“It’s hot out here. Were you thinking of swimming?” I ask, shoving my hands into my pockets to let her know I intend her no harm.
She scowls at me, narrowing her eyes.
She looks sweet in her pink summer dress with her bikini on underneath it. The straps are showing over her shoulders.
“Why? Is the whole happy gang inside going to come join me if I do?” she snaps.
I chuckle, one corner of my mouth curling up into a half smile. “Taking a page from Artur’s book with a splendidly sarcastic response?” I ask, trying to keep it lighthearted.
“I amnothinglike Artur,” she quips back instantly.
“Don’t worry, I know, I was only joking. He needs an intense meditation session, or some therapy, or something. That guy has a stick so far up his ass I’m surprised he can sit down,” I muse, trying to give her something to latch on to. A reason torelate to me. She needs one friend in this place. I’m determined to be that friend for her.
When she steals a quick look at me this time, I see a glimmer of amusement in her beautiful eyes, and for some reason, it makes my heart leap in excitement.It’s working, I’m getting through to her.A streak of triumph broadens my smile.
“I reckonI’lljump in the pool after dinner. I love swimming just as the sun is setting. And it’s so fucking hot these past few days, my brain stops working,” I smile.
“Me too. I love summer, but the heat can get unbearable,” she says quietly, fiddling with a leaf she’s picked up from somewhere in the garden.
“It’s polka dot begonia,” I tell her.
“What?” she asks, confused.
“The leaf. It’s from a begonia plant. The white dots on the green leaf…and the bright red underside,” I explain.
“It’s pretty,” she murmurs. “There is a massive plant against the wall on the other side of the house.”
“It’s one of my favorite plants,” I say.
“You like gardening?” she asks, surprised.
I snort. “No, not so much the gardening part. I love plants. I have a greenhouse in my mansion. I import rare and exotic plants. Tropical, mostly.”
“It sounds beautiful,” she sighs.
“You’re welcome to come and see it one day,” I tell her, sitting down next to her on the lush green grass.
She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Sure, let’s go now. How about a stop at the mall and a walk on the beach, too, while we’re at it. We both know that’s not going to happen,” she huffs.
“Maybe not today, but I don’t see why I can’t show you my greenhouse soon. You’re not a prisoner here, Maria. You’re just being kept inside for your safety, for the time being.”
She scoffs. “Is that what he told you?”
“He hasn’t said much. This whole thing is really important for us. It’s important for this city,” I try to explain.
“Marrying me is important for the city?” she asks, confused.
“Yes, to keep it safe. As a unified force, the four Pakhans are stronger than ever. You are the one who unifies us.”
She slips into thoughtful silence as her beautiful hazel eyes study my face, trying to read the secrets behind my stare.
“Why are you doing this?” she asks quietly.
“I guess we each have our own reasons, but for me…I’m doing it for my sister. She’s around your age. I want to be able to protect her through this alliance.”
“My brother would do stupid stuff like that too,” she sighs, “he would do anything to protect me.”
I slip my arm around her and pull her into a gentle side hug. “Well, how about for the time being, I protect you. If you need anything at all, you just let me know, okay?” I tell her.
