Chapter 53 #3
She scoffed, her frustration boiling over.
“Oh please, don’t tell me you expect me to believe that everything said about you is false.
I suppose you’d have me believe that you’re a harmless victim, powerless even.
I saw you with my own eyes, flirting with that bartender and even now you try to manipulate me with your charm.
” She plonked her glass down on the table, the sound sharp, dragging his attention back to her narrowed glare as she crossed her arms over her chest. “But it won’t work on me. ”
His jaw clenched, finally affected by her sanctimonious attitude. Gulping down the rest of the liquor he placed his own glass down a little too heavily as he responded.
“So, you saw a friend of mine, who I happen to know very intimately, being affectionate toward me. How scandalous. And of course, you have witnessed my volatile nature firsthand, right?” He tilted his head pointedly, “Forcing you to sit and endure a drink with me, how wicked. As for manipulating you, manipulation is my father’s tool, not mine, if you find me charming then that is on your own merit.
But Princess don’t be mistaken,” His eyes locked onto hers as he punched out his next words, “there is nothing powerless about me.”
Her eyes widened, and she clenched her teeth, clearly struggling to maintain control over her emotions. Despite appearing as though she might get up and leave at any moment, she stayed rooted in her seat, her stubborn defiance the only thing anchoring her there.
After a long moment she seemed to find her composure, asking him curiously.
“Do you prefer the company of males?” He straightened in his seat, a visible crease of confusion appearing across his forehead as he processed her question.
For a brief moment, he considered asking her outright why she was so interested, wishing to understand the motivation behind her inquiry.
Yet, despite his uncertainty, there was a persistent feeling—an instinct deep within—that urged him to answer honestly.
“I do not have a preference,” he said truthfully, pausing to think for a moment before adding, “I guess I am attracted to energy, the way a person feels, the way they love, all the things that make them uniquely– them. That is incredibly attractive to me.” Her face shifted into contemplation as she considered his words, her eyes searching his face from a new perspective.
“And your view on relationships? I have heard that you like to share, is that true?” She bit her lip nervously as she awaited his answer.
To Rain, the gesture read as a sign of her inexperience, a subtle vulnerability that seemed to contradict the air of confidence she so carefully maintained.
He found himself grappling with the notion that despite her striking beauty and assertive presence, there was an innocence about her, particularly when it came to matters of romance.
This unexpected juxtaposition piqued his curiosity further, deepening his desire to unravel the layers she kept so well guarded.
“You are a curious one, I hadn’t penned you as an adventurous type.” He teased, resting against his fist, the playful glint returning to his eyes, enjoying the little squirm she tried to hide.
“I don’t share what is mine, Princess.”
To his surprise she blushed, shy-eyed and rosy-cheeked.
Intrigued by her reaction, he decided to expand further.
“I won't lie; I dabble and have my fun… with friends.” He glanced over to the bar before returning his gaze back to her, “But when I love someone; let’s just say I would rather cut out my own heart with that pretty little dagger of yours, than to share myself or my partner with anyone else.”
A peculiar sadness flickered in the princess’s eyes, an emotion so fleeting it threatened to disappear if Rain looked away. She shifted her focus uncomfortably, eyes dropping to the copper-coloured liquid swirling in the glass she gripped tightly between her fingers.
Rain observed her, his brow furrowing in silent concern.
Once again, he was confronted by the vexing reality that he could not read her as he did others.
He found himself yearning to understand what she felt in this moment, wishing for insight into which words might have touched a nerve or prompted her thoughts to wander.
The distance between them felt insurmountable, leaving Rain frustrated by the mysteries she kept hidden and the silence that lingered between them.
“Why can’t I read you?” he blurted out without thinking it through, she startled, confusion lining the flawless contours of her skin.
“I know that you are a weather wielder, that much I can tell and you’re not shielding in any way I have come across before.
Yet, I can’t feel your emotions, why is that?
” Several emotions flitted across her features, he observed each one hungrily until a layer of smugness settled upon her, her eyes glinting with joy.
She was glad he couldn’t feel her, fucking glad.
“I have no idea, but what a great discovery!” She smiled; a beautiful, mischievous smile that, despite its charm, irked him.
He resented having let the question slip, regretting it almost immediately as she perked up, sitting taller and confidently swirling her drink in her glass. Her arrogance was palpable.
“You know, I have been sitting here, anxious that you could feel every flicker of emotion within me. I’m sure you’re more than aware how unsettling that is to people—and all for nothing.
We have been on equal ground the entire time!
” Her head shook, the smile stubbornly fixed on her lips. “Just marvellous!”
He sighed audibly, making no effort to hide his irritation, which only made her chuckle in amusement.
“Right, enough of that.” Rain said, trying to dismiss his lingering annoyance. Having answered her probing questions, he felt it only fair to ask one of his own. “I have answered your questions, how about you answer mine and tell me your name.”
Her smile faded into a playful eye-roll, yet her spirits seemed undampened.
With a brisk tilt of her head, she finished her drink in one swift motion, grimacing as the warmth of the liquor burned her throat.
Standing promptly, she set her empty glass firmly on the table, her gaze never leaving Rain.
“It’s Storm,” she declared, her tone carrying a sense of finality.
With a confident flourish, she added, “Until we meet again, Rain Royale.” She blew him a cheeky kiss and winked, reigniting the flutters within his gut.
With a flick of her hair, Storm turned on her heel and strode towards the exit, refusing to glance back as she departed.
It wasn’t until she was out of sight that he realised he had been engrossed in the sway of her hips, mesmerised by the exposed dimples at her lower back. The peculiar feeling within his gut began to yearn for her presence, which was quite unsettling.
He needed another drink…
And a good fuck.