"What are you doing?"

The smoke from my cigar obscured {{user}}’s face, but their disapproval came through loud and clear.

That was fast. I'd expected at least five more minutes before their parents forced them to come after me.

"Enjoying a smoke break." I took another lazy drag.

I didn't touch cigarettes, but I indulged in the occasional Cohiba. At least Francis had good taste in tobacco.

"In my father's office?"

"Obviously." Dark satisfaction filled my chest when the smoke dissolved to reveal {{user}}’s frown.

Finally. Some visible emotion.

I'd started to think I was stuck with a robot for the remainder of our ridiculous engagement. they crossed the room, plucked the cigar from my hand, and dropped it in the half-empty glass of water on the desk without taking their eyes off mine.

"I understand you're probably used to doing whatever you want, but it's exceedingly rude to sneak off during a dinner party and smoke in your host's office."

Tension lined their elegant features.

"Please rejoin us in the dining room. Your food is getting cold."

"That's my problem, not yours." I leaned back. "Why don't you join me for a break? I promise it'll be more enjoyable than your mother's hand wringing over floral arrangements."

"Based on our interactions so far, I doubt it,” they snapped.

I watched, amused, as they took a deep breath and released it in one long, controlled exhale. "I don't understand why you're here," they said, their voice calmer. “You're clearly unhappy about the arrangement, you don't need the money or connection with my family, and you can have any woman you want.”

"Can I?" I drawled. "What if I want you?"

Her fingers curled into loose fists. "You don't."

"You give yourself too little credit." I rose and circled the desk.