"I thought I taught that mouth of yours a lesson." I said.
"I need to be taught many lessons before accepting it, Mr Kovak." Her eyes lock with mine, before dipping down to my lips. "But that will be Romans job."
"You broke a rule on the contract."...
I offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry about the mess—again."
The maid returned my smile. "Don't worry. I think we're used to it now."
I headed into the bathroom to freshen up, shower and then carefully fix my hair by straightening it before slipping into a red thong and a white summer dress that cinched perfectly at the waist, its flowing fabric hinting at the carefree aura of the day. I added a pair of pink heels and grabbed my book before heading out of the bathroom and eventually the hotel room.
The breakfast area awaited me outside, where Vincent was engrossed in paperwork. I pulled out the chair across from him, settling down gracefully.
Without a word, a plate was set in front of me, accompanied by a glass of red wine. I flipped open my book, allowing the gentle breeze to sweep strands of hair away from my shoulders as I settled into my seat.
I took a leisurely sip of my wine, crossing one leg over the other, feeling his eyes on me even before I looked up from my book. His intense gaze remained fixed on me for a moment before returning to his work.
I couldn't help but smile behind the pages, knowing the effect I had on him.
Closing my book, I rested it gently on the table. "When I was twelve, you were twenty-four," I mused, my tone casual.
A flash of irritation crossed Vincent's features, and he muttered through gritted teeth, "Why the hell did you have to say that?"
I leaned back in my chair, a sly grin dancing on my lips. "I just thought it might be an interesting conversation starter, darling."
Vincent's irritation didn't subside, but it seemed to simmer beneath the surface as he cast me a sideways glance. "You know, I thought you'd be more interested in discussing your latest shoe purchase."
I chuckled, enjoying the banter despite our mutual dislike.
He slide over a bill and my eyes widen.
"Oh that is bad." I settle the paper down, "what happened to not having a limit?"
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I don't have a limit love, but who buys the same shoe in the same colour fourteen times."
"I was pissed off with you. Being forced into a marriage with a man I barely know. It's practically Shakespearean, don't you think?"
"It's a contract marriage."
I raised an eyebrow, the sly grin never leaving my lips. "So, it's a marriage of convenience, then? How romantic."
Vincent's gaze flickered, his eyes softening for a moment before the hard mask of control settled back into place. "Romance has no place in our world, Clara. It's about power, survival, and money. This is the world we live in, a world we have to accept."
"I accepted it the moment I bought those shoes." I speak, taking a bite out of my food.
He nods his head and leans back into his seat, sipping onto his whiskey.
I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you miss him?"
Vincent's eyes flicked to mine, his expression unreadable. "Miss who?"
"Roman..."
"I think my feelings are none of your business, Miss Saint-"
"Mrs. Kovak, I am your wife, Vincent."
He paused, his gaze hardening as he met my eyes. "To fuck and have a child with. You have no right to my feelings or anything else."
A heavy silence settled between us, and I felt a pang of heartache that I couldn't hide. His words were like a dagger through my heart. "So, I'm just your toy?"
Vincent's voice remained cold, his demeanor unyielding. "Yes, you are. Just a toy. For me to fuck."
The words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sharp ache in my chest.
My marriage to Vincent was a transaction, a duty, and nothing more. The reminder of that fact stung more than I cared to admit, and I couldn't help but wish for something more, even in the midst of our shared disdain.
I grab my wine before spilling it all over him, he shoots up-his crisp suit now stained with my red wine. He wipes his face and glares at me angrily.
"Very well, I'll leave you be, Mr Kovak" I retorted, my tone sharp and laced with bitterness. "Call me when you want to engage in our next bout of marital duties."
With that, I pushed my chair back and stood, lifting my book from the table. Without another word, I left the breakfast room, the door clicking shut behind me, leaving behind the tension and unresolved emotions that seemed to define our complicated relationship.
Niko stops by me, "everything okay?"
"Yes, everything is fine." I nod my head, walking away.
