Grim Reaper

"What can I get you to drink?" Remo inquired, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

Abby glanced at him, hesitating, "I actually don't consume alcohol."

A faint smile formed on Remo's lips, "Is it that you've never tried it, or you choose not to drink? There's a difference. Without tasting, it's hard to pass judgment."

His words puzzled Abby, who responded with a frown, "I suppose I've never given it a try."

Remo motioned to a servant, murmuring a few words.

Shortly, the servant reappeared with a tray, likely holding alcohol.

"Come on, take a sip. It's our wedding night, after all," he encouraged.

Abby stared at the drink for a moment, then cautiously took a sip through the straw. The alcohol's warmth eased her nerves as it settled in her belly.

As the liquid spread its soothing warmth within her, Abby found herself gradually relaxing. The tension that had been lingering in her shoulders seemed to melt away, replaced by a subtle sense of comfort. She took another sip, this time a bit more confidently, and allowed herself to savor the unfamiliar taste.

Remo observed her with a gentle curiosity, his eyes conveying a mixture of amusement and encouragement. "See, it's not so bad, is it?"

Abby managed a small smile, her initial reservations slowly fading. "No, it's not as bad as I thought."

He raised his glass in a silent toast, a gesture that Abby mirrored with her own drink.

As they ate, she studied him carefully. She wondered why he had agreed to this whole charade. She wished she could ask him. So far, he had seemed easy to talk with, so she asked, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah." he answered.

"What exactly do you expect from me? Why did you agree to this?" She asked bluntly.

He considered her question for a long moment before answering carefully, "Honestly I don't know for both questions. I told you I was bored."

"Is this just a game to you?" She interrupted more sharply than she had intended.

Remo's demeanor changed as her question lingered, his expression growing more serious. He leaned back, focusing on Abby. "It's not a game. There's more to it than that."

Abby's skepticism lingered, but she felt sincerity in his words. "Then why are we doing this? What's the point?"

His gaze softened, a hint of vulnerability emerging. "Life gets boring sometimes. I saw a chance for something... different. An adventure, maybe. A break from routine."

She studied his face, trying to understand. "So, you agreed to all of this just for excitement?"

He half-smiled, showing self-awareness. "Partly. But there's more. I wanted to know you better, to see what's beneath the surface."

Curiosity replaced Abby's initial irritation. She realized their unusual situation revealed sides of Remo she wouldn't otherwise see. "And what have you found out about me?"

He leaned in, sincerity in his eyes. "You're not as guarded as you seem. You're curious and open to new things. Maybe a bit skeptical too."

She chuckled softly, her tension easing. "Well, you've definitely brought out a side of me I didn't know was there."

"Likewise and I'm intrigued to figure out more."

She took the final sips of her drink, polishing off the last drops. Just as if on cue, the man materialized with another drink in hand. A radiant smile lit up her face as she expressed her gratitude, "I really appreciate it!"

He acknowledged with a nod before vanishing once more.

Though a hint of lightheadedness crept in, it didn't deter her from lifting the second cocktail to her lips and indulging in a deep drink. Slowly but surely, her anxiety seemed to evaporate, replaced by a sense of enjoyment in her ongoing conversation with him.

He inclined his head, his curiosity evident as he inquired, "And what about yourself? What do you expect from me?"

"I want to stay with my father before his last breath. I need your protection."

"Done."

Abby beamed at him, "Thank you!"

"So when can we leave? Will it be okay to leave the country? I'm sure you've business to attend to."

"Don't worry about that. Even the devil needs a break sometimes."

Abby chuckled , "Yeah-I guess. S-o how many people have you killed so far? Do you think you can add four more people to the list?"

The corner of his lips quirk, as he took a sip of his whisky.

"Depends sweetheart, who do you want this grim reaper to get rid of?"