Chapter Twelve #3
“Too busy for me?” Ga-in pouts prettily, though her eyes hold a calculating gleam. She finally seems to notice my presence, her gaze sliding over to me with obvious disdain. “And who might this be?”
I sweep into an exaggerated bow, making sure to add an extra flourish. “Seo Gawon of House Ruby, lowly halfblood outcast, at your service.” My tone drips with sarcasm as I straighten back up.
For a split second, I swear I catch Dohwan's lips twitching upward, but I quickly dismiss the notion. Must be a trick of the fading light.
Ga-in's perfect features contort into a sneer, her nose wrinkling as if she's caught wind of something unpleasant. “Oh, you're from that little pet project the halfling queens started.” The way she says it makes it clear she considers the sanctuary about as prestigious as a garbage dump.
She turns back to Dohwan, pressing herself closer and trailing perfectly manicured fingers down his neck.
“It's so altruistic of you to volunteer your time like this, darling.” Her voice takes on a syrupy quality that makes my teeth ache.
“You must be working very hard to keep the halfbloods from doing something foolish.”
I roll my eyes, already bored with her transparent display. Her desperation leaks from every pore—the way she plasters herself against him, how she emphasizes their connection while trying to diminish me. It's almost sad, really. Like watching a child throw a tantrum for attention.
I examine my nails, deciding Ga-in isn't even worth the energy it would take to be insulted. Her attempts at superiority are about as subtle as a brick to the face, and just as graceless.
I bite my lip hard to keep from laughing as Dohwan tries to delicately extract himself from Ga-in's octopus-like grip. She clings tighter with each attempt, her perfectly manicured nails digging into his shoulders.
“You work too hard,” Ga-in simpers, pressing closer. “Come visit me tonight. I miss our special time together.”
Dohwan's face remains carefully blank. “I have duties to attend to.”
“Surely they can wait.” Ga-in leans in, her lips nearly brushing his ear. “I still have that little black nightgown set you loved so much. The one that drove you absolutely wild.”
A loud gagging sound escapes me before I can stop it. Ga-in's head whips around, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits as she fixes me with an icy glare.
Her lips curve into a cold smile. “Oh, but surely you're not trying to catch Dohwan's attention?” She looks me up and down with obvious disdain. “That would be such a waste of your time. Dohwan would never be interested in a low-born halfling.”
“What a relief to hear that,” I say brightly. “Honestly, that's the best thing you could have possibly said to me.”
Ga-in's perfect features twist into an ugly sneer. “I almost feel sorry for you. You'll never know what being with a real male feels like. No fae male worth his title would muddy his name by touching a halfblood.”
I let out a bark of laughter, giving her my most pitying look. “You think much more highly of fae males than I do. And I hate to break it to you, but I've already been with more fae males than you could ever imagine.”
“You think that's something to brag about?” Ga-in scoffs.
“If you had the kind of bedroom life I have, you would.” I flash her my teeth in a sharp grin.
Ga-in's face contorts, but before she can respond, Dohwan cuts in. “I need to get Gawon back to Halfblood Hall.”
“Yes, that's probably best.” Ga-in sniffs delicately. “The longer she's here, the more it pollutes the aura.”
“Bye, Ga-in!” I call out cheerfully as Dohwan and I turn to leave. “Can't wait to see you again. Maybe next time I can give you some helpful dating tips!”
I snicker to myself as we walk away from Ga-in, her perfect face twisted in outrage. The evening air feels lighter, like needling her has cleared away some of the tension.
Through the entrance hall, Dohwan leads us to the waiting car, and to my surprise, he opens the passenger door for me. I slide in, immediately pressing myself against the opposite door as he slips into the backseat beside me.
“Your girlfriend seems nice,” I say, unable to keep the sarcasm from dripping off every word.
Dohwan's face remains carefully blank as the driver starts the engine. “Ga-in is not my girlfriend.” His knuckles whiten slightly on the door handle. “However, if you want my advice, you should avoid antagonizing the nobles of House Ruby if you want to make your time at Ruby Hall pleasant.”
I let out an inelegant snort. “I'm not worried about Ga-in. I've been putting bullies like her on their asses my whole life.” I lean back in my seat, crossing my arms. “I can smell insecurity and desperation like hers from a mile away.”
Dohwan's eyes cut to me quickly, giving me an assessing look that makes my skin prickle.
He says nothing, but for just a moment, I catch something in his expression—a tiny flicker of what almost looks like appreciation before his face smooths back into its usual mask of indifference.
He doesn't argue it further, says nothing the rest of the ride back.
That feels like a little victory of its own.