Chapter 4 Your Body Says You Want Me
Dorian's POV
The final kiss at the wedding venue was just for show, nothing more. I felt Evelyn's slight tremor as my lips barely touched hers, cold and distant. The Beverly Hills Cathedral buzzed with camera flashes and polite applause, a perfect façade for this business deal disguised as a marriage.
My father Alexander's smug grin from the front row only deepened my contempt. This was his grand design - merging two powerful families through an outdated tradition. Richard Ashford, her father, looked just as self-satisfied. The whole scene made my stomach churn.
"Shall we?" I said, offering my arm to Evelyn, my voice low enough for only her to hear. "Time to show our guests just how happy we are."
She stumbled slightly in her designer heels as we made our way down the aisle. Amateur. The sight of her struggling to maintain composure brought a cruel satisfaction. This small-town doctor was completely out of her depth in our world.
The ride back to Blackwood Estate was silent. Through the tinted windows of the Lincoln, Beverly Hills' lights blurred past like stars falling. My thoughts drifted to Emily and our last night at Blackwood Estate - now that was real passion, raw and honest. Unlike this calculated farce.
When we arrived, I deliberately left Evelyn stranded outside the front door while I walked in first, watching her through the security feed as she stood awkwardly by the entrance. The sight of her discomfort brought a smirk to my face.
"Mr. Blackwood, your grandfather wishes to see you in the study." Thompson said to me. My grandfather was definitely going to scold me about those scandalous photos.
David, my grandfather, was livid. "You embarrass this family on your wedding day! I'm afraid your position at Blackwood Group isn't guaranteed, kid."
Although I was known for being a playboy, I still cared about David's opinion. I knew I was wrong about the scandalous photos, so I remained silent, ready to accept his reproach.
I stood there, jaw clenched, until Evelyn stepped in. "Mr. Blackwood, Both Dorian and I made mistakes at today's wedding. I shouldn't have shown up in that outfit. If you're going to punish anyone, please let it be both of us."
For some reason, David always listened to Evelyn. In the end, he chose not to blame me. Instead, he told me to take good care of Evelyn.
However, her intervention only stoked my anger further. How dare she try to curry favor with my family? Playing the perfect, supportive wife already. It was nauseating.
In our suite, I grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Beautiful view, isn't it? Almost as high up as the stairs your sister fell down."
She went very still. "What are you implying?"
"Just making conversation. Wouldn't want any more accidents in the family."
"Being part of the Blackwood family is an honor," she replied cautiously. "I'm grateful for this opportunity."
"Are you?" I stepped closer, noticing her pulse quicken at her throat. "Funny, considering how cozy you were with Hunter back in Evergreen Valley."
"That was the past."
"Then prove it." I pressed her against the glass. "Show me how grateful you really are."
Her breath hitched. "Darling, please be gentle."
"Gentle isn't really my style." I traced her jawline with one finger. "But don't worry - we have all night to explore what you can handle."
"We... we should try for a baby," she whispered, an obvious attempt to divert my attention.
"A baby?" I laughed against her neck. "Oh, we'll get to that. But first, let's see how well you can play your role as the devoted wife."
The city lights stretched out below us like a blanket of stars, bearing witness to this game of power and pretense. In the reflection of the window, I saw her wrestle with fear and determination. Perfect. Tearing down her facade would be even more satisfying than I had imagined.
My grip tightened on her wrists. Time to show her exactly what kind of man she'd married.
She trembled beneath my touch, but there was something defiant in her amber eyes. Even now, she was trying to maintain her composure. It was... intriguing.
"Hunter never made you feel like this, did he?" I whispered against her ear, feeling her shiver. "Your precious small-town romance. How sweet."
"Don't talk about him," she said, her voice barely audible.
"Why not? Does it bother you to be reminded of what you gave up?" My fingers traced along her collarbone. "The good doctor and the club owner. A regular fairy tale."
Her breath caught as I pressed closer. "The past is the past."
"But the present..." I turned her to face me. "The present is all about us. And right now, Mrs. Blackwood, you're going to learn exactly what that means."
She tried to step back, but there was nowhere to go. The glass window behind her reflected our silhouettes - the powerful heir to the Blackwood empire and his unwilling bride. The symbolism wasn't lost on me.
"Your body betrays you," I observed, noting her rapid pulse. "For someone who claims to be so honored by this marriage, you seem rather... conflicted."
"I'm not conflicted," she protested weakly. "I know my place."
"Do you?" I tangled my fingers in her hair, tilting her head back. "Because from where I'm standing, you still think you have some control here. Let me be clear - you don't."
Her hands came up to my chest, whether to push me away or pull me closer, I couldn't tell. The uncertainty in her touch was delicious.
She gasped, her fingers clutching at my shirt. "Dorian..."
"Shhh..." I silenced her with a bruising kiss. "Enough talking. Actions speak louder than words, don't they? Tonight, Mrs. Blackwood, your actions will reveal everything I need to know."