Chapter 4 Fourth

The restaurant was elegant, and it made her think about the price of things there. She couldn't afford it. Telling him was the best thing to do, before they asked for food.

"Mr. Crane, I mean, August, this place is incredibly beautiful, but I am afraid I cannot afford to order anything here, but the free water. I have been at your company for 2 days, so I have not received my salary yet. I am sorry if I don't eat, although I will accompany you tonight, for dinner. I'll listen to whatever you have to tell me."

He was astonished. Did she really think he was letting her pay for her food? The waiter accompanied them to their table, which was already reserved at the end of the restaurant, which meant, very reserved. August thanked the man and looked back at her

"What kind of man do you think I am? I invited you here, of course I am paying for everything! 'Pay", he spat the word with disgust, "Nonsense! Just sit, woman."

"Oh, I am sorry. How could I know it? And sorry for offending you. Not my purpose, at all." She said.

"Okay. Just sit. We are going to ask for our food and, while we wait, we talk." She sat and the waiter brought the menu. "We call you in a moment."

"As you prefer, sir. I'll be right back" With a reverence, he was gone.

"Miss Jones, I have a proposal. I did a little research about you and your family. Your father left you and your brother flat. At least, that is what it seems. You were a great student, all your life, and now, you have an excellent job. But, still, it won't pay for your brother's treatment. Not the way he needs and deserves." He said, as a matter of fact, but sounded a bit arrogant.

She looked down. The way he spoke, she felt like she was not enough for her brother. She couldn't do enough for him. How humiliating.

"Indeed", was all she managed to reply.

"I have a solution: marry me." The words came out as if he was speaking about the weather. The menu in her hands fell on the table. Her jaw almost did the same. "Are you going to answer me or keep staring with this gaping mouth, like a fish?"

"I... I...", she mumbled. She wanted to speak, but her mind could not organize the ideas.

"Now, like a fish dying out of the water. Just say yes or no. So simple."

His patience was dying. Why did she say nothing? Any woman would kill to receive a proposal from him, right? Right?

"Why?" Finally, she could form a word to say.

That was not what was asked, he thought, furrowing his brows.

"Yes, or No? These are the options."

She couldn't believe it. Why would a man like August Crane need HER, of all people, to marry him? He didn't know her, so, this was not love. Convenience, for sure, but why? She as a nobody, she had nothing to offer.

"You know what I think about loveless marriage. We spoke about it earlier, August." She said, firmly.

"Really? Although I cannot offer love, I can give you as much money as you and your brother need. You only have to marry me. Why refuse without even thinking about the matter?" He was pretty annoyed. She remained silent for a moment, and the waiter came back.

"May I take your order, sir?" The waiter didn't want to go there, but his manager was poking him incessantly.

August was furious. It should have been easier. Now, he should be enjoying the meal and his victory over his cousin. Commemorating his bright future ahead of him, with his wife. But no, he was just looking at a woman that could not just accept it and was blind to a good chance of living better! She was crazy. No, she was idiot!

"I haven't decided yet, I am sorry. We were talking and..." she was saying, when August interrupted her.

"Of course, " he sneered, " you can't even decide what to eat before the waiter comes, let alone what is best for your future."

"I may return later, sir.", the waiter said, trying to keep the mood cool.

"We want two Caesar salads to start. And lamb in mint sauce, please. Ah, and bring us the best wine you have today, too. That is all, for now."

The waiter nodded and left.

"I never said I wanted lamb. Actually, you don't even know if I like it. What if I am veget...", she was trying to hold her tongue and spoke as nicely as she could.

"Let me interrupt you, right now. One of us must be firm enough to choose, to decide over things. Do you expect me to keep waiting for you to make up your mind, even about dinner?" He was losing his patience for good!

"If that is what marriage will be with you, forget about me thinking on the matter of accepting your proposal!" She was fuming. That man was impossible! He humiliated her about how poor she is, and now, he is even making her feel like a useless person who can't decide about anything in her life! Like an idiot! She placed her napkin on the table and got up from her chair.

She didn't have to endure this. She was capable enough to find another job, because, the way things were going, he would fire he, no doubt. Jack would be disappointed, but that is life!

"Where the hell do you think you are doing?" He rose from his seat immediately and followed her. He was trying not to bring too much attention to them both. He grabbed her arm, bringing to him, and walked closely, whispering through his teeth. "We haven't finished yet. I already ordered! Now, get back to sitting and we will finish our dinner!"

"Too bad you ordered enough for two people, by yourself. I am not staying here and letting you humiliate me. You are not even my fiancé and are already acting like a jerk! I won't marry you. That's your final answer. Now, let go of me or I will scream!"

He let go of her arm but followed her anyway. When they were far enough, he grabbed her again, but this time, she had to stop.

"Let go of me!", she struggled.

"Shut up! Stop making a fuss!" He was trying to hold himself, because he was afraid he was going to hurt her if he used more strength.

As she continued to debate herself in his arms, he did the first thing of which he could Think of. To be honest with himself, he did what he wanted to do since yesterday, when he got a glimpse of her beautiful lips while she was talking. He kissed her. Not softly, but pretty roughly.

She stopped right away. It was unexpected. Was he kissing her? Oh, he was. And he was great at that. She started to feel like melting. And, as sudden as it started, it ended. Her cheeks were flustered, and both were panting.

"Now, come back to the restaurant and let's celebrate our engagement."

She was still not thinking straight and followed him. The waiter was at a loss, looking at the empty table, while the food was on the cart. When he saw them approaching, he felt relieved?

"Thank you. Serve us and you can leave. I must talk to my new bride."

The waiter's eyes opened after hearing this. He served the food and left as fast as he could. That man was an excellent client and the best was to not infuriate him.

"Wait. I never said I accepted." She said, coming back to her senses.

"Do you think you can kiss me like that and don't want to take responsibility? Shocking. I didn't know you were that kind of woman." He put his hand on his chest, very theatrically.

She could not believe it. Now, he was calling her cheap!

"Responsibility? You kissed me! Don't you dare to call me an easy woman! That is..."

"I just put my lips on yours in order for you to shut up. You were the one who actually kissed me. And no, I definitely am not calling you easy. I would never marry an easy, vulgar woman. Now, eat, before it gets cold. We will discuss the details of this marriage and, believe me, ou will like it. As I said before, your brother will have everything he needs here if you agree to marry me."