Chapter 5 - Rules and Desires

Marissa: I couldn't believe this man, and worst of all, I hated that a part of me-a tiny part-was affected by him. He descended the stairs, his movement casual, unhurried, like he owned the place. His gaze instantly locked on mine-sharp, piercing. I swallowed, hoping he didn't notice my growing nerves. "So, Marissa, what made you change your mind concerning my proposal?" he questioned, his expression straight, devoid of emotion. His question felt intentional, like he was asking to torment me because he knew I was going to accept. "I-I don't..." I stuttered, unable to find the words; I felt so embarrassed. His lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk. I felt a mixture of both rage and shame, wishing the ground would open up and swallow me. "You don't have to feel embarrassed." Did he hear my thoughts? "We'll move on to the reason why you are here," he continued. "The marriage I proposed. But before then, I think I need to introduce myself a bit." What introduction is he talking about? I resisted the urge to tap my feet impatiently. Can we just get this over with so I can be gone? "I'll try not to waste your time. I don't like to waste my time either." Rude bastard. I could swear he was hearing my thoughts. "My name is Denver Holloway. I am the first child of the Holloways and also Justin's senior brother." I froze. Sooo, he is Justin's brother??!! I knew Justin had a brother, but I never actually met him. I'd hoped to meet him at the party last night, but I hadn't gotten the chance. Or so I thought. Here he was, sitting opposite me with a look that pierced right through my soul. "Why are you trying to marry your brother's ex-girlfriend?" "Finally," he drawled. "You can speak." "Yes, I can." I hissed in irritation. "So why are you trying to marry your brother's ex? He is your blood brother. Wouldn't that be uncomfortable for you?" He smirked. I wanted to slap that smirk off his face... this guy was beginning to piss me off. Gosh. "That's for me to worry about. Your only worry should be marrying me... simple." A sudden rage spread through me. I bit my lip, fighting the urge to hit him. I glared at him in annoyance. I wanted to walk out of that place immediately, to go home and forget this entire thing. But I didn't, because a part of me-despite his arrogance and rudeness-was excited by the thought of marrying this man. I didn't know why, didn't know if it was the idea of getting revenge on Justin, or if it was the way Denver looked at me. "The wedding will take place as soon as possible. I want us to get married next week. I've already started the wedding preparations." I blinked at him, surprised. "You started planning without getting an answer from me yet?" "I knew you were going to accept, so why waste time? If you have anyone you'd like to add to the guest list, you can send it to the number I gave you." I tilted my head, studying him curiously. What kind of man is this? I'd never imagined someone like this existed, but I wouldn't back down now. I needed to see this through. "I'll send you a couple of people that I'd like to add to the guest list." "Also, this wedding will be all over the press, and I hope you are ready to be in the spotlight, sunshine." Sunshine?? I rolled my eyes at the pet name. "I'm fine with that, as long as Justin and Peyton see it... that's all I want." "Moving forward, we'll move closer to my parents, and I'm sure they'll be thrilled that I'm getting married." "Umm... okay." At this point, I didn't even know what to say. This was really happening. I was getting married to a man I barely knew. "Do you have any questions?" he asked sharply. "I do, actually." Do I? "Go on and ask your question, Marissa." My heart skipped a beat at the sound of my name. It rolled off his tongue so easily. "On second thought, I have no questions." Because honestly, I didn't have anything to say. "Moving on then, we'll go wedding dress shopping." He scrutinised me like he was trying to say something. "What's your shoe size?" It felt like he was just trying to move on with the plans quickly. It was starting to feel weird, but I brushed it off. "I wear a size 37. I have quite a small leg." I smiled at him, but he didn't return my smile. He just... nodded. "Okay," he said curtly. I wasn't sure why I was feeling hurt about the shoe-size conversation, but he could have at least returned the smile. It looked like this man hated me, so why exactly was he trying to marry me? "What's the catch?" I questioned. "What's in it for you?" "You said you didn't have any questions, so I'm not answering any questions." This man is so arrogant. Urrghhh. I was so furious. I needed us to be done here so I could just go home. "Umm-I only asked a simple question." "You had your chance, and you didn't use it. I don't like it when people don't use what is within their grasp." I rolled my eyes and didn't want to continue the conversation. "You are very arrogant. Are you always like this?" He ignored me, leaning back in his seat. Is this really who I'd be married to? Did I really want to be ignored in this marriage? "Before I forget, there will be a contract. I don't need you getting funny, and that contract will entail rules that you'll need to follow." I scoffed. "A contract with rules? You really are a strange one. First, you want to marry me, and now I'm getting a contract with rules. What next will you surprise me with?" I was so over this man and his stupid antics. He didn't respond, just stood up and made his way to where I was sitting. "W-wha-" I tried to back away, but his hands stopped me, wrapping around my waist and holding me in place. My breath hitched. His scent, wrapped around me-sandalwood and pine, and something dark, dangerous. It overwhelmed my senses. My body reacted, in a way I didn't understand. I leaned into him slightly, heart pounding. He leaned closer, close enough I could feel the warmth of his breath against my neck. It sent a shiver down my spine. "You have no idea what you have agreed to," he whispered lowly, his lips brushing my ear lightly. He let go of my waist abruptly, stood up, and walked out, like nothing had just happened. I sat there in stunned silence, my cheeks flaming, my heart racing. What did I just get myself into?I'm