The Denial of Hearts (COMPLETED) [wattys 2018]

4

Mason didn't know what had come over him. He knew he was intoxicated and that he went to confront Sarina, but seeing her there, in that chair, he had softened. He watched her play with her hair and the facial expressions as she read so deeply in to the book. The silk nighty clung to her skin and showed the curves of her chest as he watched her unknowingly adjust a strap that slipped down. He was surprised to see her wearing glasses. He didn't know she wore glasses.

Then his anger flared again. She looked too comfortable. It was a good several more seconds before she noticed him.

There was something about her though. He was furious with his parents and they knew it. He was furious with Sarina, and mainly himself for not defending himself.

But as he walked closer to her, he could smell her. She smelt of honey and spring flowers, and the aroma was intoxicating. Just like that kiss. He felt something the first time they kissed and he had to do it again to be sure it was nothing. But it was the pride in her eyes when she thought he was going to strike her down. Why would she think that?

He stayed in the shower, the water running out off the tap straight to his head that morning, thinking about his stupid drunk move last night. Groaning, he felt the need to punch something, but he let the feeling subside as he turned the taps off.

Getting dried and dressed for the day in his jeans and a simple T-shirt, Mason knew he had to start heading to the company soon and today was probably the best day to do it. He walked down the stairs and saw Sarina on the couch with another book.

She stood as soon as she saw Mason, and looked down at the floor. Mason arched an eyebrow at her as he looked her over. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and her dress was buttoned right up to the top button and hung past her knees.

"Do you plan on keep wearing those conservative clothing?" Mason snapped at her. Sarina looked at him wide eyed.

"No." She had stuttered in shock.

"Are all you clothes like that? They are hideous." Mason remarked as he walked off to the kitchen, looking for pain killers for his head ache.

"I have nothing else to wear." Came her answer as she followed Mason.

"Well, go buy some." Mason retorted as he popped out two pills and swallowed them with water.

Sarina stood there, looking dumbfounded. She looked like she was trying to say something but it never left her lips, instead she pulled off her glasses and put her head back down. Rolling his eyes, Mason pulled his wallet out off his back pocket. "I suppose I have to support you financially as well." He barked as he pulled out his credit card and placing it on the bench. "Buy some goddamn decent clothing and join us back in the 21st century." Mason stormed out off the kitchen and slammed the front door behind him.

Sarina stared at the card on the table. She didn't know the first thing about shopping by herself. Ginny always went shopping for her on Malcolm's orders.

Sliding the card off the bench and into her hand, Sarina walked to her room for her bag. How was she going to do this by herself?

As she left the front door, she hit another dilemma. She can't drive. Her father forbade it. How was she going to go to the shops if she couldn't drive?

"Mrs Hunter?" Sarina heard the name and looked around for Jane, but she couldn't see her mother in law. "Mrs Hunter?"

Sarina turned to see a tall man near her. Oh, she thought to herself, I'm Mrs Hunter. "Yes?"

"I'm Phil. I'm your driver." Came the deep voice.

Relief washed over Sarina as she followed Phil to the car. It was a quiet drive to the shops. "I'll stay here. Just let me know when you're ready to leave." He said as he stayed in the car. Sarina nodded absently as she exited the sleek black car and made her way to the entry of the shopping centre.