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“I knew what coffee you really wanted.”
I fight a smile because I’d almost swear he’s pouting. I am learning so many things about him so quickly. He doesn’t like not getting the credit for knowing what my real favorite coffee actually is. The one I indulge in from time to time. Still, I get a thrill that he knows that information. That he went seeking it out or at least took the time to remember.
“Maybe so, but you didn’t get it for me. I’m also sure you didn’t get the information about it on your own. I’ll bet you sent someone else out to do that for you as well. Don’t pretend to go out of your way for me.” Men like Hunter don’t have time to worry themselves with little things such as favorite drinks or remembering birthdays. That’s what the hired help is there to do. They gather all of the tiny moments, wrap them up with a bow and hand them over so that the man in power can look good. They have someone else do the menial things because they can’t be bothered. Other things are always more important. Work, money, and power will always come first.
I am only another piece of the puzzle that Hunter needs to complete those things. He is only relishing the fact that I am pretty. Pure, as I overheard my brother say once.
He gave you the phone back, my mind whispers. I still have it locked in my left hand. He can’t be all bad. Why did he give it back? It could be part of his game. This is growing rather exhausting. What started off as a fun sparring match is starting to push into my emotions. I can’t keep the two separate. It is all starting to bleed together.
Maybe my ivory tower was safer. With Hunter I really have no idea where I stand.
“The judge is here.” Hunter stands from his chair, ignoring what I said. He probably didn’t even hear me.
That’s right. I do know where I stand. I am about to be Mrs. Keal, whether I want to or not. I’m not going to try and weigh the pros and cons. It doesn’t matter. This is happening and I know there is nothing I can do to stop it. So, like always, I stand, dropping the smile I gave to Chris to stare at my husband to be.
He might get my body. He might even get me to beg for the things he has my body craving but he isn’t going to get me. The girl I’ve kept from the rest of the world. My real self only comes out to those who actually show kindness. To the people who don’t want to take advantage of me. Hunter will never have the true me because it is clear all he wants is to use me. If I am lucky maybe I can use him a little too.
Chapter 7
Hunter
The vows are said quickly. Rose doesn’t look at me during the brief ceremony. If she did, there would probably be daggers in her eyes.
I smile to myself as I slide the heavy ring on her finger. I like that my rose has thorns. Pretty people, regardless of gender, are generally vapid, shallow beings. Because everything is given to them, they rarely develop any outside interests or any real personality. Nothing is required of beautiful people but to look beautiful. I believed that this would be true when it came to Rose, but I didn’t care. Marrying her was part of my revenge. It didn’t matter if she was nothing more than a vessel, a masterpiece on the surface but empty inside.
Rose is anything but empty. She has a sharp mind and sharper tongue. Her brother never noticed, but then he’s only interested in himself and failed to realize how valuable his prize was. I would’ve paid ten times what I did if I’d known the rarity that is this flower.
The vows continue with my assistant standing witness and my bride fixing her gaze on some spot over my shoulder. She mumbles her lines. For his part, the judge displays no consternation at the disinterested bride. Once the vows are complete, he pronounces us married.
Rose starts to move away, but I remain still.
“You forgot to tell me to kiss the bride,” I say, holding Rose in place.
Her lush lips purse into a frown. “This is a civil ceremony.”
She really has done her research. She knew what terms were valid in a contract and now she’s pointing out that the kissing at the end of a marriage ceremony is ceremonial and not an act required for our union to be legally binding. Too bad that I want it all now. I jerk her to me.
“Tell me to kiss the bride,” I command in a voice that says if I have to ask one more time the judge will be ruling from a hospital bed.
