Page 18 of Eternal

I smile fondly at it.I wish that’s how it went. But life had other plans.The women ooh and awe over it.

“Now, if you’d excuse me, ladies, I would like to dance with my fiance.”

Soren’s hand moves from my waist to my hand, pulling me onto the dancefloor. “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls is playing over the speakers. A few other couples were dancing as well. Soren’s left hand grabs my waist, and his right cups my hand, pulling me in, so our chests brush with every sway. He and I lock eyes, never leaving each other as he leads the way for our dance. The world around us falls away from us, and it’s just us. Not a single other person was in the room. We stay in our embrace when Soren pulls away from me as the song ends. Immediately, I miss his closeness, itching to feel him again.

I shake my head, trying to dispel those thoughts. How is it that I just met him, yet it feels like I’ve known him for lifetimes? Physicality-wise anyway. I don’t entirely trust him yet with the secrets that are harbored within me.

“Come, it’s time for auctions and dinner.” Soren takes my hand and leads me to a table with our parents and Serena. Abe is to stay on guard, so he stands along the wall. His eyes never leave Serena, as if she is the most important person in the room.

The rest of the night goes without any issues. My family is ecstatic that the news of our engagement has brought in more donations for their foundation. Chatter erupts all over the room once the welcoming speeches are done. Serena turns to me during dinner, whispering.

“Abe and I are going to stay in a hotel tonight. You and Soren can have the house to yourselves.” She winks afterward.

I giggle, “I don’t think he will even stay the night, but I’m happy I don’t have to hear you two fucking again.”

Serena smiles and blushes. I’m just so happy she is happy. She deserves this paradise with Abe, and damn, it looks good on her.

My father and mother are joined by Soren’s parents and another man as they approach Soren and I. Soren is glowering at them as they approach us.

“Soren, Freya. Follow us,” My father commands.

Soren and I exchange glances before standing and following them into a more private room.

“Freya, this is Larry Morris. My--err-- our lawyer.”

The man with gray hair and a stocky build sticks his hand out to me. He looks just as refined as my father.

“Freya, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and you joining your family’s business. And this must be Soren, your fiance?”

My face scrunches up. They should not be telling people that I am joining the family business when I sure as hell haven’t agreed to anything. Soren stiffens as I shake his hand, then relaxes again when I let go of his hand. I glance up at him, and he’s shooting a glare at Larry. I nudge him a little bit, but he doesn’t ease up.

“Yes, this is my fiance, Soren,” I respond to him, bumping him to try to get him to shake his hand, but he regards Larry with a cool stare.

Larry gets uncomfortable under his piercing gaze, “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you both. I must continue, meeting up with people. But, Freya, here is my business card. If you needanything,call me.”

He hands me a business card before turning on his heel and walking in the other direction. Luca looks like he’s been eating lemons, as his attention is now pointed to Soren.

“You know, with all your years of running your business, you still haven’t learned how to talk to people. Politely anyway.” Luca says, his voice low like a grumble. “You can go, but she has to stay.”

Soren wraps a hand around my waist and pulls me out of the room, ignoring his father, who is blocking the doorway. “Leave her out of this, Luca., Soren snarls at his father, “She is not just another one of your puppets; she doesn’t need your guidance.”

He yanks me out of the room and back to the party. “Sorry,” He whispers to me, pulling me into a hug, and burying his face into my hair.

And I don’t know how to react. We just learned yesterday that we are to be engaged; he tells me he doesn’t want to be with me but is super protective and affectionate. This man is confusing the fuck out of me.

As the night ends, Soren leans over to whisper in my ear, “Are you ready to go home, darling?”

I look at him and nod. We say our goodbyes and leave to meet Soren’s driver.

“Where would you like to go first, Sir?”

“Back to Ms. Spencer’s first, please.”

He nods, and we journey back to Serena's apartment. My heart pounds on the car ride back. So, he isn’t staying the night. I haven’t had someone else in my bed since Tristan. It’s too intimate. I suppose that’s for the better at the end of the day. It’ll be easier for us if we don’t get close. He already said he has intentions of having a mistress. And as I watch my parent’s house go further from sight, I know I’ve been chained to this lifestyle again.

Forever stuck in my destiny.

Chapter seven

---