A moment of closeness

"You may sit down. This is your place, after all."

Rhysand sat on the same chair he had been bound to previously and crossed his legs, looking like the king he was as he pointed at the other available chairs.

Maril rolled her eyes and sneered lightly. 'Who wants to sit? I just want you to get out of here before I can punch someone and relieve my anger.'

"Since it'll take some time for my men to get here, would you mind telling me more about yourself?" Rhysand asked when no one moved.

"Why?" Maril folded her hands and cocked a brow daringly.

"You are going to be my partner from now onward. I have the right to know everything about you."

Maril's brows drew together into a frown. Though the man's words seemed direct, she didn't know why she felt he was referring to something else altogether.

"I'd like to keep my life a mystery. Can't trust a person I met for the first time," Maril mumbled to herself. But Rhysand heard her loud and clear.

"Fair enough. We can get to know each other as time passes." He nodded and smiled at her when he met her livid gaze.

"Who wants to know you? I'd consider it my blessing if I can stay far away from you."

'Maril, sweetheart, that's the last thing ever going to happen to you,' Rhysand thought, an evil glint flashing in his eyes. 

"Diva," Yoda moved closer to her and whispered, keeping an eye on the man who gave him a look that scared the crap out of him. 

"Hmm?"

"Why do I feel we are falling into a trap?" he questioned, unable to comprehend how they had fallen into Rhysand Moretti's hands when all they were doing was to help Selene teach her scumbag ex a lesson.

Rambo moved closer to Maril as well when he heard them whispering. "Yes, Diva. I feel the same as well. The situation isn't as simple as it seems to be."

Maril was too vexed at being tricked by Rhysand Moretti that she hadn't given the situation much thought. Now that Yoda and Rambo reminded her, she too sensed something amiss. 

How did Rhysand Moretti conveniently end up as their captive? How did he end up in Selene's ex's place? Why did his men not stop them? Shouldn't a man like him have his men nearby?

Maril's blood boiled when she realized that she was being tricked. Gnashing her teeth, she stormed to the man sitting silently on the chair as he examined her. His face was unreadable. Yet, she didn't miss how his lips curled into a devilish smirk when their gazes met.

Maril's anger peaked, and she leaned forward, forcing the man to sit straight. Clutching the chair's arms, she trapped him and continued glaring at him.

Rhysand became apprehensive at once. Yet, he couldn't stop his heart from picking up the pace as he stared at Maril's lovely face. In this proximity, he smelt her perfume. Sandalwood. It was mesmerizing.

Maril's hair cupped her cheeks, making Rhysand's heart itch to push them away and caress her cheeks himself. But he put a leash on his desires.

Maril wouldn't like it, and he may even be thrashed for touching her.

"What are you up to, Mr. Moretti?" Maril seethed, giving him a look that said he would be dead meat if he dared to lie.

"What do you mean, Lady?" Rhysand questioned, keeping his composure in check. He didn't know why he couldn't stay calm in her presence. There was something about her that made him lose control.

Rhysand's eyes lowered to her pink, supple lips, and his Adam's apple bobbed. He felt thirsty, a strong desire to kiss her lips. He had never felt such strong emotions before, and their proximity only intensified his thoughts.

"How did you conveniently end up getting kidnapped by us?" Maril questioned harshly, her eyes spitting fire. 

"Lady," Rhysand chuckled, not showing vulnerability even once. "You'll have to tell me. Wasn't it you and your people who kidnapped me?"

"Where were your men? Shouldn't they be protecting you?" Maril shot back. "Why weren't they around you? After all, you aren't a normal person."

'You got me there, Lady,' Rhysand thought in appreciation. Yet, he remained indifferent as he gazed at Maril indulgently.

"Lady, do you think I'll be surrounded by men at all times? Don't I have my times of privacy?"

"Why am I not convinced? Mr. Moretti, don't attempt to trick me," Maril warned him, and Rhysand's smile widened.

"Lady, why do you think I'm tricking you?" he asked, throwing the ball back into her court.

"How would I know? You'll have to tell me." 

Maril wasn't fooled by him easily and continued maintaining her stance, ignoring how close they were at that moment.

Rhysand moved forward suddenly, eliminating the small distance between them, and Maril stiffened instantly. They were now close, too close to her liking. He was barely a few inches away. If he moved any further, their lips would be touching.

Maril's heart skipped a beat, and she tried to step back. But Rhysand was quicker than her, and he clasped her wrists, pulling her towards him, forcing her to remain in that position.

"Maril, would you believe if I were to tell you I have no ill intentions towards you?" he asked, taking her name for the first time in her presence.

While Rhysand held his breath, Maril was shocked by his unexpected question, and she gaped at him with wide eyes. Her mind went blank, and she forgot everything except the man before her.

"Diva!" Rambo shouted from the back, and Maril was startled.

She jerked her hands back, escaping from his clutches, and Rhysand was regretful that their moment didn't last longer. The warmth under his palms vanished instantly. 

Rhysand's nostrils flared, and his sharp eyes darted towards the man who had interrupted his lovely moment with Maril.

If a look could kill, Rambo would have dropped dead by now.

Rambo gulped when he met the frightening man's equally terrifying gaze. It promised death, and he had an inkling that he wouldn't be alive to see the sun the next day.

Right at that moment, Rhysand's men, Anthony and Luca, arrived, putting a halt to their conversation.