[i]”Now, my dear Ms. Abbott,” he objected. “Such statements make me jealous. Do you wish to inform me that you prefer the company of men in uniform more than mine?”[/i]

“What?” Claire gasped, quickly reviewing what she’d said in her mind to get why he would say such a thing. “Nick, no, I swear that’s not my intention,” she quickly tried to reassure him. Funny, a few hours ago she wouldn’t have care what he thought, but now him thinking she was the cheating, lying woman everyone else saw her as was disheartening. He was her [i]husband[/i], or at least would be. She may have an important job to do and different priorities than everyone else, but Claire Abbot still held family as something to be treasured. Especially after seeing those little beds that would one day hold her children…

“I just- if you want to build your name up in society, they would be the perfect people to associate with. I’ll keep in mind why you are marrying me when have our little get-togethers,“ she added, a little put out by how often the topic of her leaving him had come up. Was this really how it would be for the rest of their lives, her assignment making it look like she was a deceitful wife? “Despite what you think, I do have a few morals, Nicholas.”

Claire was ready to leave. The place was gorgeous, but she would have the rest of her days to look upon the growing landscape and large, empty rooms. Yet as soon as she lowered her hands and opened her mouth to suggest they go Nicholas pulled his tiny gift out. It was unexpected to say the least, but she quietly and impatiently waited to see what was within the tiny box.

“Oh…” It was beautiful and had to be worth quite a bit. But more than the money, he actually got her something and was giving it while not in front of her father or a crowd of people. Better yet, he knew there was no reason to fake any amount of adoration with her. “Nicholas, I don’t understand,” she whispered, reaching out to touch the diamonds, her eyes glistening in awe, “I agreed to marry you, there’s no reason for this.” Yet she couldn’t deny the thought was sweet. He may have ulterior motives for marrying her, but Nicholas didn’t seem like the villain she had made him out to be. In a moment of complete spontaneity and for the sake of giving this arranged relationship a shot Claire stepped forward and leaned close enough to place a simple, gentle kiss on Nick’s lips. It was quick but lasted long enough for him to know it meant more than as a thank you. He may have gifts and a house to show, but [i]she[/i] wanted to be the one to make the first move romantically if anyone was going to. Besides…it was kind of nice. His lips were soft, inviting, and it sent a spark through her body to the pit of her stomach. She had experienced less kisses than he probably would believe.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous. Will you help me put it on?” she asked with a sly grin, turning around and moving the few strands of hair that had fallen from her up-do so the chain wouldn’t catch on them. “This has been…better than I expected, at least. I suppose the next time I’ll see you, you’ll be the one at the end of the aisle and I’ll be in that lovely white dress, hm? I still plan on letting someone else pick everything else- I could care less. [i]Except[/i] for that dress…perhaps I’ll talk to the tailor about it,” she said thoughtfully, as if speaking to herself now.