{ Reluctant Kisses }

~Chapter 5~

When I looked at the fearful faces of the other guests I'm confused as to why they truly fear being in this mans presence, I begin to ponder on the thought that he may be more dangerous than I originally thought.

Walking into the ballroom I am met with many unfamiliar faces, men glancing at me as if I am the new office toy. I feel uneasy and begin to panic.

Ace caresses my hand in a comforting manner, leading me toward the bar.

As we approach the bar a man leans carelessly, viewing the liquor gushing around his glass as he moves it around.

"Ace" The man exclaims in a sophisticated tone, "Who is this, that I see clutched to your arm?".

"Dante"

They exchange a tension filled hand shake.

"This is my soon to be wife, Calista"

"Calista?" he paused. "It's a pleasure" he announces before grasping my free hand and placing a cold kiss upon my knuckles.

"It's been a while cousin"he chuckles.

"Cousin?" I questioned in surprise.

Ace nodded "Unfortunately"

"Still bitter about it I see?" he turns his attention to me "He doesn't like to mention our relation"

"Why is that?"I ask

"Calista I think it's about time we go over our contract"Ace interrupts.

"Actually I think Dante was going to ask me to dance"

Dante smirks and takes my hand.

"Lets"

Dante pulls me closer, leading me deeper onto the dance floor, he runs his hand down my waist.

"Easy there, I'm still a taken woman" I tease.

"Well would it make you feel better to know your fiance seems to be pretty riled up" he whispers lowly in my ear.

I smirk to myself.

"I think it's about time you stop being so handsy with my wife" Ace ordered.

"We aren't married yet"I state.

"Calista we are finding Sebastian then we are signing the papers, Do not make me repeat myself"he frowns.

I scoff and turn my attention towards Dante.

"Thank you for the dance Dante"

"My honor"he smirks.

I fold my arms and make my way over to where Ace and Sebastian are conversing.

"You ready?" Sebastian inquired.

I nodded an unsettling feeling fluttering around in my stomach.

We promenade to one of the many studies lurking around the house and I lean against one of the bookcases every thought pondering around my brain.

Sebastian dumps a small stack of papers onto the desk before taking a sip of his liquor.

Ace steps forward, pen in hand signing the papers harshly.

"We don't have to go into fine detail about everything but if it would make you feel more reassured you can have a read through"Sebastian explains toward me ignoring Ace's glare.

I send a small smile his way as Ace hands me the pen, his fingers brush over mine ever so slightly and I can't shake the electric buzz I got as I felt his skin upon mine.

I look down upon the papers taking a minute to read what I'm signing my life away for.

{Marriage contract}

- Party A must have a bodyguard with them at all times when leaving the premises.

- After the wedding Party A and Party B must share a room as Party A is to provide Party B with an heir within the new year.

-Loyalty is required from both parties during the marriage, Party A and Party B cannot have other partners for the duration of this arrangement.

-Party A is expected to accompany Party B to any events, including business related.

-Removing rings will not be accepted during this marriage.

I let out a shaky breath as I sign my name at the bottom of the crisp white piece of paper, my hands shaking as I do so.

"I guess congratulations are in order" Sebastian announces trying to break the silence.

Ace and I stay silent.

Ace pulls out a small velvet box from his suit pocket revealing a silver engagement ring.

My mouth agape I stared into his deep blue eyes.

"I didn't know what ring you wanted"

"It's beautiful"I admit.

he takes a firm but delicate grasp on my hand, gliding the ring down my ring finger,he brings my hand up to his lips and places a kiss upon my hand.

he holds his grasp on my hand, leading me away from the study, and towards the ballroom.

"Are you settling in well?"

"Why would you ask me that question?" "You took me from the only family I had, You took my freedom away, which is by far the cruelest thing you could do to me"

He pulls me into him, I hit his chest, he lowers his mouth towards my ear.

"You think that's the cruelest thing I could do, Angel I could do things to you, you wouldn't even be able to imagine"he whispers gliding his fingertips along my arm, A shiver runs down my spine, my mouth agape in utter shock.

My cheeks turn a deep shade of crimson as he grabs my hand and spins me across the dance floor, his hand comes in contact with my lower back, the metal of his rings leaving indents on my skin.

He pulls me into him, and then before long the warmth of his touch left my body. His fingers enter wind with mine the veins running through his hand flexed.

I gasp as he dips me, he leaves a kiss on my jawline, my breath shaky.

"Don't think I forgot about the way you teased me by dancing with my cousin Angel" he says before leaving me high and dry.