Chapter 4

A/N Thanks for reading!

"Mind if I cut in, Manny?"

I found myself gently pushed away from Adelina by Gant. "Yes," I snapped. "I would mind."

But my ire fell on deaf ears as Gant put his hands on Adelina's waist. I waited for her to object, but she did not.

"Why don't you just go and get yourself some punch?" Gant asked. "I'll take care of Adelina."

I glowered at him, but he didn't seem to notice. There wasn't much that I could do without causing a scene, so I left to get some punch. I returned soon after and sipping my punch, I listened in on their conversation.

"You've fallen for Manny awfully fast, it seems," Gant commented.

"Oh, that? Honestly, I'm just trying to to get sued," Adelina replied.

"I'm pretty sure Manny can't sue you for being a bad date."

"No, it's not that... He fell on my property. I'm sure you know how those lawyers are... Ambulance chasers, all of them." She shrugged. "I figure that if I give him what he wants, he'll forget all about me. He is a man after all."

My eyes narrowed. So that's what she was doing? She was playing along with me in the hopes that I'd go away. A flash of anger mixed with disappointment made me frown.

"Don't you think it's kind of... wrong to manipulate his feelings like that?" Gant asked. "He seems to like you... Well... As much as Manny can like anybody."

Adelina shrugged. "I never wanted to go out with him in the first place."

"Fair enough," he replied. "So... Does that mean you don't have any plans for after the ball?"

I turned and marched away, not wanting to hear any more of their conversation. I glowered at anyone who looked like they might talk to me, quickly changing their minds. I poured myself a large helping of the alcoholic punch and took a big gulp, considering what to do. I could just never see her again, but I decided that that would be like losing. And a von Karma never loses. I set down my cup and folded my arms; something I often did when annoyed.

In court when a witness wasn't cooperative, what did I do? I thought for a moment before nodding. I would manipulate them to say exactly what I wanted. But how could I do that for Adelina? I couldn't hold the threat of suing her over her forever. The statute of limitations would run out eventually...

So I would have to manipulate her in other ways... I grasped the sleeve of my jacket as I thought. I couldn't make it too obvious I was manipulating her; she would figure it out. That closed some of the options for me.

Then there was Gant. The orange clad fool would probably get in my way. He always hated it when I had something he didn't. He also had more experience with women than I. What was worse is that Adelina seemed to be attracted to him. I frowned at the strange emotion I was feeling. Was that... jealousy? How could I be jealous of that swimming-obsessed man?

I glanced over at Adelina and Gant as they danced. I glared daggers at him, but he just grinned back foolishly. Why the heck was he dancing with MY date? Wasn't there anyone else he could dance with?

No, Gant just found an endless amount of amusement by annoying me. I stalked up to the pair. "Mind if I cut in?" I asked coolly.

"Not at all!" Gant said, letting go of Adelina. He grabbed my arms. "Let's cut a rug!"

I pulled away from Gant. "No... Let's not."

"Aw, you're no fun, Manny."

I glowered at him as Adelina began giggling. I silently cursed Gant for making me look foolish. Trying to retain some dignity, I bowed towards her. "Would you care for another dance?"

She shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

I placed my hands on her hips and we began to dance again, although this time not as close as before. We were silent for a while until I spoke. "I overheard you conversation with Gant."

"I see." She didn't look apologetic and I frowned. I would've thought she would feel a bit guilty at least. It looks like I couldn't manipulate her guilt. What could I do? Make her pity me? My eyes hardened at the thought. No, I would never show a weakness like that.

"I didn't think you would be the type of person who would eavesdrop, Mr. von Karma."

"I didn't think you would be the type of person who would play with a man's emotions," I quipped back.

"Please, I've seen you in court. You have no emotions," Adelina replied.

"You know, you should have been honored to have me ask you out," I stated calmly as if I were presenting evidence. "I only accept things that are perfect."

"I am not a thing!" she spat. "And you barely know me! What were you going to do if I wasn't as perfect as you thought? Dump me for having flaws? For being human?"

"Yes," I replied truthfully.

"Bastard," she hissed. I winced as she suddenly reached up and slapped me in the face.

"Was that really necessary?"

"Yes, it was."

I frowned at her. "I don't see why you're so upset. I asked you out; I thought you were perfect."

"No, you assumed I was perfect. You assumed that I would just leap into your arms. And when I didn't you tried again, this time trying to blackmail me." She glared at me.

"I wasn't planning on it," I replied. "I wouldn't have thought of it except you brought it up. I just wanted..." I let myself trail of to see if she would react with curiosity.

"Wanted what?"

"I just wanted to go on a date with you," I said smoothly. "Is that really so bad?"

Adelina looked away from me. "No... I guess it's not."

I began to press my advantage, like I would have if I were in court. "And of course, it wouldn't be so bad if I was seeking a second date, would it?"

"Don't push it," she replied.

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied calmly.

I glanced around and spotted a young man adding some more alcohol to the punch. Ah, that would be one way for me to fix this... I waited for him to leave before looking towards Adelina again. "You look thirsty. Would you like some more punch?"