I was.

I tried to process everything Caspian just said..the fact that he thinks I'm like that other girl..the one Alder did tell me about. I even knew about Johnnie and Alder knew about my old feelings for Jamie..we told each other everything..but obviously Alder hasn't told his family anything..or he has and they don't trust me still.

"What? This is why we are here, isn't it? To make sure Alder isn't blinded by some rich daddy's girl who is used to getting everything she wants and has Alder wrapped around her finger. Why else would he stop calling and not tell us shit? Alder has never been like this." Caspian scoffed, and that's when I saw a glimpse behind his anger revealing the true emotions behind it...hurt.

I get it..Rylan and I are close too and if he stopped talking to me and began dating some girl I didn't know..I would think something is up too. Luckily I have met Tilly before and know she is a freaking sweetheart..so the radio silence isn't that shocking to me. Rylan is just head over heels in love and consumed by it at the moment.

Alder's family doesn't know he has been too..

Maybe it's partly my fault..I mean..I did stop talking to him for like a week because I was freaking the hell out. Then when he did see me I dropped the baby bomb. What is he supposed to tell them after that? Suddenly my door opened, making my head whip to the side as I saw Alder standing there breathing heavily.

"Sorry..they were all on break or something. I had to run around to find someone. Is everything okay?" He asked hastily, glancing between me and his family as I tried to give my best attempt at a smile. "Fuck..what did he say?" Alder frowned as I went to slide out of the car.

"It's nothing, let's go eat okay?" I said softly as I could hear Viva scolding Caspian in the back seat.

I get why Alder was nervous when he saw Caspian now..he really is kind of an asshole. But he is also looking out for his brother. I understand they have some messed up things that have happened, making them even more weary to outsiders..but I'm going to make it very clear what my feelings for Alder are.

I held Alder's hand tightly as we walked into the restaurant. I could feel his gaze darting towards me every few seconds as I finally met those blue eyes before smiling much more meaningfully now.

Alder pushed back his dark brown hair anxiously before clenching his jaw as I saw it tick. I could see the anger starting to boil up as we waited to be seated.

"Hey, look at me.." I whispered, my hand sliding up his firm chest before resting there softly.

"Everything is going to work out, okay? I promise I'm not going anywhere and they aren't going anywhere either..I think we should sit down and explain everything..and I mean everything..then maybe they will understand." I whispered, seeing Alder's eyes widen as he nodded softly. "I think they are just in the dark about a lot of things and I know how close your family usually is...so we have to see it through their point of view as well."

Damn..when did I get so wise? I swear being pregnant has made me so emotional that I'm starting to understand things I hadn't before. It's like now that I have this precious life growing inside of me, none of the little things matter like they used to.

"God, what would I do without you?" Alder whispered before gripping my face firmly.

"Be very very bored..and probably be wearing socks with sandals.." I scrunched up my face in disgust, making him laugh.

He did do that once though..his sense of fashion was definitely lacking before he met me..I mean, it wasn't bad..but he wasn't reaching his full potential.

I lifted on my toes before kissing Alder as someone cleared their throat.

"They're ready to seat us now." Viva informed, her eyes studying the two of us carefully as I almost forgot where we even were.

But then I saw this warm look fill Viva's face as she couldn't hide her smile before turning and following the waiter to our table.

I hope after this they see how much I care about Alder..it isn't about money or status...this is about love and taking a chance. I was all in on Alder since he found me after the night we spent together..I knew there was no getting out of this and I hope they realize that too.. Because Alder is the only man for me..and soon, we are going to be our own little family..and I want them to be a part of that too.

Now I just have to try and sway the asshole brother...damn, why is he so moody?