A Dangerous Desire

7| Act

<Deathbringer>

I was met with Glory's pinning gaze as she opened the door. I could tell she knew why I was there and for what reason, but she didn't let it show in her voice.

"Welcome," she said flatly, making room for me to walk through. Alright, maybe she did let it show in her voice a little bit. "Who are those for?" she questioned, nodding at the bouquet of flowers I was holding.

Originally, they were for Glory, but after reading a thing or two about impressing your girlfriend's parents in an article, this was the way to go. "They're for your mother."

"Glory?" Grandeur's voice called from further inside the house. "Is he here?"

"Yes," Glory called back, a little painfully before lowering her voice and turning back to me. "I don't know what you're playing at, but I'm not an idiot. I know what you're trying to do. Impressing Grandeur won't accomplish anything."

"Oh?" I asked and then grinned. "Well, I guess we'll see, won't we?" I walked into her home, aware of her glare pinned onto me, and turned into the kitchen where Grandeur was. "For you," I said, handing her the bouquet when she turned around and noticed me. "It would look lovely in your kitchen." I heard Glory scoff behind me, but she didn't say anything.

"Why, thank you," Grandeur said before winking at Glory, who rolled her eyes. "I appreciate such a kind gesture from you. What a gentleman."

"We're going to have to make this quick," Glory informed as she walked past me toward the dining table. "I plan to take a night shift tonight."

"Wouldn't you rather want to spend time with me, your fiancé?" I asked, making Glory narrow her bright green eyes. Her lips contorted upward into a fake smile as she batted her eyelashes.

"Well, of course," Glory said. "Only on one condition, though."

"And what's that?" I asked.

"I want to meet your parents," Glory said with an innocent sigh. "I mean, since we're getting married and all. I think meeting your parents would be the right thing to do, don't you?"

"Ah, yes!" Grandeur said excitedly, clasping her hands together as my heart sank. "What a wonderful idea. I've already made dinner, but that can wait. Where do your parents live?"

"Dead," I blurted, clearing my throat as it got dry. "Yeah. My father died when I was still young and my mother died when I was born. I grew up in foster care and now I'm living by myself in my apartment." I was surprised that I had managed to come up with that on the spot.

"Oh!" Grandeur cried. "I am so sorry! Hopefully, you won't be alone for too long once Glory takes up some of that empty space in that apartment."

"Hopefully," I said with a nod, duly noting how Glory did not at all seem convinced. Grandeur led us toward the kitchen with a warm smile.

"Well," she began, "Glory and I made a few dishes, so I hope you enjoy it." A 'few' dishes would be an understatement. It was as if they were trying to prepare a feast. There was rice, chicken, lasagna, salad, salmon, and a questionably large cake.

"Wow," I said, slightly amused.

"Impressed?" Grandeur asked with a cheeky smile. "Glory did all of this. She's a great cook."

"So, you can cook?" I asked Glory, flashing her my signature grin. "I'll keep that in mind when we get married." Glory scoffed and brushed past me toward the table. I hurried behind her and pulled out her chair.

"I'd consider you a gentleman, but you're just plain annoying," Glory murmured under her breath but sat down nonetheless to please Grandeur. I took the seat beside her and Grandeur sat across from us.