Page 6 of When Sinners Hate

For some reason, I can’t picture anything about Abel as being small.

I take a closer inspection of my new quarters. The décor is obvious and, I suppose, of a certain quality. My fingers itch to smash the stupid bowl. It’s ugly and might help relieve some of the tension that’s built up. Being on my game with Abel will be challenging, but I won’t let him best me.

He’s the alpha of the family. He’s been put in this position – as have I – and he’s making sure he gets his kicks. Well, it’s just another job. Just a means to an end. And if I have to playthe obedient wife for all to see, then I’ll oblige just as long as he realises that I don’t give up my control. I can act and play pretend, but real control – never again.

The bathroom is splendid and probably the nicest room in my new accommodations. I stare at my reflection and study my features. Pristine hair, although coloured, looks flawless with shine and the tone makes my naturally bronzed skin look even darker. My fingers reach and trace the shape of my lips – a shame. Red would have looked good on Abel.

I run the faucet, dampen one of the washcloths so conveniently placed on the marble countertop, and run it under the water before bringing it to my lips and smearing the flame-red lipstick.

After I’m done, I look at myself again and with some care, ensure everything else about my makeup is still in place. My lips look puffy and full, tinged with colour still. In fact, rough up my hair a bit, and it looks like someone kissed the shit out of me. Or I sucked the crap out of them.

Fortifying myself with a deep breath for what’s next, I smooth down my dress and leave the room, following the same path we took up here. Then I head in the direction I was escorted out towards when I first arrived. I didn’t see a pool last time, but it can’t be hard to locate.

It seems everyone in the house has left as there’s nobody around, so I take my time finding my bearings. Keeping Abel waiting won’t hurt.

Finally, I catch a glimpse of him. His back is to me, but no one else in the Cortez family could pass off that silhouette. He’s built wide across the shoulders, and I’m impressed his suit fits so well considering his size.

I approach him and lean on the railing overlooking the pool. “Better?” I wait until he gives me his attention and slowly trace my lips with the tip of my tongue.

“For now.” He makes a show of looking me up and down, but I can’t decide if the disapproval is genuine or part of the act we have going on – and it is an act. We are both here for an ulterior motive. Be it family honour or responsibility, neither of us would choose the other to happily marry otherwise.

“Are you going to show me around – as you made it quite clear this would be my new home?” I emphasise the word 'home' before smiling at him. “I’d hate to get lost being here all by myself.”

“You won’t be here alone. As I've said, this is Mother’s home, and she’s well protected. I don’t think you’ll appreciate venturing too far from your suite.”

“The pool. I will need to cool off in this heat.” I switch directions as I digest the fact that I’ll have Melena Cortez as a housemate until lover-boy feels he can trust me. I walk around Abel and down the steps to the pool level. It’s a curve ball, like many things I’m sure will come my way, but I will make it serve my purpose.

The pool looks far too inviting, and the idea of peeling out of this dress to start my seduction of Abel Cortez springs to mind. But it’s too early for that. And I want him to work for it.

I take a seat and lean back on one of the loungers, kicking off my heels. “You know, I have to say I was expecting something a little more romantic from my betrothed.” A shadow blocks out my sun, and I squint and look up at Abel standing over me, his arms crossed. “You’re in my sun.”

“And you’d like me to move?”

“Oh, don’t worry. I know you’re not going to do what I ask, Abel. Not yet, at least.”

He scoffs and turns away.

“Oh, if I’m on house arrest, I’ll need someone to go and shop for me while I wait for my belongings. If I’m going to make use of the grounds, I need to be dressed appropriately. I can’timagine you’d be too happy for me to wear this, and only this for the foreseeable.” My fingers trail down my curves, indicating the dress that I chose for the meeting.

“Make sure they arrive soon.”

“So, are you going to show me around, or shall I ask your mother to put on her best Southern charm?” I grin up at him, leaning forward so he has a perfect view of my cleavage. “And I’m assuming there’s a chef or housekeeper? Am I supposed to book my own meal requests?”

“And if I were to tell you to make your own dinner?”

“Then I’d question your intentions in this arrangement of a marriage. I’m not living with my fiancé, I’m left here to fend for myself. Seems to me this agreement isn’t what we agreed to, and I’m sure my father will be interested to hear that.” I stand up, but Abel doesn’t back away. My chest brushes the lapels of his jacket. In the shade from the sun and this close, I can appreciate him a little better.

He seems to be assessing the situation just as I’m sizing him up.

Finally, just as I’m imagining what kind of kiss should be our first, he stands to the side and offers me his arm. With my shoes abandoned, he towers over me, which sends a shiver up my spine, but I take his arm.

“Dinner,” he simply says.

“A little early, isn’t it?”

“Not for what I have in mind.”

Promising.

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