He raised his eyebrows. "Are that eager to hear my voice?"
Alex laughed scornfully. But she couldn't deny how his voice sent something pleasant down her spine. Though she didn't like to admit. His voice was low, a bit husky and terribly seductive.
"Don't flatter yourself. I could sit here all day without uttering a word. I just don't want you bored".
"You care if I'm bored?", he asked, his eyes narrowed.
Alex rolled her eyes "Oh please, duh. Why would I care about that?"
He shrugged.
"So, why do you want to marry me? Mr...",
"Julian Blackwood", he completed for her.
"Mr. Blackwood. Why do you want to marry me?"
"Well, because you are beautiful", he said easily.
A bit too easily, Alex thought. The ease with which the words came out could nearly make her believe it. Hey, C'mon, I said nearly.
Alex laughed heartily but her expression rapidly turned into a frown. "Save it for the press, Blackwood".
The change nearly shook Julian but he wasn't one to easily lose balance.
"Why? Is that so hard to believe?", he asked.
"Of course, it is. What? You are telling me that you couldn't find a single woman in your social circle who'd put up with you?"
Julian nodded solemnly and Alex scoffed.
"So? You just needed a pretty wife and couldn't choose one from your surroundings? I'm told you rich folks have your circle".
"That's true. But I didn't just want a pretty wife"
"Really? What else?"
"I want an educated and talented wife".
Alex had another one of her scornful laughters.
"You are really funny you know. If you needed an educated and talented wife, then I'm the worst option you could possibly choose. Talents? I haven't got any. Educated?" She laughed again. "Newsflash husband, I dropped out ".
Julian shrugged. "I don't mind".
The guy was really getting on her nerves. She was about to give a retort when the waiter arrived with their order. Alex gave him a seductive smile and the waiter winked at her, obviously tempted. Julian watched the scene calmly. He was rather amused. However, the moment the waiter left, the smile was gone and all she had for him was a glare. That was disconcerting. He wondered what it would take to get her to smile and he asked her.
Alex looked at him like he was wearing socks on her head. Then she had another one of her reckless laughters.
"Well, you sure do know how to make me laugh like a crazy person. Oh, husband. Are you getting delirious already?", she asked as she cleaned tears from her eyes. "Smile genuinely? Well that's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. "
Then her expression changed. "Don't expect me to smile at you. What have you done to deserve that, huh?"
"But I haven't done anything to warrant a glare have I?", he asked calmly.
Alex scoffed as she ate. "You think trying to buy yourself a wife doesn't count?"
"Buying? No one spoke of buying a wife".
"Really? 'Cause that's what it looks like to me. And even so, couldn't you find someone deserving of you to buy?".
Julian's expression softened. "Do you feel you aren't worthy?"
"Oh no, you don't! Don't you dare look at me like I'm some puppy needing someone's love."
People turned around look at them.
"I don't need you or your money, Blackwood ".
"Julian".
"Blackwood", she said firmly.
"Fine then. What gave you the impression that I want to buy you or try to save you with money?", he asked.
"I don't know. Maybe because it's the only logical conclusion one can reach when faced with such circumstances."
"Well, if it's any comfort, I don't intend to either buy you or save you".
"Then what do you want?"
"I want a wife".
"Bulls**t! You could easily get someone who is better than me".
"Maybe. But I want you".
Alex scoffed. "Alright then. But let me warn you Blackwood. This is going to be nothing like the marriage you envisioned."
Julian didn't look bothered by the threat but he should be. The battle line has been drawn and Alex was never one to loose a fight.