to climb inside. Scott followed, crowding me to the far side of the long leather seat. The car door slammed shut, reverberating through my skull.
“Is this how it’s always going to be?” Scott glowered at me. “I ask you to do something and you go out of your way to defy me?”
“I wore the necklace.” I flashed him a twisted smile.
“You’re feisty, I’ll give you that much.” Scott toyed with one of the strands of my hair, twisting it around his finger. I had no choice but to lean closer unless I wanted the pinch of pain to worsen.
“I just can’t decide if I like it or not.” He moved away, surprising me. “Champagne? We are celebrating after all.”
“You think I’d ever trust you with my drink again?”
“That was... a means to an end.”
Bile clawed my throat. He spoke about it so candidly. So callously. As if that night hadn’t been the single most horrific night of my life. I glanced away, giving myself a moment to catch my breath.
“Suit yourself.” I heard him pop the cork and pour himself a glass. When I finally lifted my eyes to his again, Scott was watching me.
“What?” I clipped out.
“For as much as I wanted you to wear the silver dress, that looks really fucking good on you.” He rubbed his jaw, letting his eyes linger on the low-cut neckline. Then a slow smirk tugged at his mouth. “Good thing I came prepared.” Scott leaned over to the counter running along one side of the interior and pulled out a small drawer.
My heart sank at the emerald tie wrapped in his fingers.
“You think I don’t know you, Arianne, but I do.” His eyes narrowed as he undid his silver tie and replaced it with the one to match my dress.
My eyes closed as I suppressed a shudder. Something was different tonight. Maybe it was the fact I’d defied him by choosing a different dress or maybe it was the small blade strapped to my right thigh, but despite his attempt to disarm me, I no longer felt weak in his presence.
I felt strong.
Confidence coursed through me. A new sense of strength. Scott had already hurt me in the worst possible way, anything else he tried to throw at me was nothing I couldn’t handle.
“I didn’t wear it for you.”
“No.” He leaned in closer again. “But I’m going to pretend you did. I’m going to pretend you picked it out just for me.” His fingers painted a trail along my arm, the emerald tie taunting me. “I have something for you. My father wanted me to wait until later, but I want to walk in there with you on my arm and my ring on your finger.” His words dripped with possessiveness.
Scott pulled a small ring box out of his jacket and presented it to me. “I had it sized.” He flipped the lid and removed it from its pillowed casing.
My hand trembled as he took my hand and gently slid the engagement band over my finger. It felt heavy. Unfamiliar and wrong.
It felt like he was stealing another one of my firsts.
“You’re mine now, Principessa.” His touch lingered, his gaze dark and hungry. My breath caught, nervous energy zipping through me. Scott was going to try to kiss me; it was there in his piercing gaze.
Thankfully, Luis chose that exact moment to lower the screen. “We’re almost here. Your father has confirmed everyone is inside. You’ll make your entrance and be seated for the meal.”
Like I could possibly eat with the giant knot in my stomach.
“Are you ready?” Scott asked around a sly smile. He was loving every second of this, but I refused to show any sign of fear.
Not tonight.
“I am,” I said, steeling myself for the night ahead.
The door opened and Scott climbed out, offering me his hand. I took it, squeezing a little harder than was acceptable. “Nice grip,” he teased.
I smoothed my dress out and glanced up at the impressive hotel. There was security posted everywhere. I’d expected it to be well-manned, but I hadn’t expected such a show of force.
“Tonight, is going to be a night to remember.” His breath was warm on my face. I sidestepped him, narrowing my eyes.
There was something in his inflection. A veiled threat that had alarm bells ringing in my head. But what bombshell could he possibly drop on me that was any worse than his father officially announcing our engagement?