September Peony (12 Months Series - Part 2)

Chapter 13

Hong Jong Hyun is annoyed. It’s truly a unique situation for him because he’s not annoyed often. However the things are not going well for him these few last days. Not that he would complain about his work. The shooting is going smoothly and the whole crew is fine. What makes Jong Hyun so upset is his personal life. Joon Gi spends all the time with Godiwa, his progress is so painfully slow, though. And what’s worse, he has no time left for his friend who is struggling with that stupid stubborn soldier girl. What’s wrong with her? Jong Hyun can’t understand why she is so detached, why is she fighting all his attempts to seduce her? She’s definitely not innocent and shy girl like her sister. He’s not unattractive, he’s smart, witty and has a lot of charms. What’s her trouble? Why is she so angry whenever he visits her? And that cold sister of hers! What is her name? Freya! She watches him with a pure hatred despite the fact he has never done anything to her. However that girl doesn’t impress him. Her soldier sister is something different, though. There is so much fire in her, she seems so indestructible, so sure of herself and she keeps those two dogs under such a tough discipline. Who knows why Jong Hyun finds it so attractive. The fact is that she is stubbornly refusing all his attempts to ask her out. He should get over it and simply transfer his attention to some other girl. There are a lot of them and he wouldn’t have any troubles getting what he wants from them. However… Jong Hyun cringes and takes a sip of beer. He is sitting in the bar. The bar maid is giving him meaningful looks but Jong Hyun has no mood for her company. It’s making him pissed off. Isis infected him and he can’t even think of other women now. The fact she is keeping her distance from him makes him more and more obsessed with her. He simply needs to get her. Once he achieves it he can move forward and get back to his usual self. The only trouble about this solution to his issues is the fact he has no idea how to get her into his bed… or her bed… or anyone's bed… or conveniently placed couch, table, chair, anything. He tried to be seductive, nice, funny, honest, witty, a bit harsh; nothing works with her.
Jong Hyun scratches his head and sips a bit more of the beer. How comes he became so obsessed with a woman who is clearly not into him? However… Jong Hyun can’t shake off those short and rare moments she watched him when she thought he can’t see her. There was something in her eyes, he would swear she likes him and finds him attractive. Why the hell is she pushing him away then?! Maybe she does that to all men in general. This family is clearly a bit odd.
Jong Hyun is about to leave the bar stool when he hears a voice he can’t get out of his head. He turns and spots Isis coming in the hotel restaurant accompanied by a tall and undeniably muscular man. He’s got honey blond short hair and beard, his eyes are of ice blue colour; he resembles a Viking warrior. Isis is watching him with adoring smile and talking to him. He’s much taller and tilting his head a bit to the side while listening to her words. His face is showing no emotions but his eyes are sparkling. They get to an empty table and the man holds the chair for Isis to sit down. He leans to her ear and whispers few words into her ear as he is pushing her chair closer to the table. Isis laughs all amused and relaxed and the man touches her shoulder lightly in an intimate gesture as he walks around her to take a seat at the opposite side of the table. Isis keeps on talking with her calm, soft, deep voice. Jong Hyun can’t hear the words but he feels like if a thousand of knives were slicing his inside into thin noodles. What a betrayal! Up till now, Jong Hyun could persuade himself that Isis is cold and stand-offish with any guy but now he was proven wrong – she is apparently enjoying her time in the company of this silent hairy Viking. Jong Hyun pouts and keeps watching Isis while sipping his beer that suddenly tastes like poison to him.
“Do you know the guy by the bar? He keeps staring at you.”
Isis puts down a glass of whisky and blinks quickly. She turns and the quick glimpse is all she needs to turn back to her companion with sour face. “Oh god! Not him again!” She gets raised brows from the man opposite her and sighs. “Hong Jong Hyun. Joon Gi’s friend. Also an actor. Playboy and annoying brat who thinks every single woman has to swoon out of sheer amazement when seeing him.”
“I dare to guess you don’t feel like swooning seeing him.”
“More like wanting to throw up.” Isis rolls her eyes.
“Then better don’t start eating now. He’s coming.”
Isis looks back quickly to look into Jong Hyun’s eyes. He’s giving his wolf smile as always but this time it doesn’t reflect in his eyes. “Good evening, lady Isis!” He calls as he approaches their table and he bows theatrically. “What a treat for sore eyes to see you here.” He adds and gives a side look to the man sitting by the table with her.
“Good evening, Jong Hyun.” Replies Isis with a sardonic smile on her face. “What brings you here? This is not your hotel, I believe.”
“I felt like changing the environment for tonight. Why did you decided to come among poor mortals today?” Asks Jong Hyun with a bitter grin.
Isis squints with displeasure at him and pouts her lips. “I should you introduce you to my companion. Meet Liam Berglund. Liam, this is Hong Jong Hyun.”
Liam stands up and shakes hands with Jong Hyun, nearly crushing Jong Hyun’s hand into dust. “Nice to meet you!” Mumbles Jong Hyun as he is massaging his hurting hand.
“The pleasure is mine.” Replies Liam. The guy is at least 2 metres tall and his voice sounds like rumble of the drum.
Jong Hyun feels the desperation like never before. There is no chance he could win over this Ogre! So this is her type? A mythical monster?
“Liam is my cousin.” Adds Isis like if it was the most boring information she could come up with about her companion and she sips her drink with an unconcerned face.
Jong Hyun nearly faints. COUSIN?! This giant Viking is her cousin?! “Cousin?” Jong Hyun’s voice sounds weak and caped.
“Yes. Liam is the first born son of my mother's older brother Vincent and his wife Saga Berglund. He arrived just today and will stay here until the ball to meet all my sisters.”
“And to settle some business with Arran.”
“He means Hak Yeon. He’s duke of Arran.” Explains Isis.
Liam silently nods. Jong Hyun can see he’s a man of few words. Is that what irritates Isis? Is Jong Hyun too sociable and chatty for her taste? “I see. That’s nice.” Jong Hyun gulps. Suddenly he has no idea what he should say or do. He keeps staring at Isis who is focused on her glass of whisky. Isis rises her eyes and smiles at Liam.
Liam rolls his eyes and looks at Jong Hyun. “Would you like to join us for a dinner, sir?” He asks bluntly.
Jong Hyun grins painfully and shakes his head. “No, thank you. It’s a family moment, I don’t want to disturb you…”
“That’s very considerate of you. Have a nice evening, Jong Hyun.” Isis smiles but she shakes her hand to suggest him to leave.
“Likewise. Lady Isis,” Jong Hyun bows. “Mr. Berglund.” He leaves with his shoulders sagging.
Liam shakes head and clicks his tongue accusingly. “You devil woman. He’s got some serious crush on you.”
Isis smirks contemptuously. “All that’s hurt is his ego. He’s simply used to be the Don Juan. Trust me. He’s not suffering, he’s one selfish playboy.”
“Just because the poor man doesn’t meet the highest standards of Arrans you don’t have to crush his ego into dust. You should reconsider your actions. Hurting someone is a matter of seconds but the damages can be permanent. He might be a womanizer but it gives you no excuse to lower down at his level and treat him like a thrash.”
“And what do you suggest? Should I run to him, throw myself into his arms, proclaim my unconditional love and sleep with him to heal his pitiful aching ego?”
Liam keeps straight face. “You girls always go into extremes. Nothing of that sort. Just treat him with more respect and less despise.”
“You have no idea how annoying he is. I want to get rid of him. He keeps following me around, asking about my health, he plays with my dogs and gives them cute nicknames...”
“That dirty bastard!” Calls Liam with played anger.
Isis frowns. “He has no real interest in me. He just finds it funny to drive me crazy.”
“It reminds me of a kindergarten child love. Is he pulling your pigtails and stomping on your mud pies? Soon he will kiss you and run away giggling.”
“You’re not funny.” Growls Isis through her teeth.
Liam is tempted to tease her a bit more but he’s hungry. He takes the menu to choose from the variety of meals they serve here.