Before I could even reply, he stood up, grabbing my palm and lifting me up. I noticed Adrian had also gone off with some girl to the dancing room.
"I don't really want to, it's fine," I said, waving a hand but stumbled when he walked while pulling me with him. Fine, then. Why ask when you are going to make me, anyway?
I sighed helplessly. I should stop giving him a hard time, but he was trying to act like the perfect husband when we both knew he probably wanted nothing to do with this and me at all.
Well, he should have said no when he had the chance.
The music was slow, which was good. There was no bumping or tripping over other couples but the slow music meant the couples had to talk. So while everyone else was talking, we just danced, not even a single word muttered.
So much for a good dance, eh?
I met Alicia's eyes and she raised her eyebrows twice and I cocked my head to the side mouthing, "What?"
I really didn't understand all the mixed signals this girl was giving me today. She giggled and whispered something in Jake's ear and he turned around smiling. Were they talking about me?
"There you all are," said Miss Alvin, barging in her long dress trailing behind her. I looked to the side and watched her go up and grasp Jake and Alicia and then come over to us.
"The main reason I had this was to introduce my son but he's delayed his trip for another week. I just wanted to privately remind you that next week, all four of you must come. I'll tell Margaret and call you Alicia," she said.
I internally groaned. Oh god, save me!
Alicia, on the other hand, looked too excited and nodded.
"Well then, I'll let you children continue," she said. She moved from us to another group, probably telling them the same thing. The song was over and we moved back to our seats when Adrian joined us.
"May I have a dance with my cousin-in-law?" he said. Before I could reply, he grabbed my hand, pulling me away and I nearly tripped over, again. I guess that was one thing that ran in their family, not asking if their partner was happy about it.
"So tell me, cousin-in-law. How do you like your new husband?"
"Is cousin-in-law even a word?” I questioned. It had to be, it sounded like a word. He shrugged, cocking his head to the side pretending to think.
"I am sure it is a word. I just don't know the meaning. We should find out one day, shouldn't we?" he asked.
Adrian had pale green eyes, not as dark as Darius’s but much more joyful as his eyes crinkled when he smiled. Maybe he should teach his cousin how to have fun. But instead of Darius’s neatly cut hair, Adrian had slightly blonde hair that was overgrown to his neck and was ruffled messily.
"No point avoiding the questions, my cousin-in-law," he said, twirling me around and pulling me back a bit closer than necessary.
"What question?" I asked. How was one supposed to answer that question when they barely knew the man for a couple of days, not to mention he kept avoiding me and vice versa.
"The question about my ridiculous stupid cousin," he said. So he agreed his cousin was stupid.
"Oh that - eh, I g-"
A hand wrapped around my waist and I jumped as I tried to move away. What part of “I am ticklish” did this man not get?
"Adrian, we have to go. Come by the house tomorrow if you want," said Darius.
"I'll be there, couz. Later, my lady," said Adrian, giving me a mock bow and winking.
I waved a hand muttering ‘whatever’ as Darius dragged me away.
The limo ride back home was just as quiet as the one before. Margaret greeted us as soon as we got home.
"Thank god you got my message. I was afraid you hadn't," she said. Darius shrugged out of his coat and handed it to her, unbuttoning his sleeves.
"Of course I did, Marge," he said.
My heart dipped. So we actually had a reason to leave and here I thought he was a little jealous, or at least acting in public, of me dancing with Adrian. I nearly scoffed. Why the heck would he?
"Why? What happened?" I asked, looking between them. Darius loosened his black tie that had made his eyes even darker than usual and headed up the stairs. Gee, thanks for the answer.
"Oh, it's nothing big. I think it is quite lovely, dearie. It might give you some time to bond," she said with a small wince.
"What will?"
"A whole week. Think of it, how much fun it would be, dearie. Did you eat anything, or would you like me to serve something up for you?" she asked, leading me to the kitchen. Oh god yes, I was starving!
"Ma, what are you talking about?" I asked as she handed me a piece of garlic and cheese bread. The bread was delicious, soft and buttery with a hint of spinach in there.
"Oh, nothing. Your parents and Darius's have given you the week off," she said smiling. I chewed softly and swallowed my bread before clearing my throat.
"What do you mean? Week off what?” I asked. Margaret busied herself with cleaning the crumbs off the table then placed them in the bin.