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He steps into the living room, where he’s still close enough to watch us, but where he can also have privacy on his call. Clayton doesn’t waste a moment invading my personal space.
“My, you sure are bundled up tight today, Ari. Is that for my father or because you were worried that I would be here?”
“My outfit is none of your concern, Mr. Greystoke.”
“Oh, but it is.” He leans in. “Don’t think this boorish outfit is going to stop me from doing what I want.”
“And what is it you want? To force me to do something that I don’t want to do?”
He shrugs. “Call it what you will.”
I shake my head. “You are a madman.”
“That much we can agree on.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
He reaches out so fast that I don’t have time to react, grabbing my arm and twisting to the point that I whimper.
“Careful, Ari. As I said, you’ll find I enjoy the chase. I also enjoy doing whatever it takes to ensure that I get my prize.” He twists my arm even more. “You’ll find that pain is a wonderful motivator.”
“Motivator for what?”
“To please me.” He lets go, taking a step back. “Now, are we going to have a good day or not?”
Before I can answer, Seb returns, looking cross. Clayton takes in his facial expression and grins.
“I see he told you I had already spoken to him?”
“He did.” Seb moves toward me. “He also said that I was to escort Ms. Triton. A chaperone, if you will, since you are not her intended.”
My relief is instant, but I can tell that Clayton is going to find some way to make me pay for this later.
“Fine. Let’s go. We have an appointment at the jeweler.”
He holds out his arm, but I don’t take it. Outside, an SUV is waiting. He opens the door for me, though I wish I could sit in the front.
He says to Seb, “Sit next to the driver.”
Seb gives me a look, but does as he’s told. Clayton rounds the SUV, climbing in next to me. I bite back a groan when he presses a button, lifting a privacy screen.
“That’s a bit improper, don’t you think?”
He says, “This is my father’s preferred method when traveling with staff in the car.”
“Sebastian isn’t staff. He’s Kieran’s second in command.”
Clayton shrugs. “Still staff. Now, let’s get some things cleared between the two of us while we have some privacy. One, not only is the privacy screen tinted, but it’s also soundproof. I could slam your head against it until you screamed for help, and no one would know.”
His thinly veiled warning makes me shiver.
“Two, you won’t see my father until the wedding. He’d like you to pick a date, but I’m going to save you the trouble. You’re getting married in three weeks.”
“Three weeks? No, that’s too soon.”
“Too soon for what? The contract will be signed on Monday. You both agreed you don’t want a big wedding. Tell me, Ariel, what could possibly be holding you back?”
I don’t answer, but he laughs as if he knows.
