Be a Doll(12)

“I was intimidated and quite nervous upon meeting the man who could very well become my husband. I apologize for my behavior.’’

The way she said ‘apologize’ through her teeth with a smile that uncovered her perfect white teeth in a glowing but insincere smile made me want to undo her perfect hairdo and wrap my hand around her mane to control her until I took her lips and made that damn smile disappear. That need, burning in my gut and turning my cock to granite, was too potent, too heady. This arrangement between us was supposed to be all about me and yet the power seemed to shift easily, with just the play of a few well-picked words.

“Do you know why I chose you, Miss Hodge?’’ I asked and took another sip of the French wine and put the glass back where it belonged as my fiancée did the same, her eyes never wavering from mine in a move that could be mistaken as attentive, but I knew was more a show of her spirit.

“I don’t, but I’m curious.’’

“Upon walking in here the first time, the day I met you, I had envisioned picking any woman I would be presented with to be my wife and as such an arrangement works, I expected to find someone so well-educated and polished for the role, that I wouldn’t be able to find any kind of genuine personality left. I didn’t much care considering this marriage is strictly business, but I was surprised when I saw your file and the picture accompanying it.’’

“What about it?’’ she asked in a voice less guarded. I detected a hint of real interest.

“You can’t hide the fire in you, it’s burning through your eyes, Miss Hodge. I picked up on it right away and upon seeing your file it only drilled home that you weren’t as polished as you’re supposed to be at this stage. You’ve excelled at Carter Manor in all things, but Mrs. Stein added some very interesting notes regarding your inadequacy to remember at all times where your place is.’’

“And yet, you wanted to meet me. It’s confusing, Mr. Grimes.’’

“How so?’’

“Well, you have an empire. You’re a very important businessman and I don’t see how you’d welcome a misbehaving wife in your life considering you picked a Carter Manor certified candidate for the role which should ensure you a trophy wife that would be completely at your service. It’s contradictory.’’

I nodded at her words just as a maid appeared in the room with our starters covered by silver domes. She promptly placed the appetizers and pulled the domes to reveal foie gras with gingerbread and figs chutney. I thanked her and locked eyes with my fiancée once again.

“People are made of contradictions, Miss Hodge. That’s what makes people interesting. I happen to find your character very interesting. Call it the whim of a billionaire.’’

She daintily cut a piece of gingerbread and foie gras and added a small amount of chutney before she brought it to her mouth with her fork, chewing elegantly. I had never found it enthralling to watch a woman eat, but it was blatant that underneath the peaks of her more savage self, she was truly a perfect product of the kind of education this manor offered.

“The whim of a billionaire, you say? It’s funny because from all the articles I had to read to get a better handle of what my future husband does, I discovered that you’re described more like a man in control in his business and very hard to crack. You don’t seem like a man who enjoys contradictions.’’

“All that from reading the business and economy pages from the newspapers? You can’t possibly think it can resume a man.’’

“No, but it gives an hint.’’

“I’ll share a little something with you, Miss Hodge. Business is business. I have to be a certain man in my business endeavors. The man I am is probably far more complex than I should be, but life only twists you and molds you a certain way. You’re not just a polished future bride, just like I’m not just a coldhearted businessman who has made takeovers a walk in the park. But if you’re wondering if I’m going to be some romantic sap in this partnership, I won’t. And I’ll love taming your wildness.’’

“Taming me? Who do you think I am?’’ she asked, her voice rising as the fire in her eyes became a furnace burning always brighter, drawing me in. Her shoulders tensed, rising slightly.

“A wife I purchased at a hefty price.’’ I arched an eyebrow, baiting her to answer something, but instead she looked away, back at the door she walked through not long ago. “No comeback, Miss Hodge?’’

She glared at me then. “I’m not falling for your cheap trap again, Mr. Grimes.’’

“Let’s talk business then.’’ I finished my last bite of foie gras. “Considering you don’t have family or friends that can attend the wedding, I asked my sister to be your maid of honor. I have a friend who is going to act as my best man. We’ll keep the wedding party small and I left my sister the choice to pick her dress. It’s easier considering you two have never met.’’

“Fine,’’ she clipped.

“The wedding will take place at the Plaza.’’

“I know. Mrs. Stein keeps me updated on the advancement of the organization.’’

“That’s good. Were you made aware that we wouldn’t have a honeymoon?’’

She chuckled just as the same maid that brought our appetizers appeared to clear our plates. Just as she went to take Miss Hodge’s empty plate, my fiancée opened her mouth, her eyes burning once again. “I’m so heartbroken, Mr. Grimes. I had hoped we would be able to act like newlyweds.’’ Sarcasm dripped from her tone and the coldness accompanying it made me frown.