I nodded. “Of course, I just had a surprise for Ava—she had an interview with my company and I came in person to let her know she got the job.”
“Oh… Oh!” Her mother turned toward Ava with a bright smile. “This is amazing, Azizam! Didn’t I tell you that things were looking up?”
Ava forced a smile and I grinned her way.
“Look at her, she’s speechless,” her mom added, resting her hand on her chest.
I nodded, keeping my eyes on Ava. I was sure she was planning my murder in her mind.
“Why don’t you stay for dinner then? I would love to know more about you.”
Ava shook her head. “He can’t stay, Mâmâni. He just came quickly on his way back to the airfield.”
“Oh, that’s a shame,” she said, and she sounded genuine. It was uncommon for people to want to get to know me without ulterior motives. “Maybe next t—”
“You know what, I’m sure I can make it work,” I replied, retrieving my phone from the inside of my jacket. “I’d love to stay for dinner and get to know Ava’s family better.” I could feel her eyes burning a hole in my back, and the less she wanted me here, the more I wanted to stay.
Normally, I would have run away as fast as I could from meeting new people, especially the parents of the woman I had accidentally impregnated but I was intrigued by everything Ava-related, and having unrestricted access to her parents was an opportunity I could not miss.
“This is wonderful! Please come in!” She gestured me toward the back door as she turned around and started to walk back briskly toward the house.
Ava grabbed my hand just as I took a step to follow her mother.
“Don’t do this!” she hissed through gritted teeth.
I looked down at her hand with a frown before looking back at her. I hated the effect her touch had on me, and her daring to give me orders only made it worse.
“I’m going to tell her everything,” I whispered back with a glare matching hers. “Unless you come back to London with me… tonight.”
She opened her mouth and closed it again, letting go of my hand. “Fine,” she spat. “Now go wait in your car while I go and pack.”
Anotherorder? Who thefuckdid she think she was?
My instinct to put her back in her place took over and I let out a mocking laugh. “And miss on the poor people's immersive experience?” I snorted. “I think not.”
Hurt flashed in her eyes for a second, and I felt guilty, something else I was not used to.
She pursed her lips. “You’re a heartless prick.”
I grinned back at her, but I knew it lacked humor. “Yes, I am. And you've not even seen the full extent of it, so don’t think I’ll have qualms about destroying you, Ethan, or anyone else who stands in my way.”
She let out a weary sigh. “I pity the poor woman who will one day end up being your wife.”
“Well, that’s not something for you to worry about, is it? We’re not of the same station.”
I expected to see the hurt on her face at my answer, but she smiled instead. The woman actually smiled!
“To life's small blessings!” she said with a little shake of her head. “I think I’ve never felt more grateful for being poor, as you so eloquently put it. Come on, Your Highness, let’s go,” she mocked, gesturing me forward.
I felt indignation but I didn’t want to show her the effect her dismissal had on me. I should not care; Idid notcare. I would never consider a woman like her to be anything more than a temporary sexual distraction at best.
Then why are you so angry at her rejection?The little voice inside taunted me as I followed her into the house.
She let out a little chuckle again as if she was telling herself an inside joke at my expense, which only sunk my mood even further.
Laugh as much as you want, Ava. I’ll be the one laughing soon enough.
Chapter 10