Chapter 4: Unspoken Frustrations

Asquith stands in front of the mirror in his dressing room, fully immersed in his character. He recites his lines with passion, his voice resonating with emotion. Sweat glistens on his brow as he explores the depths of his character's turmoil.

Just as he reaches a particularly intense moment in the monologue, the door to his dressing room creaks open. Mercedes, with an air of nonchalance, strides in, her gaze fixed on Asquith. She leans casually against the doorframe, her arms crossed, and a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Asquith pauses, momentarily taken aback by the intrusion, but quickly regains his composure. He smirks and raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, Mercedes, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" he asks, his voice laced with playful curiosity.

Mercedes saunters closer, her eyes scanning the room with exaggerated interest. "Oh, just thought I'd catch a glimpse of the great Asquith Eden in his natural habitat," she quips, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Asquith chuckles, a twinkle in his eyes. "Ah, so you've come to witness my brilliance firsthand, have you? You're in for a treat, my dear," he replies, his voice laced with playful arrogance.

Mercedes feigns an impressed expression, tilting her head to the side. "Oh, I'm sure. I can hardly contain my excitement," she retorts, a touch of mockery in her voice.

Asquith approaches her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He leans in closer, their faces mere inches apart. "You know, Mercedes, if you're looking for a front-row seat to witness true talent, you need only ask," he says, his voice low and suggestive.

Mercedes raises an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and irritation on her face. "Please, spare me the theatrics, Asquith. We both know your true talent lies in charming your way into leading roles," she remarks, her words laced with a hint of bitterness.

Asquith's lips curl into a smirk as he leans back, the playful glimmer still evident in his eyes. "Ah, jealousy looks good on you, Mercedes. But don't worry, there's room in the spotlight for both of us," he retorts, his voice dripping with confidence.

Mercedes rolls her eyes, unable to hide a hint of admiration for his audacity. "You always did have a way with words, didn't you? Well, break a leg, Asquith. I'll be watching from the wings, ready to steal the scene," she says, her voice laced with a mix of rivalry and begrudging respect.

Asquith's voice carries a hint of amusement as he looks at Mercedes, teasingly asking, "Are you this upset and bitter with me because we were intimate together that one time? Is it possible that you're feeling a little jealous, my dear?" He says, a playful glint in his eyes.

Mercedes rolls her eyes, attempting to brush off his comment. "Please, Asquith, don't flatter yourself. I have no reason to be jealous or upset. I simply find your antics tiresome, that's all."

She crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. "You have an inflated ego, Asquith. Don't mistake my annoyance for anything more than that."

Asquith leans in closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Are you sure about that? I remember the way you held onto me that night, the passion in your eyes. It's hard to believe you've completely forgotten about it."

Mercedes takes a step back, a flicker of uncertainty in her expression. "It was a momentary lapse, nothing more. I won't let myself be swept up in your charm, Asquith. I know better than that." She lets out an exasperated sigh, her irritation seeping into her words. "I'm not into you, and I certainly am not jealous. Your inflated ego blinds you to the fact that not every woman falls at your feet."

Asquith smirks, undeterred by her dismissive response. "Of course, Mercedes. You're impervious to my charms. How could I forget? It is not possible we fucked each other two weeks ago. Probably imagined it myself, as did you." He leans in closer, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "But deep down, I know there's a part of you that secretly longs for my attention once more. Perhaps that's what bothers you most."

Mercedes rolls her eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "You're delusional, Asquith. I have no interest in your attention or your games. I prefer to focus on my craft and leave your seductive antics behind."

Asquith raises an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on her. "Is that so? Well, I must admit, it's a shame. I did rather like seeing you let go of that stoic facade and give in to the allure of passion as I rocked your world."

Asquith's words hit a nerve, causing Mecede's cheeks to flush a deep shade of crimson. She stammers, trying to regain her composure, but her embarrassment is palpable. Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, she quickly brings her hands to cover her face, hoping to hide the telltale signs of her embarrassment.

"Please, Asquith," she mumbles, her voice muffled by her hands. "Don't say that again, not to a soul!"

Asquith can't help but chuckle at her reaction, finding her blush endearing. He reaches out and gently pulls her hands away from her face, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, stone cold Mercedes, there's no need to be so bashful. We fucked, that is all. It's only natural to feel a hint of warmth when reminiscing."

Mercedes's cheeks flush a deep shade of crimson as Asquith's words hit their mark. She bites her lip, trying to regain her composure, but her flustered state is evident. She takes a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice slightly shaky.

"Fine, you're right," she admits, her tone tinged with a mix of irritation and vulnerability. "Maybe I am a little jealous. But it doesn't change anything. It was just a moment, a one off as you like to say about every woman you charm into your bed. We both know there's nothing more to it."

She attempts to mask her feelings with a forced smile, but there's a flicker of hurt in her eyes. Deep down, she knows that their encounter meant something to her, even if she doesn't want to admit it.

Admitting it would only ruin her reputation as the guarded, stone colded woman she aims to be.

"But don't get ahead of yourself, Asquith," she adds, her voice laced with defiance. "I'm not pining after you. I'm perfectly capable of moving on."

Asquith raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips as he leans in closer. "Oh, I never doubted your ability to move on, Mercedes. But let's not pretend that our encounter meant nothing. I can see it in your eyes."

Mercedes shifts uncomfortably under his gaze, her defensiveness wavering. She looks away, unable to meet his piercing eyes.

"Just drop it, Asquith. Shut up, shut up." she mutters, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and longing. "It's better this way. We both know it."

Asquith's smile softens, and he reaches out to gently touch her arm. "Indeed. I didn't think it necessary to warn you, but I suppose even the more difficult women such as yourself can find it in them to care, when they try their very hardest not to."

Mercedes pulls away slightly, her conflicted emotions evident. She takes a deep breath, attempting to regain her composure.

"Let's focus on the work at hand," she says, her voice steadier but with a lingering hint of vulnerability. "We have a show to put on, and personal matters should be set aside."

Asquith nods, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before she takes a step back, her eyes avoiding Asquith's own baby blues. She musters a curt smile and says, "Well, I should get going. Rehearsals await." With a slight nod, she turns on her heel and swiftly exits the room, leaving behind an air of tension and unspoken frustrations.