He really did have excellent taste. The wine softened the edges of my lonely evening. The lights of the big city calmed me. I often fell asleep in my chair, gazing at the night lights of this noisy, ever-living city. Shanghai — the city that never sleeps.
— Drinking alone again? — Kai's voice broke my concentration. — Hmmm… — He looked at my wine and seemed to think. — He came to watch you again, as usual.
Kai picked up the bottle, turned it in his hands, and poured wine into my glass.
— Feels good to have such a devoted fan, doesn't it? — Even without looking at him, I could feel his smirk.
— Yes, I won't deny it, it's pleasant.
— But that's all it is?
— Kai, I know who I am and why I'm here. So mind your own business.
— I just don't want misunderstandings between the clans. — He was looking at the wine.
— I'll deal with it myself. It's none of your concern. — Why is he so persistent? — Aren't you expected at the party?
— I couldn't leave without seeing my future little wife. — He leaned toward me with a sweet smile.
— That doesn't work on me, so you can go.
Kai lingered for a moment, then headed for the door.
— This is my apartment too. Maybe you don't care, but under the agreement between the clans, we have to live together.
— Only live. So spare me your banal tricks.
We've been living together for five years now. I still can't accept it. Maybe Kai isn't so bad. Maybe the clan needs this. But I'm not about to hide my pride.
— You're mine. Just accept it. — Kai's voice was stern.
— Kai, watch your words. I am not one of your cheap toys. I am the future head of the Western clan. Choose your words when you speak to me. Neither you, nor anyone else, is allowed to speak to me that way! — My voice was firm, and yet calm.
— If you're the head, then watch your actions. — His voice wasn't about to yield.
— I won't be going there again this year. Happy now?
— Soup? — I heard the surprise in his voice.
— If it makes you feel better to take away the one thing that gives me pleasure here, then fine. — I tried to sound carefree, sipping my wine.
— Do whatever you want, I'm not your keeper. — He was silent for a moment. I hoped he'd leave, so I stayed silent too. — Just pick a different wine!
— I'll try. — Kai, are you really irritated that I drink the same wine as Leon? You're adorable, Kai, but I'll never tell you that.
— And change your pajamas. — His voice was calm.
— Hmmm… — I looked down at myself, not understanding what he meant.
— It's kind of awkward to make a move on you when you're wearing pajamas with little lions on them… — I turned to look at him and saw his warm smile, so dear to me.
— Kai…
I didn't even have time to say another word before he waved me off and, leaving my room, added:
— Alright, alright, I've got no time. Tonight at the party they promise girls of the highest class. I have to go. — And just before he left my room entirely, he added: — You should get out and relax too.
Ah, Kai… If my clan had the same ways as yours, I'd have been somewhere else long ago. Either way, my clan will never give me freedom. They remember the case of Anna Helsing all too well. They will never allow me to be free.
Will I be free when we marry?
Will they even let me marry you?