"But don’t you think this is too quick? We hardly know each other."
Why do I suddenly sound bitter?She wondered if maybe it had something to do with the fact that this perfect man insisted on taunting her with visions of a future where she had enough money to care for her basic needs.
"We know what we should know about each other. The important stuff. We’d be starting this marriage with no false expectations," he replied.
"We’re not compatible; the women in your circle are more suited for..." She leveled her hand towards him. “You.”
He looked at her for the longest time until she started to fidget, regretting whatever word she had said to make him stare.
"So, you're saying I deserve a vapid airhead whose conversation comprises of price tags and expensive locations, just as long as she knows how to properly use a shrimp fork?"
She gaped — that was the longest sentence he ever directed at her.
"No, that's not what I meant."
"Enlighten me," he growled, his voice a low timbre that played over her senses and travelled down her body to tighten her core.
"I am sorry." The words were barely a whisper, but he heard it. "I thought you'll be more suited to a person of your class, someone who can...."
"Use a shrimp fork,” he cut in as if mocking her.
"Those were your words not mine; I don’t even know how to use a shrimp fork!”
He stared at her, his lips blossoming into a smile. Trinity had to bite her lips to hold in the gasp. This man had too much over her, too much control and he knew it. She was not about to give him more.
No matter how enticing he was, no matter how alluring his eyes were, no matter how blinding his smile, that sensuous slide of lips edged by pearly whites drove the twist in her core tighter, she wouldn't — couldn't — allow to show emotion.
"I don’t care about that."
"What?"
"I have not asked you to use a shrimp fork," he reiterated.
Trinity huffed in disgust at her own body's reaction to his every action. "Yet."
He shifted forward in his chair. "Think about it, for her sake. Imagine all your debt cleared off and more than enough money in your bank account to pursue your passions. It will only be for about a year, and after that, we go our separate ways. I’ll even establish a trust fund for Miranda."
Her eyes strayed to her daughter who was still fiddling with the piece of technology in her hand before turning to the man who Trinity perceived as the embodiment of temptation.
He was promising her heaven — everything she ever wanted, but she just couldn’t understand what the catch was.Could I really marry another man who promised me the world?He knew the right buttons to push, too, he knew she would do anything for her daughter, and go to any length to prevent the recurrence of the past.
"If I agree to this, I want everything written up in a contract. I’ll need a bit of time to think this over.”
"Take your time." Even she could catch the faint mocking in his voice.
"I also have to talk with my daughter about it since this affects her life as well." "And as a gesture of faith, I’ll pay this bill and then take you ladies out to breakfast."
“That’s not necessary.”
"Well I insist," he countered as he quickly scooped up the papers from the table and headed out of the room while ignoring her demand to return her papers.
???
Trinity glanced around the table, more than a little miffed. It was an appetizing breakfast, and everything was served in beautiful, delicate China that she had eyed initially with trepidation.
When she mentioned that she feared Miranda could break one of them, Michael simply told her that accidents happened and that it was just a plate.
The meal was delicious, which included pancakes and golden syrup that melted into her mouth. Miranda was smiling, but it only reminded Trinity of a problem.
