"Taxi!"
Aurora hailed down a vehicle the moment she stepped out of the penthouse building. Her new found desire to get away from Mariano, itching away at her feet. Just as she pulled open the passenger door, Mariano reached beyond her shoulder and pushed it shut. She came around angrily, but he was the first to speak. "You're coming back with me."
"Like hell, I am!" she protested.
"Is everything okay?" the driver asked, poking his head out of the vehicle to get a better view of the exchange.
"Yes."
"No." They simultaneously replied.
"Sorry to involve you in our lovers quarrel. She coming with me."
He took her by the arm and gently but firmly led her away from the vehicle.
"Let go of me!" Subtly she struggled to free her arm. "I swear, I'll scream."
He stopped but didn't let go of her. "Mon Cherie, it would be in your best interest, not too. But if you wish to give the paps a show, then be my guest. Either way, you're coming back with me and that's final."
She glanced around the busy streets. Other road users went about their own business but the few people who spared them a look, stared curiously. Then she noticed a young man right ahead with a black camera hung around his neck. He looked like he was studiously trying to avoid her gaze.
"Fine, but let go of me, you might leave a bruise."
He immediately released her. The last thing he wanted to do was physically hurt her. He took a tiny step back, but kept his hand on her back the entire way out to the car. His touch burned her like a brand and, in spite of her wish to remain unaffected by it, her treacherous body had wishes of its own.
She hopped into his car, and slammed the door hard. Hoping to damage something in the precious bugatti he'd all but forced her into. He got in and fastened his seatbelt.
"I don't remember you being this intolerable."
She scoffed. "Funny how I could say the same about you."
Mariano got the powerful engine to life and pulled away from the sizzling curb. Aurora opted to stare out the window throughout the drive, watching the city's high-rises sliding by in slow motion. Like flipping through a magazine quickly, the scenery changed frequently, glossy through the filter of the window.
"Tell me more about this Jason guy." He started again, his eyes still glued to the traffic jam they were approaching. It seemed like the entire world was headed somewhere this hot afternoon. A bottleneck of Priuses, convertibles and trucks waiting in a never-ending line of vehicles.
"Not this again," she groaned. "Was this why you insisted we ride together?"
"If I said yes, would you jump out the vehicle?"
Her gaze narrowed. "You would like that, wouldn't you?"
He tutted. "You seem to be loosing touch of reality. I'm not the monstrous man you married."
"Good for you."
"So. What's he to you? An ex?" He returned to the subject at hand.
"I don't see how that is any of your business." Her hands folded together on her thighs, to keep them from strangling him.
"It is my business who my father's widow is hanging out with." he said matter-of-factly.
"Tell me instead, how's your girlfriend?"
"Who?" One eyebrow arched in question.
"Aww, don't tell me you've suddenly forgotten the pretty girl at the wake." she grumbled. "She was all over you till you left for your shady meeting with Facin. That's what you called him right?"
"She's an ex. Who happens to be a good friend now."
"She kissed you." Aurora deadpanned. "On the lips. The girl is certainly thirsty and you're entertaining her."
He laughed suddenly, startling her. "Jealous, Aurora? There's no need for that. She means nothing to me."
"Of course I'm not jealous," she said, though the blush creeping beneath her skin could have given away the lie but thankfully, his eyes were on the road. "You're the one acting like a jealous boyfriend. You have no business asking me questions about Jason, or any other guy friend, I might have."
"So you are saying he's just a friend then?"
She groaned. "That's all you heard? Gosh, Mariano, how are you single? You're just about the most pleasant man I've ever met."
"It's a personal choice," he fired back, smiling patronizingly. "Just like the one you made when you got married to a man who could pass for your grandfather, just for his money."
Her awkward silence filled the car. The banter was fair, but when they started speaking truths, that was when it got too much. She couldn't argue that cause she actually married Maximo for his money. Although not for herself, but for her kid sister. She did it for family but she was pretty sure Mariano believed it was for her own selfish needs. He'd all but called her a social climber.
She swiveled her attention back to the window, to the safety of watching other people in their cars, trying to keep his derogatory opinions out of her head. She was done talking.
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