"My mood's ruined. I don't want this tonight."
The woman frowned. "What does that even mean?"
"It means I said no." His tone remained calm now, but distant. "So understand that I don't want this tonight with you."
For a moment, disappointment crossed her face openly.
Still, she attempted one final smile while lightly touching his arm again.
"Maybe we can meet another time?" She asked hopefully. "Preferably when your fiancée isn't around? Perhaps maybe when she's out of the city?"
Alaric immediately understood the implication behind her words.
The ambition she had. The opportunity she thought she saw tonight. Usually, he would have entertained it casually.
Tonight, however… everything suddenly felt exhausting.
"I'm sorry your plans for the night got ruined," he said flatly while standing up from the couch. Then without waiting for another response, he added, "My driver will drop you home. Or wherever else you'd like to go."
