14

Jonathan Ever since I sat down for dinner, all I’ve been thinking about is how to bring Aurora to her knees. It doesn’t matter what methods I have to use. She’s challenging me again and I’m not the type to be challenged. Sending my driver back is a clear sign of her loathsome stubbornness. And I need to crush that stubbornness to smithereens. So when she showed up on time on her own, I took a pause. I don’t take pauses. Still, here I am. Taking another pause as I stare at her pale bare skin. My gaze trails from the defiant expression on her face — no red lipstick today — to the jutting of her nose and the slight crease in her chin. Her long, delicate neck is taut — with tension, no doubt. Both her arms are inert by her sides, not trying to hide her half-nakedness. She’s in an unflattering purple cotton bra and underwear, clearly highlighting that she didn’t put any effort into how she looks before she came here. It’s her way of showing defiance. She’s telling me this means nothing and