The dinner had been tense, and despite my efforts to engage Riley in conversation, her responses remained curt and cold. As we made our way back to our chambers, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that clung to me. This was not how I had envisioned our first night together.
"Here we are," I said, opening the door and gesturing for her to enter first. Riley stepped inside, her posture rigid. The room felt even more enormous and intimidating with her in it. I closed the door behind us, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
I watched as she walked over to the large bed, her movements graceful yet purposeful. She seemed to be taking in every detail of the room, her eyes lingering on the bed for a moment before she turned back to face me.
"I know this situation is... unusual," I began, trying to keep my tone gentle. "But I want you to know that I truly want to make this work."
Riley's expression remained unreadable. "I appreciate that, but let's not pretend this is anything other than what it is."
Her words stung, but I couldn't blame her for her honesty. "I understand," I said, taking a step closer. "But perhaps we could try to make the best of it?"
Riley's gaze was sharp, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "And how do you suggest we do that?"
I hesitated, searching for the right words. "We could start by... getting to know each other better. Maybe talk about our interests, our lives."
Riley raised an eyebrow. "Is that your idea of a romantic evening?"
The sarcasm in her voice made me wince. "No, of course not. I just thought it might help ease the tension."
She sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine. But I'm not here to play nice, Seraphine. Let's be clear on that."
I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Understood."
We stood there in awkward silence for a moment, the vastness of the room making the distance between us feel even greater. I took a deep breath, deciding to take a more direct approach.
"Would you like to sit down?" I asked, gesturing towards the bed.
Riley looked at the bed, then back at me. "Sure," she said, her tone indifferent.
We both sat down on opposite edges of the bed, the space between us vast and uncomfortable. I tried to think of something to say, but my mind was blank. The silence stretched on, and I could feel my nerves getting the better of me.
"So, um," I started, stumbling over my words. "Do you have any hobbies or interests?"
Riley looked at me, her expression one of mild disbelief. "Hobbies? Really?"
I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks flush. "I just thought it might be a good way to start a conversation."
She shook her head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I like to read. That's about it."
I latched onto that small bit of information. "What kind of books do you enjoy?"
Riley shrugged. "Mostly history and fantasy. Sometimes romance, if it's well-written."
I smiled, feeling a small spark of hope. "I enjoy reading too. Perhaps we could share some books sometime?"
Her expression softened slightly. "Maybe."
Encouraged, I moved a little closer, trying to bridge the gap between us. "Riley, I know this is difficult, but I truly want to make this work. I want us to find some common ground."
Riley's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something other than coldness. But then she looked away, and the moment was gone. "We'll see."
I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. I decided to take a more personal approach, hoping to break through her defenses. "Riley, I know you're still angry about Jade. I can't change the past, but I want to try to make things right."
Her gaze snapped back to me, anger flashing in her eyes. "You can't make things right, Seraphine. Jade is dead because of you."
The accusation hung heavy in the air, and I felt my heart ache. "I know. And I'm sorry. I wish things could have been different."
Riley's expression hardened. "Sorry doesn't bring her back."
I reached out, placing a hand on her arm. "I know it doesn't. But maybe we can find a way to move forward. Together."
She pulled her arm away, standing up abruptly. "Don't touch me."
I recoiled, hurt by her rejection. "Riley, please. I just want to help."
She turned to face me, her eyes cold. "I don't want your help, Seraphine. I don't want anything from you."
The room felt suffocating, the distance between us now an insurmountable chasm. I stood up as well, trying to salvage the situation. "Maybe we should try to get some rest. It's been a long day."
Riley nodded, her expression still icy. "Fine."
We both changed into our nightclothes in silence, the tension palpable. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, my heart aching with a mix of longing and frustration. She was so beautiful, so fierce, and yet so unreachable.
As we climbed into bed, I tried to give her as much space as possible, lying on the very edge of my side. Riley did the same, turning her back to me. The bed was large enough to accommodate the distance, but it felt like an endless void.
"Goodnight, Riley," I said softly, hoping for some acknowledgment.
"Goodnight," she replied, her tone devoid of warmth.
I lay there in the darkness, my mind racing. This was not how I had imagined our first night together. I wanted to reach out to her, to hold her, to show her that I cared. But the gulf between us seemed insurmountable.
I closed my eyes, trying to find some semblance of peace. But all I could think about was Riley—her scent, her presence, the way she had looked at me with such disdain. I wanted so badly to bridge the gap, to make her see that I wasn't her enemy.
Sleep came slowly, my mind plagued by thoughts of Riley. I knew this was only the beginning, and that the road ahead would be long and difficult. But I was determined to find a way to reach her, to make her see that I truly cared.
As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of longing. Riley was so close, yet so far away. And all I wanted was to find a way to make things right between us.