Hayden turns quickly, eyes piercing through my carefully constructed composure. His stare lingers on the neckline of my dress, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips before he looks away dismissively.
I clear my throat, unsure if I’m uncomfortable or excited by his gaze.
"I was doing some reading today, and I found your family archives," I say, keeping my tone flat. Attempting small talk under the guise of calm neutrality as my weapon of choice.
I look up gingerly, unsure of what to expect, and find myself blushing even deeper at the look in his eye.
He raises an eyebrow, “Were you now?”
“Yes, I have a horse I adore and was pleased to hear your family is in the equine business.”
He stares at me, not speaking. After a beat of eye contact that makes my chest flush, his lip begins to curl slightly in a look of near disgust.
“Was.”
I rear back a bit, not quite sure how to make small talk with someone clearly disgusted by me.
“Perhaps that wasn't the best way to start.” I try again, “I wasn't meaning to be a snoop, I only meant to make simple conversation.”
"Conversation?" Hayden raises an eyebrow mockingly as he approaches the table, swirling his drink thoughtfully. His voice is gruff, sending goosebumps scattering across my skin. "About what exactly, Martine?"
"Why I'm here," I respond firmly yet respectfully. "What you're hoping to achieve by keeping me."
He takes his seat casually, eyes narrowing slightly as he assesses my composed demeanor. "And prying into my family's personal life was going to accomplish that? Besides, knowing your outcome won't change your situation."
Frustration simmers quietly beneath my carefully maintained exterior. "Understanding your intentions might help us coexist without hostility."
A humorless laugh escapes him. "Hostility keeps things interesting."
My fingernails dig into the tablecloth.
"Is that really what you want? Constant tension between us?" My tone remains carefully measured, despite the growing irritation inside me.
He shrugs indifferently, eyes fixed on the liquid swirling in his glass. His eyelashes are so long that I have to fight myself from counting them. "What I want is obedience. Beyond that, your comfort isn't my concern."
"I'm offering you cooperation, Hayden," I insist gently, fighting to keep desperation from creeping into my voice. "Can’t you at least meet me halfway? What about bringing my horse here?"
Am I seriously asking for my horse? Clearly, the wine from this afternoon has gone to my head, as I’m not sure my request for my horse is to indulge in a short ride or use her to flee to my escape. The worst part is, I'm not sure how desperate I am to get away anymore.
He pauses, his eyes flickering momentarily with something unreadable before turning cold again. "Halfway implies negotiation. You’re not in a position to negotiate."
I exhale slowly, frustration battling pride as I force a composed tone. "Fine. But treating me like a silent pet isn't going to make this easier for either of us."
His gaze sharpens instantly, a cruel edge coloring his expression. His lips curl into a slow, taunting smile that makes my stomach tighten. "Perhaps," he drawls, eyes glinting with wicked amusement, "not for you, but for me it’s quite ideal."
I glance away sharply, irritation simmering dangerously close to the surface. Heat rises along my cheeks, betraying me as I grip my fork tightly, forcing myself to eat with measured dignity.Every bite feels strained beneath the weight of his unwavering eyes.
I feel my chest flushing with heat under his gaze and try not to choke around a bite of soft fish.
The silence stretches, heavy and charged, until I can't stand it. Setting my utensils down carefully, I summon cautious resolve and meet his eyes again. Desperately trying to keep my voice steady, I ask, "Could you at least consider letting me return to Eulogia? Even if only to attend class—"
"No," he interrupts with icy detachment, savoring my reaction.
My jaw tightens involuntarily, but I cling stubbornly to my diminishing composure. "I'm not asking for much," I insist carefully, striving for calm. "A small concession could benefit both of us."
He tilts his head mockingly, voice dripping with patronizing curiosity. "And how exactly would indulging your whims benefit me, Martine?"
I swallow hard, fighting to keep my irritation concealed. "It might show you're capable of being reasonable. It could change the tone between us."
