Hey, guys! I've decided to add the prompts I receive on Tumblr to the story. If I have time in the future, I may think of adding to the story (plot) itself, but for now it's just prompts. I had nothing to do last night so I asked for them.
Anon on Tumblr prompted: "I'd love to see more of their interactions before the Matching or Gold's perspective!"
"Belle." He says my name softly, plucking the book I am reading from my fingertips.
Crap. I look up, worried that he'll be angry I ran off and ignored our scheduled time to work on our project. Yet, I find no malice in his amber eyes or slack expression, and that's surprising because Rumford Gold always has a dangerous gleam in his eye.
He raises his eyebrows when I say nothing. It's clear he's disappointed.
Sighing, I reach out to take the book back but he pulls it out of my reach. "I'm sorry, okay?" I tell him with an edge. "Are you going to threaten me?" I add because he doesn't move to hand over my book. Today has not been a good day. "I'm not dealing with you right now, Rumford Gold. I'm sick of you bullying my friends."
"So this is the cold shoulder, eh?" he asks darkly, sitting down across from me. I'm amazed at how quickly his cold front snaps on. He scowls when I grit my teeth and look away from him. We're not friends. We've never pretended to be, but we've always worked well together. Until now.
He's too fearsome and terrifying...and acts like a monster. For the life of me, I don't understand it. Even if his parents are important and he's brilliant—it doesn't give him the right to mistreat others. And I will not condone his actions.
"After this project is over I think it's best we don't talk to each other." I say the words coolly but, inside, I feel nothing but cool. My chest is on fire. My cheeks are aflame.
"So that's it," Rumford hisses.
My eyes flash to his, meeting his glare straight on. "I think so, yes."
He tosses my book at my feet and stands, anger written all over his face. For a second I think he's going to growl at me, but he merely sighs and fists his hands at his sides. "Tomorrow at three. In the library. Be there, Belle."
I pick up my book and roll my eyes at his husky tone. "Yes. Whatever pleases you my Lord Gold," I mutter under my breath before I can stop myself. Then I blink. Oh what a stupid thing to say! His father has enough influence in the Society to end my father—to break my family.
With heart pounding, I gaze up at Rumford, who has frozen at my address. He eyes me like I am a hard math problem he has to solve. "You should watch yourself, Belle," he warns quietly, "even with you I may lose my...patience." He lets the implied threat settle in the air before turning and walking away.
I sigh and feel sorry for the girl he'll be Matched with in a couple of months.
She'll have her hands full.