Tamed

Chapter 10.

MARIANNA

"..........and we want to specially thank Miss. West and her team for putting this in place for us. The cross-cultural magazine is the first of its kind and we are not stopping here. Expect more from us." While Riley's voice resonates around the room, my eyes land on my not so favorite person in the world. Nancy.

She is adorned in the most exquisite of dresses. That is supposed to be me, even though the money does not freak me but that is still supposed to be me.

From the day dad married her mom, they bullied me and eventually after dad died, they took everything and kicked me out.

"Smile, at least." I hear Lucas say.

How does this man expect me to not catch feelings with all these lovey dovey things he does with me? The feeling is exhausting.

"Let's go." I state to him. I stand up and wait for him to follow me. Together, we leave the hall under the watchful eyes of many.

"I just want to relax." I sigh, resting my head on his shoulders the moment we get to front the car.

"I'll take care of you tonight." He retrieves the key from the valet and opens the door for me. Once I get in, I angrily slam the door behind me.

"Easy, Marie." He says.

"Just shut up and drive, Lucas." I hiss, rolling my eyes afterwards.

"Sorry." He apologizes, lifting both of his hands in the air.

"I'm sorry too." I quickly say, this time in a low voice. I guess my emotions got the better of me.

"It's nothing, Marie. Your actions are justified." He shrugs and starts driving.

"Did I tell you about how you look like a rabbit when frowning?" I know what he is trying to do. He wants to take my mind off the situation and lighten up my mood. I laugh a little and soon join in the discussion. At least, he is doing an amazing job at making me feel better.

In no time, we arrive at my house and bid ourselves goodbye.

As the week progressed, the nervousness kicked in. The day set aside for my confrontation with Harlot and her daughter began drawing near. Definitely, the nervousness is expected. Am I even doing the right thing? What if my thoughts are just assumptions?

"I'll have some steak and rice." I say to the attendant at the counter.

"Make that two." A voice says from behind me. A light tap on my arm is what prompts me to look back.

"Are you now following me?" I ask with raised brows.

"What's wrong with that?" He asks, placing his hands in his pocket. The audacity!

"Everything. For starters, I don't know who you are. Plus, it's violation of privacy and I can sue you for that." Why am I talking to him?

"Then do it." He replies, shrugging his shoulders as a smirk dances on his lips.

"Uhh.." Well, I didn't expect that response.

"I guessed as much. You know this place is a public place and as such, I can decide to do as I please. So your case holds no gravity." He gives a sweet smile to me while I just ignore him.

I move to the end of the counter to collect my order and he follows me to collect his too but still, what sort of creepy behaviour is this?

"I'll be paying for both." He says, his voice sounding above me. I just ignore him and slide the dollar bill to the cashier.