Chapter 2: Fuck No!

By the time we leave the restaurant, a light drizzle has settled over the city. Tiny droplets cling to the black marble steps, turning them glossy beneath the warm glow of the entrance lights. Valets hurry from one luxury car to another with oversized umbrellas while guests rush inside, laughing as they escape the rain.

I breathe in the cool air.

It helps nor much but enough to wash away the lingering smell of Sebastian’s overpriced cologne.

"I should get going," I say, forcing a polite smile. "I’m not feeling too well."

His forehead creases with what I assume is fake concern.

"Sick?"

"A little."

He steps closer.

"I’ll drive you home then."

"No, thank you."

"It’s raining."

"I brought my car."

"I don’t mind driving you though. I’ll have my driver drive yours back home."

"No, it’s okay really"

The smile on my face never falters, though my patience is hanging by a thread.

"I’ll be fine."

For a second, I think he’s going to argue.

Then he chuckles.

"If you insist."

Finally.

He gestures toward the parking lot.

"I’ll walk you to your car."

I would rather wrestle wieh a crocodile. Still, refusing would only drag this evening out longer.

We walk in silence, the rain tapping softly against the pavement. My heels click against the wet concrete while Sebastian strolls beside me as though we’ve just shared the most wonderful evening of our lives.

I unlock my car with a press of the key fob and rhe headlights flash.

Just as I reach for the driver’s door, his hand lands against the roof of my car, blocking me from getting in.

I slowly turn to look at him.

"What?"

He grins.

"I didn’t want to come off as too direct but come back to my place."

I blink.

"I’m sorry?"

"My house." He shrugs as though he’s suggesting coffee. "Come with me."

"I already told you I’m not feeling well."

He leans in a little.

"I can fix that."

Every instinct in my body tells me to shove him away.

Instead, I remain perfectly still.

"What exactly do you mean?"

His grin widens

"Follow me home and I’ll fuck you so good you wouldn’t want any other dick in you but mine. Come on I know you can feel it too....the sexual tension between us."

The onl thing I’m feeling right now is so much disgust the words make my stomach turn.

"We are getting married anyways so what’s the point in waiting?"

He winks.

"It’ll just be the two of us. No one has to know."

I stare at him.

Surely he can’t be serious.... I would sooner light my vagina on fire than let this Gods forsaken idiots dick anywhere near it.

"I promise," he says with an arrogant laugh. "I’ll make sure you won’t want anyone else after tonight."

I simply look at him....realltl look at the confidence, the entitlement and the complete certainty that I’d be flattered by what he’d just said.

Disgust curls in my stomach.

He should know better.

"You’ve misunderstood me," I say quietly.

His smile falters.

"I am not interested."

"Oh, come on."

"No."

"We’re practically engaged."

"I said No."

"You’ll change your when I...."

"I said NO!."

The firmness in my voice finally cuts through his smug expression.

For a brief moment, neither of us speaks.

Then I reach for the door handle.

"I’m not feeling well, Sebastian. I have to retire for the night."

I open the door and slide into the driver’s seat.

"Good night."

Before he can say another word, I shut the door between us.

The muffled sound of the rain replacing his voice.

I lock the doors just in case and Start the engine.

And without sparing him another glance, I pull out of the parking lot.

In my rearview mirror, Sebastian stands exactly where I left him, rain soaking through his expensive suit as his pleasant smile slowly disappears.

Good.

Let him be disappointed.

Because if tonight proved anything...It was that there wasn’t a force on earth strong enough to make me marry Sebastian.

Not even the Don.