“I believe a home is what you make it, and it is rather breathtaking.”
“Because of all the money that has gone into it?” His voice hardens and I can feel in my gut that this is some kind of test.
“I guess that’s the point. Sorry, Sir. I’m forgetting myself. It’s breathtaking because it’s supposed to be, but I’m not impressed by money.” For the love of God, just shut up!
“I wish everyone shared that sentiment, too many people are taken in by wealth. I won’t say I hate it, I enjoy the life I live. Although… never mind, you do not want to hear me moan about my rich man problems. They would probably seem superficial to you.” He stands up, and I get to my feet as well.
“I wouldn’t think that Sir. I try not to judge others, and we are entitled to think and feel the way we do. Whether we have money or not, it shouldn’t make any difference.” He steps in front of me and I stare at his gold tie clip to stop myself from lifting my head.
“You are a unique individual, Luna. Your outlook surprises me every time we speak. And I must say, I enjoy conversing with you, it helps me to feel a little less out of touch with the world.” He walks around until his hand is on the small of my back and he’s leading me to the door.
“It was nice speaking to you too, Sir,” I reply politely, because that’s what I’m supposed to say. Maybe I am a pretender, but does it really count when it keeps me on his good side?
Thallon walks me back up to our room, the silence is deafening. I have a feeling it won’t last long, not by the way his eyes are drilling into my skull.
He opens the door and pushes me inside before closing the door behind him. I stand with my back to him, as I stare straight ahead.
“What did Arthur want?” His mouth presses against the shell of my ear and my spine stiffens at the contact.
“H-he wants m-me to tell him if Shane makes me feel uncomfortable or s-scared.” My eyes are locked on the wall as his hands push down on my shoulders and my knees threaten to buckle under the force.
“Are you going to?”
“I don’t want to,” I whisper hoarsely, and he inhaled before stepping around me until we’re looking at one another.
“Why not?” He keeps his hands on my shoulders, but he isn’t trying to push me down anymore.
“Because it’s his wedding day tomorrow, Thallon. But more than that, it’s because she won’t even have her dad there. I don’t want to get her husband in trouble either.” My breath escapes me harshly and his eyebrows pull together.
“Why do you care about Rosalyn? You don’t even know her.”
“I know.” It comes out on a sigh as I step back, and he lets me. “I don’t know who my father is and my mama’s husband died before she adopted me. I never got to meet him. I don’t know if I’ll ever get married, but I know I won’t have a father to give me away if I do. I don’t know her, or why she’s marrying him, but… I do believe everyone deserves to find happiness, no matter how naive that may be.” I can’t tear my eyes from him as my vulnerability bleeds into my voice.
“Hang on, are you telling me that you really don’t know why I hate you? Why I think Rosalyn should?” He looks even more perplexed and I don’t know how to respond to that.
“Of course, I don’t. I’d never even heard of you before the announcement where you would be taking Shane’s place was made. Why do you hate me, Thallon? I mean, I don’t think everyone should like me, but you take it to a whole new level. Maybe even more than Shane.” His eyes flare but I refuse to take my words back.
“You remind me of someone. When I had my time at the Academy, she was there. She started off quiet and sweet. I think we all believed that she would fade into the background and stay pretty much unnoticeable. Then her true colors started to show. She wanted all of the attention, vied and practically begged for it. She played the guys against each other until she set her eyes on one of them. He didn’t want her though, and she couldn’t understand why. So, she targeted the girl he did want, nearly making her quit. Bullied her to almost breaking point. If she hadn’t been forced out, then I would have made her suffer.” He prowls towards me and I move backwards, trying to keep space in between. “You do the same thing, all the guys you have begging for your attention, and acting as though you don’t want it. In my opinion, you are just like her and seeing as I can’t take my anger out on the girl who started it all…” He trails off as he backs me into a corner.
“I’m not like that, I swear. I never asked for the attention. I don’t want to pit them off against one another, and it’s more than just a game to me. I care about them, I do.” My voice is pleading and I hope beyond all doubt that he can hear the sincerity in my voice.
“That remains to be seen, doesn’t it, Little Mouse? Although, maybe I need to think of a new nickname for you now. Pleasant nightmares, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” He brings his face in closer and my breath catches in the back of my throat.
I don’t know why I react this way, maybe it’s fear. The one thing I do know, however, is that I have to make him see that I’m not the person who he thinks I am, but how do you convince a person who already believes that their truth is the only one that matters?
22
The Beauty in Pain
Luna
The dress fits me perfectly, it hugs me in all the right places, but it isn’t indecent. My hair is up in a simple chignon bun and my makeup is subtle.
I’ve never been to a wedding before, and despite the circumstance, I am excited. Plus, I’m hoping I’ll be sitting near Daria, so I won’t feel too awkward or alone.
I step into the room and Thallon gives me a quick once over before leading me downstairs. I’m feeling a little slack jawed at the sight of him. He’s wearing a black tux with a silver waistcoat and tie, and he looks… well he looks incredible, I’m not going to lie.
“You’ll be sitting with your little friends, Daria and Rachel. Have a great time.” He smirks at me and my stomach bottoms out.
We step outside and it’s like something from a fairy tale. Black chairs lined either side of the makeshift aisle with silver bows attached to the back. The officiant is standing beneath an arch lined with roses, and I can’t believe how human and handsome Shane looks. Nothing like the guy who terrorized me for two years. Emmet stands beside him in a tux similar to Thallon’s and my mouth runs dry as I take him in. I have to watch where I’m going so I don’t trip over my own feet, he’s just having that effect on me.
I find my seat and sit down beside Daria and I gape when I see Tom and Aeron on our row. With Rachel’s hand dangerously close to Aeron’s thigh. Seriously?
“Come on, Aeron. You can’t still be mad at me. We used to be such good friends.” She bats her eyes at him and he narrows his hate filled eyes on her.
“If your hand comes any closer, I will break it. I’d enjoy it too.” He smiles lazily and she pouts before dropping it onto her lap.
“Tom, we’re switching.” He gets up and Tom moves over into his seat.