Chapter 67 Don't Test My Temprament
Russo
I consider this for a moment before shrugging.
"Then go ahead," I say, leading her out of the gym.
Her heels click on the floor as she follows me down a long, narrow hallway, and I stop at the last door, open it, and gesture for her to enter.
"Your bedroom, my lady," I say with a mocking accent.
While she's sorting through this, I head to the closet and grab a shirt to wear. When I return, Rose is still looking around, wide-eyed.
"Enzo," she begins. "Why does it look like you sleep here too?"
"Because I do," I answer easily. "This is my bedroom."
A realization flashes in her blue eyes, followed by a hint of horror. "You want me to sleep in the same bed as you?"
"We're getting married," I point out.
“In a few months,” she hisses. “In a few months, we’ll get married.”
I watch her approach the dark brown suitcase on the edge of the bed. She grabs the handle and looks down at me.
“I’m not staying here with you,” she says, her voice hard.
“I’m not sure why it bothers you so much,” I said.
“Are you kidding me? Enzo, you want us to sleep in the same bed! Together.” She said.
“That’s usually what married couples do.” I chuckled.
“We’re not married yet!” she practically screams. “And I’m not doing this. Either give me my own bed in a separate room, or I’m leaving.”
The threat escapes her in a whisper, and something inside me turns cold as she says it. I move toward her, my steps light but purposeful. She freezes, worry contorting her face. A cruel smile splits my mouth.
"Let's discuss the ground rules, okay, princess?" I ask. "First, threaten me with that again, and I'll make you regret it. You're mine. The moment I signed that contract with your brother, you were mine. I won't tolerate you talking such nonsense. Okay?"
She sucks in a breath. The sweet scent of apples fills my nostrils as we stand close. My hand rises to her wrist, and I feel her pulse quicken as I gently trace it with my finger. It's a light touch, but the way she looks at me makes it seem like I'm trying to offend her.
"What are you planning to do to me?" she asks in a whisper.
I pull my hand away, my eyes meeting those fierce blue ones.
"I guess it depends on how well you behave. I gave you a chance to start this together, and you threw it away. I know you don't know me very well, but I pride myself on being a reasonable and rational person. I entered this match because I felt it was the sensible thing to do. I don't like being wrong. Are you going to prove me wrong, darling?”
She swallows quietly, and my gaze is drawn to her throat. So... delightful. And distracting. Very slowly, she shakes her head.
"Okay. I like that we're on the same wavelength," I say with a slight smile. "I understand that you don't really like me, and that's okay. In public, we'll play the role of a loving couple. I understand that you're very social. We'll attend a few events together, smile for the cameras, and pretend.
"I thought you said you weren't lying," she whispers.
So close to her that I can see every inch of her flawless skin. Long, dark lashes frame her deep blue eyes, and the curve of her full lips is as distracting as the rest of her body. The sight of it sends a warmth from my gut to my belly.
"It's not a lie, Rose. We're going to put on a great show," I tell her, taking a step back. "If you step outside, you'll find a door right outside this room. That door leads to your bedroom."
She accepts this announcement with a clenched jaw. "You're a fucking bastard."
"You're always welcome to spend the night here if you want. I wouldn't mind some company," I say. "And before you start telling me I'm lying, I never specifically said you'd be sleeping here."
She seemed to consider this for a moment. "That's your thing, isn't it? Finding loopholes. Breaking the rules."
"I have a special talent for it. It was essential to my survival." I brag.
"Being an asshole was essential to your survival?" she blurts out.
"No," I smirk. "It's just a nice bonus. You can go. Dinner's at seven. Until then, feel free to do whatever you want.”
"Oh, thank you, Your Majesty," she says sarcastically. Her hand tightens on the handle of her suitcase.
She starts to leave, but then stops. "Enzo?"
"Hm," I reply.
I decide I like the sound of my name on her lips.
"Have you ever considered that the reason your family hates you so much is that you have no heart?" She smirked.
"That thought haunts me every waking moment," I say sarcastically with a mocking smile.
Curious blue eyes flicker across my face. I grit my teeth, looking at her.
"You know, I actually thought I'd hate you, but the truth is, I don't. At least, not entirely. I'm sad for you. The loneliness, the isolation from your family, that scar on your chest. I've only been here a few minutes, and I can already see the cracks. You're very pathetic, aren't you?" She irritated me.
“I don't often lose my temper. I'm in control. But now and then, something happens that makes me slip. And when I slip, it's never good for anyone here."
Rose only manages to squeak softly as I approach her. I have her lying on her back on the bed in seconds. This time, when my hand closes around her neck, it's not gentle at all. I squeeze. It's not hard to bruise, but enough to feel the shallowness of her breathing.
My voice drops dangerously low.
"I don't need your damn pity, Rose. This is a business arrangement. Nothing more, nothing less. If you're going to be a bitch, we could just ignore each other. I don't care either way. Is that what you want? For me to stay away?"
She remains silent, so I press my thumb to her pulse. Harsh.