Given their precarious circumstances, she knew Holden wouldnt be here.
Once she calmed down, Ariana realized that this person didnt smell familiar.
With a gulp, she mustered the courage to ask, Whos there?
In the blink of an eye, the lights were turned on in the room.
Bennett showed up right in front of Ariana.
He grabbed her chin, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. You seemed really happy just now. Who were you expecting?
booksbybunny
Ariana didnt even blink. She stared him down and shot back, Youve got a sharp eye; it was dark just now. Have you got yourself night vision goggles or something?
She then quickly wriggled out of his hold, adding, I thought I was at home for a second and mistook you for my dog from Eleymond. My bad.
She sounded anything but apologetic.
Bennetts face darkened, and he paused before snorting. Youve got a thing for dogs, huh? Ones not enough; you need another?
Ariana rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
Bennett, seeing her reaction, somehow felt better and teased, You look like an idiot when you roll your eyes like that.
Ariana, not in the mood for games, retorted, Do you have any idea how creepy it is to just barge in uninvited?
Bennett raised an eyebrow. This whole place is mine. Why would I need an invitation?
Ariana scoffed, Common courtesy, you know? Most people knock before they walk into someone elses room. Its about having a little respect.
I make the rules around here. Manners and respect? That all depends on what kind of day Im having.
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join Stay Updated for All Books Updates
.
Bennett laughed dismissively.
They kept snapping at each other, each trying to get the upper hand.
Ariana was seething inside, desperate to give Bennett a piece of her mind without holding back.
But she knew that Bennett showing up to argue meant he wasnt in a completely foul mood.
If she went too far, though, she might really piss him off, and it was hard to predict what he might do.
Suppressing her rage, Ariana kept up the banter, but her patience was wearing thin. Eventually, she couldnt take it anymore and blurted out, So, what do you want? Are you just here to argue with me?
Im not that idle, Bennett said, standing up and fixing his suit. Im here to tell you dinners ready. Youve got three minutes to get dressed and come downstairs. If youre not there in three minutes, youll become dinner for the beasts instead.
With that, he walked out of the room.
Ariana cursed under her breath as she watched him leave. She had wanted to unload on him, but this was his territory, and she could only suppress her anger.