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What's her problem?I always hated people looking down on others. Jeremy often did that when we were together, and I had convinced myself that I would change him, until, of course, I eavesdropped on a conversation he was having with his friends about me. Unfortunately, I had no power here, so I had to swallow my anger.
Besides, would I even win against her?I looked at the woman who had a face like it had seen hell itself. In fact, everyone here had that face. Guards, Katarzyna, the rest of the maids, especially Ivan and that guy Anton. They all were a part of something very dark, but I still couldn’t make the whole picture.
"Let me just change up then," I snapped back to reality and told the woman.
"He wants to see younow," she countered harshly.
"Okay, fine," I closed the door behind me and followed her to the living room.
"Here she is, as requested, Boss," Katarzyna bowed to Ivan. Ivan was seated on the leather couch, his back turned to me. In front of him were all the guards and maids of the compound, standing straight like machines awaiting orders. Katarzyna fixed herself in front of the crowd and immediately morphed into the inanimate form all of them assumed.
"Ah, Audrey darling. Come sit here," he gestured for the spot next to him on the couch and I slowly sat. I felt uneasy as all the eyes rested on me. I could feel their stares like sharpened blades against my skin especially when Ivan had called me "darling." Yet, I liked it.Jesus, what was happening to me?
He held my hand and addressed them, "Now, I'm sure you all have been seeing her here for close to a week and you're probably curious. Well, gossip no longer. This is Audrey and in less than two months from now, she is to be my wife and the head of this compound."
Throughout his speech, he kept a cold unchanging expression, almost like he was a machine as well. He showed them the engagement ring on his hand and motioned for me to show mine.
"So you are to listen to her, obey her orders and treat her with full respect. Any insult whatsoever will not be tolerated, because I'll personally see it as an insult against me." I glanced at Katarzyna who took a gulp and avoided making eye contact with me. Ivan leaned forward and steepled his fingers, "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Boss!" They all echoed.
"Dismissed." And the hive dispersed to take their positions in their respective posts, carrying out their duties with mechanical efficiency. When we were alone, Ivan turned to me, his face now bright with a mischievous smile.
"Well, how did you sleep last night?" He drew closer to me. He had his signature fresh woody scent. There was no trace of cigarette smell on him.
"It was good," I forced a smile.
His hands moved from my hand to my thigh and I inhaled sharply. His touch was a familiar one, rough and pleasurable. He came closer by degrees and although I tried to pull away, the magnetism of his presence held me in place. The sensations from the night at the club, the rapture I had experienced of feeling his lips against mine resurfaced with a vengeance. But just as quickly as he had taken on the seductive personality, he switched and stood up suddenly. It was probably for the best since I really needed to get a hold on my emotions before anything else happened.
"What's your favorite meal?" He asked me. I was breathless and slightly taken aback by the random question.
"I'm sorry, what?"
His eyes traced the curves on my desire, subtly revealing the strong desire he held. I felt conflicted the more I thought about his conflicting nature. He was playing with me, teasing me as he pleased and I could feel my patience reaching its breaking point.
But wait, does that mean I want him? No, that couldn't be.
"Your favorite meal, what is it?" He asked again as he fiddled with his lighter.
"I don't have one," I answered him.
He scoffed, "Nonsense. Everyone has one, some meal that comforts them or reminds them of a certain moment of peace and joy in their lives."
There was a manner in which he said it that piqued my interest and I immediately wanted to know about him.
"And what's yours then?" I asked. He paused and chuckled lightly.
"I asked you first, Audrey," he lit the lighter.
"And I answered. I told you I don't have any, so it's your turn to answer," I replied firmly.
I noticed he was hesitant in responding, so I continued while I still had a chance.
"Well? What is it?" I leaned forward.
He sighed and conceded, "Croque-monsieur."
"What?"
