by H. Q. Frost
What the hell is she doing? Is she thanking him for my gift?
Unreal.
Making my way through the swinging door, I head to the kitchen to tell the staff to start serving. I'm hungry. When I make it back into the room, everyone is laughing and huddled around her as if she's a divine being.
Ridiculous.
"Shall we eat?" I announce and sit at the head of the table.
The crowd breaks up and starts taking seats. As she approaches me, I drop my head, not wanting her thanks for the gift anymore.
"Callum—"
"Let's eat, shall we." I gesture to an empty chair that's thankfully several away from mine.
"Oh, Mag, here, sit here," Susan says, sitting at the chair to my right.
"No, it's fine. I insist." She touches her shoulder before coming to a stop at my side. Bending, she leans for my ear but I'm really not interested in her thanks anymore. "I'd like to take your seat," she whispers.
"Excuse me?" I reel back and look into her face.
Anger makes redness flitter across her cheeks and she moves for my ear again. "Please allow me to sit here."
"You're mad," I snicker and shake my head, raising a glass to my lips. "I will not offer you my chair. Please have a seat." I manage to keep the conversation private, but my initial outburst clued in anyone paying attention.
Erecting her posture, she plasters on a smile before she faces the table and moves to sit in the open chair next to Gee's friend.
Ignorant woman. I drop my head to ignore the table and enjoy my food. As dinner proceeds, more drinking than eating is done and my guests' voices begin to carry. There's a party being had while I sulk and attempt to act as if I'm not.
Looking up, I scan the table as laughter fills the room. My gaze stops on Ms. Reif while my aunt's friend is leaned into her ear. I don't care for the discomfort on her face but she's probably still sour I wouldn't allow her my chair. Avoidance is key but so hard when the man's enthrallment won't shift from her. He has no regard for the fact I, her fiancé, am in the same room. He's practically draped over her, talking into her ear and holding her captive. When dessert is cleared and various wine and liquor bottles hit the table, I lean back in my chair with my glass to my lips.
"Your Grace." A member of my staff places a box in my hand.
This is the second piece of Ms. Reif's gift, but I don't think she's worthy of it. She thanked Lol for my first gift.
"Thank you." I nod at him and place the box in front of me with no intention of giving it to her.
Noticing she's refilled her wine glass six times, I narrow my eyes when I also notice she's becoming more comfortable around my aunt's friend.
"You couldn't give her your chair?" Lol's hushed voice comes from my left and I realize he's switched seats with my aunt.
"Pardon me?" I grimace at him.
"She wanted your chair to avoid Culver." He glances at the man that's been making advances toward my fiancée all night.
"Come again?" I heard him, but I'm pissed there seems to be some sort of secret.
"He's taken a liking to her and couldn’t give a damn if you're here. His first observation was you couldn't care less about her. You're never around when she is. He's made a few advances toward her and short of telling Gee never to bring him around again, there's nothing she can do about it."
"Like hell," I growl, gripping my glass in anger.
"You can do something, sir. Ms. Reif is not comfortable demanding something like that from your family. And telling the man to stop is like telling a street dog not to eat the meal you've dropped. I've tried to step in, but she doesn't want to embarrass you by." He pauses and clears his throat. "Causing a scene or acting dramatic."
My sight locks on them. His arm has her possessively pulled toward him and her eyes are closed. A smile is on her face as if she likes his nearness and jealousy flares. She's gotten drunk to the point of not minding his proximity that is over the line. A bubbling chuckle escapes her but she doesn't open her eyes; he throws his head back laughing. My glare shifts to the other man that's seated to her right and they seem to be boxing her in. Do they not realize I'm right here? This is my fiancée. My house. My party. My children’s’ soon to be mother. Mine. Unable to take it anymore after Lol's words sink in, I stand and grab the box. Moving around the table I come to stop at the back of her chair.
"Excuse me." I grip Culver's arm and assist him in leaning away from her. The other man backs up without even a look. "I've got another gift for my fiancée," I announce, but Ms. Reif has yet to look up at me.
She's drinking her wine like it's running out and she can't quench her thirst. Removing the necklace from the box, I reach around and lay it across her bare chest before clasping it. Repositioning her soft hair, I carefully smooth my fingertips over her shoulders. It's more beautiful than I described over the phone. The hydrangea inspired necklace tears from her throat to her cleavage and I'm pleased with this gift. Her hand lays over the droplets a moment before she looks down. Standing, she sways and the asshole grabs her waist to steady her. I move her chair, almost ripping his arm out of the socket for touching her.
"It's beautiful," she whispers and looks up at me.
Not expecting the tears in her eyes, I take a step back in confusion.
"Mag, darling, are you okay?" The asshole stands and tries to wrap his hand around her waist.
I also notice she's unsteady on her feet but I'm not drawing attention to it. I don't want to embarrass her.
"Please." I give him a shove and he falls into his chair. "Touch my fiancée again and we'll have a fucking problem."
The gasps of the room could be heard all the way to the front door. I've never taken to cussing in public but he's overstepped a boundary.
"Callum." The way she says my name makes me grab her and I pull her to my chest, her tears starting to fall.
I hug her to my body and regard the asshole that's planted in his seat before I look around the table at the other guests. "It's time we turn in for the night. Please excuse us." I tuck her under my arm and keep her pulled against me, wanting to spare her from others noticing she's in tears. They're not tears of happiness. "Good night." I smile and lean down, putting my face in hers as I escort her out. Making it look like I'm too taken with my fiancée to allow her to say goodnight.
The entire way to my chambers, I hold her sobbing form to my side, not asking what's wrong because I want to wait until we're behind closed doors. Her sobbing has already drawn the attention of some of the staff. I close my bedroom door and deposit her on my bed where she weeps into her hands.
"Ms. Reif." I reach to touch her and pull her hands down but think better of it. Unsure why she's bawling, I pace the room a few minutes. "I'm sorry I didn't offer my chair. Had I known you had an issue with Culver, I wouldn't have hesitated to take that seat. Why didn't you just take Susan's chair when she offered?" I stress like she's dense.
The moment she drops her hands I step back and see the utter sadness on her face.
"I can't do this anymore, Callum," she cries. "I'm sorry. I can't." Her hands cover her face again and I notice her fingernails match her hair. The quirk makes me briefly smile before I remember I have a mess of a woman in my bed and she's not making sense.
"Ms. Reif." I stop in front of her. "Look at me." When her head shakes, I sigh and drop to my knees in front of her. "Ms. Reif." I gently wrap my fingers around her wrists, but can't pull her hands down without yanking, and I don't want to be brash. "Magdelena," I breathe her name and her hands slowly lower, making me feel some relief. "Why are you crying?" With a gentle touch, I thumb away the tears but they don't stop. She's had a long night and she's intoxicated.
"Why am I here?"
I furrow my brows. "You know why. You signed," I implore her drunk head to remember that, because she's not leaving. The binding documents have been signed.
"You don't want me here. You hate that I'm here." She covers her face again and I huff.
&nbs
p; Women are complicated and emotional. If only she were in this for the money, it wouldn't complicate things.
I wake up face down with a splitting headache. Trying to place my head back onto the pillow, it slides off the silk and to the bed again. I don't have silk pillows in my bed. Opening my eyes, I groan. Wine is not my friend. And I'm not in my bed. Inhaling deep, I close my eyes and the scent of Callum fills my lungs. Why am I in Callum's bed? The last thing I remember is being upset Callum wouldn't switch chairs with me, him getting loud and embarrassing me in front of everyone like I’m a peasant not worthy to take the king's chair. All I wanted to do was avoid Gee's friend. He's a dirt ball with no conscience.
I slide my hand over my belly and am slightly relieved I'm still dressed. More than slightly. That would have been really low of him to take advantage of me in my sleep. But, I'm not sure I'd put it past the man. He's nothing like I thought he'd be. Although, the fact I've only seen him in the flesh four times means I can't even make that statement.
With a groan, I slide my legs over the side of the bed and take my time sitting up. I never want to drink wine again. Looking around, I'm alone, so I take in the extreme differences of our rooms. Mine's bright and happy. His is like him; drab. With a smirk at my insult, even though it was only in my head, I get off the bed and realize too late that it's a four foot drop. Hitting the ground, I groan. Letting my eyes linger around his room, I get to my feet and move slowly. There's a rich oak dresser with an enormous mirror. Next to the dresser is an oak stand-up jewelry case. Walking over to it, I open it to at least a hundred watches. So much money. Gliding my hand over the dresser I move across the room. There's not much else, and the room isn't too big. Mine's actually bigger. There's an armoire and a hearty oak chair that matches his dresser and case. Moving toward one of the doors in the room, I slowly crack it open to an enormous closet. His closet wins out compared to mine. Money is flowing from this closet. Thousands, possibly millions of dollars in clothes, shoes, even hats. I've never seen him in a hat. I've never seen him in anything but slacks and a buttoned shirt. All these clothes make me wonder what's in that armoire thing in the corner. Turning for it, I spot a bathroom that I'll inspect next. Placing my hands on the handle of the armoire, a noise outside the bedroom door makes me jump and I bolt right out of his room.
"Mag!" Lol startles when I almost mow him down.
"Sorry, Lol." The near run in doesn't make me stop moving. I want to get to my room and out of these clothes.
"Madam, wait, please." He's hot on my tail.
I slow my pace but don't pause. What if there are cameras in Callum's room and he watched me snooping?
"Where are you headed in such a hurry?"
"To my room to sleep. All day. You up for a nap?" I throw him a glance and he chuckles.
"No, thank you. I was going to see if you had plans for the day but I understand you're not feeling well."
"Why? You want to hang or somethin'?"
"Mr. Carbon has a luncheon I thought you'd like to attend."
The pistons in my legs start to slow down.
"Did he invite me?" I shouldn't be giddy that my fiancé invited me to lunch.
"Not exactly. But it's in your house and I just thought…" When he stops talking, I stop walking.
"Thought..?"
"You should get to know these people. They're important in Mr. Carbon's life. You're in Mr. Carbon's life."
Ha! Hardly.
"Know what happens when you assume, Lol?"
"What, Madam Dude?"
"You make an ass out of U and me." I've picked up the pace again but he doesn't relent.
"I hope you’ll consider. I'm starting to worry this union won't be perceived how it should be."
I snort. No kidding.
"It's not supposed to be perceived as anything. Callum is capable of deciding if he'd like people to know about me or not. And, I'm pretty sure he would not." Stopping in front of my door, I smile at him, trying to act like that doesn't hurt. "What makes you think I want to go to a stuffy luncheon anyway?"
Leaning closer, he lowers his voice. "Earl Cupplington is attending, and he enjoys irking Callum more than you, I think." The wicked grin on his face makes me chuckle.
"What time?"
"One p.m. prompt. In the Garden Room. Wear something…you." As he walks away, I giggle all the way into my bedroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, I slowly remove the necklace I don't recall putting on the night before. I've never even seen it but it's really cute. I kind of love it. I stare at the colorful teardrops then set it on my dresser, needing to remember to ask Lol where it came from. Maybe Susan brought it for me as a gift.
After a bath in my hot tub sized tub where I soak like I'm a sponge, I drag myself out. When I arrived, I was instructed to purchase a new wardrobe that would be appropriate for social gatherings. I shopped online for two days and did as I was told; yet I don't think this was what Callum had in mind. The words didn't come directly from him. He relayed his message to Lol, prior to ever meeting me, and in turn Lol informed me what was expected of me. Yeah well, I turned up. I bought a wardrobe I deemed appropriate. It's really not that bad. But I've yet to dig into the good stuff.
Choosing an ocean blue lace two-piece dress that bares my midriff, I go through my closet for shoes. I'm not a pro in heels, so I stick to a cute pair of flats. This color with my hair makes me look like a dreamsicle. I'm in love with myself. After drying my hair and setting my Monroe curls, I apply a small amount of makeup to keep my summer look fun. Placing the necklace around my throat, I smile at my reflection. More than likely I'll be kicked out of lunch, so I don't want to overdo it when I go eat lunch alone in the yard. Maybe Gee will be around today to keep me company.
When I enter the room, all talking stops as if I was the topic. Lol stands first, followed by Callum as he wipes his mouth. It takes the others a moment, but eventually everyone pushes their chair back from the table and stands.
"Hello." I smile and move farther into the room.
"Ms. Reif." Lol offers me his chair.
"She'll be seated at my side," Callum speaks up before turning to the staff and quietly barking orders. When a chair is placed next to Callum's, I move toward him. A place setting is set out and soon food is on my plate.
"I had no idea she was here," an elderly man speaks up, "Why didn't she join us sooner?"
"Ms. Reif had prior engagements that seem to have ended early," Callum says before I can rat him out that I wasn't invited.
My gaze flits to Lol, but I keep my mouth shut. Callum pulls out my chair and I sit. When he pushes it in, I look over at him, wondering who this gentleman is. He looks over and smiles while I stare in awe that I'm marrying him. If he weren't a Duke, he should be a model. I wonder if he can still model. Probably not. I almost chuckle aloud but I softly clear my throat and pull my gaze from my fiancé. Clasping my hand, Callum kisses my knuckles and gently rests our hands on the table between us. I'm introduced to everyone and then lunch picks up where it left off. And it's so boring I could fall asleep. Callum's been stiff the entire time, but he hasn't let my hand go while we eat. His grip is tight and uncomfortable. My gaze keeps drifting to him, but he hasn't looked at me once. When I look over at Lol, he gives me a nervous smile.
"Dessert, Your Grace?"
"No. I believe we're done." Releasing my hand, Callum approaches his elderly guests and begins to say goodbye.
When I go to stand, Lol stops me and whispers, "Just stay seated." He offers a smile and softly rubs my hand.
The guests are gone and Callum turns to look at me. "Lol, leave us," he says calmly.
I like the heat in his eyes. I like the tone of his voice. I like the idea of being alone. Perhaps he's warmed up to me some.
Lol stands and takes my hand. "I'll escort Ms. Reif to the computer room for some last minute decisions on the wedding."
"I said leave us," Callum grits out, his eyes still on me and I realize I misconstrued the t
one, the look, the idea of being alone. He's pissed.
With a bow, Lol leaves the room and I almost want to ask him not to go.
"How dare you intrude on my lunch," he says when the door closes. I get to my feet. "Sit down!" The words practically vibrate the china and I plop back into the chair. "How dare you barge in here like you think you have a right. This is my home. These are my family and associates. You are not to invite yourself into my affairs."
Fuck him very much. Standing, I storm toward him with my finger out. "I'm your fiancée," I match his threatening tone.
"You're a peasant I'm being forced to marry and mount. The idea of touching you makes me nauseous. You'll be inseminated medically because I wouldn't even be able to arouse around you."
I'm effectively cut down and chopped up but I'll be damned if he sees it. I'm so confused. Through lunch he held my hand. He didn't once act angry I was here. It only takes a minute for me to realize it was a show for his guests.
"You got hard just touching my feet." I snicker at him, hoping my tears stay at bay. "You are a beautiful man with an ugly soul and it makes you fucking hideous." I lift my hand to slap him. Wanting to hurt him an inkling as his words have hurt me, but before my swing connects, he grabs my wrist.
My arm is twisted behind my back and in an instant he has a grip of my hair with his other hand. I shriek as he drags me to the door, releasing my hair only long enough to yank it open. Fighting to get out of his hold while he escorts us to my room is only hurting me more but I don't give up. My bedroom door is opened and slammed against the wall before he shoves me inside.
"I don't want to see you again until our wedding day. I've been kind this far, Ms. Reif, but you've continued to stir my anger. You want anger from me?" His voice gradually raises. "Here it is. You'll be locked in your chambers until the doctors arrive!"
"Doctors?" I blurt, and I don't know why that's my only question.
Of course I don't get an answer. The door slams and keys jangle on the outside. Jumping to my feet, I try the handle but he's locked me in. He fucking locked me in this room!
"Callum!" I shriek like I'm breathing fire and my fists pound on the thick wood. "You motherfucker! Let me out of here you sadistic son of a bitch! This is kidnapping! Callum!"