a gentleman's mistress

XX. January 6th, 1987

Mira's POV:

I didn't think the evening could get any more awkward and uncomfortable, but it did.

Unfortunately, Alaric's kind nature and handsome features aren't enough for me to stay with him.

Especially not with the daggering eyes of his family.

After I met Lucianus, who heavily questioned our relationship, we met Alaric's parents, who were surprisingly accepting. At least, that's what I thought at first until I deciphered his mom's strategic way of insulting me with compliments.

Now, I'm at Alaric's family table, trying to avoid eye contact with his parents, siblings, and other close families.

It's easier said than done.

"Uncle Lucian," Alaric says.

You got to be kidding me.

After Lucianus expressed his heavy disapproval of Alaric and me, he left us. Alaric apologized to me for ten minutes and attempted to convince me that his uncle is usually very accepting and kind. He said his uncle may be in a bad mood tonight.

If he is, he isn't the only one.

"Why are you here?" Alaric asked.

Lucianus sat beside me and smiled, "Am I not allowed to sit with my family?"

"Of course, you're always welcome," Alaric says.

"I prefer you over the rascal over there," Mrs.Desdemona says.

Lucianus smiles, "That's our brother you're speaking of-"

"And my statement stands."

When the auction started, I turned my head towards it.

Bite the bullet.

That's what I told myself the entire time.

After tonight, I can end my relationship with Alaric and move on. He's a wealthy and successful young man, and he won't have any trouble getting over a woman he dated for a few weeks.

I exhaled softly when they auctioned one item after another.

Quickly, my attention shifted when I felt a hand brushed against mine. I move my hands onto my lap.

If someone brushes their hand on you, that would be considered an accident.

Lucianus's hand brushed against the side of my thigh.

I glanced over and noticed how his eyes were fixed on the auction.

I ignored his touch and focused on what was in front of me.

Then, again, it brushes on my thigh.

Ignore.

His knuckles touch the side of my thigh.

Ignore.

The tip of his fingers.

Ignore.

I can feel his fingers inching closer.

I can't ignore it.

Lucianus' fingers wrapped themselves around my thigh.

"That's the-" Alaric was telling me something about the item being auctioned off, but it didn't reach my brain. So, instead of responding, I smiled and nodded my head.

This isn't the time or place to make a problem.

Now, Lucianus's hand is completely on my thigh.

I grip my dress as he caresses my thigh softly. When I inched my leg away, his hand went deeper. So, I was forced to stop.