“So what now?” she hissed, unable to form an argument. “Should I go back to my room for the rest of the day and die of boredom?”
“Oh, heaven forbid,” I smiled. “You’re free to do whatever you want within the house and grounds. But tonight, you’re to join me for dinner. There’s a restaurant I own, and a meal out might be nice… we could get acquainted.”
“No way.” She shook her head. “I think we’ve been acquainted enough, thanks.”
“Dress up, will you?” I ignored her.
“Are you insane? Or just deaf?”
I felt my skin come alive, from the racing thrill of just being matched by her wits.
“I can hear you just fine.” I gave her a half smile. “But you do remember what I asked of you, don’t you? I need to be seen with my new wife.”
“Well, I don’t remember agreeing to what you asked,” she said sharply.
“Would it help if I said please?” I jerked my head.
She gave me a look that could have curdled milk, and I was all for it. “It wouldn’t help if you bought me the moon!”
“Yeah, I don’t think the moon’s up for sale, anyway,” I shrugged.
“Really?” She gave me a look of mock surprise. “Even for an entitled prick like you?”
“Come on, Beatrice. It’s just dinner. You get a chance to step out of the house, dress up, a free meal. What’s so bad about that?”
“I don’t need a free meal.” She scoffed at the idea.
“Fine.” I raised my hands placatingly. “You pay, for all I care. Mind you, I like expensive champagne.”
I watched as she hesitated, and though she didn’t say why, I knew just what was going through her mind. On one hand, her pride was too great to give me anything I asked for. But, on the other hand, getting out of here meant a chance to escape. Though, of course, if she did go out with me, there was no chance I would’ve let her out of my sight.
I waited patiently to see what she would decide.
“Fine,” she said at last. “I’ll go to your stupid dinner.”
I hid my smile. “Wonderful. I’ll have some dresses sent up.”
“I’m not wearing anything you give me,” she said stubbornly.
I raised an eyebrow. “Then you’re going naked? Bold choice. Not what I expected for our first date, but I’m not complaining.”
Her face flushed a deep, gorgeous red. “That is not what I meant, and you know it!”
“Oh?” I asked innocently. “I’m never quite sure with you, princess. You’re full of surprises.”
She made a sound of pure frustration. “Fine. Send the damn clothes.”
“You’re welcome,” I said, enjoying her irritation far too much.
“Go to hell,” she snapped.
“And deprive myself of the pleasure of your company? No way!” I motioned for her to move back toward her house. She rolled her eyes, then turned, storming back to the house.
It was then, behind her back, that I finally let myself smile. Oddly enough, I was truly looking forward to dinnertonight. It was obviously a part of my plan to start the rumors that would eventually reach her family, but I also wanted to see what Beatrice was like when given the chance to play at normalcy for a few hours.
Chapter 6 - Beatrice
I slipped into the six-inch golden heels and walked over to the mirror for one last look.
