Episode 7

I get up to dance with Brian, while Karine makes a face.

We went to the center of the dance floor, where romantic music started playing. I have no idea how to dance, and he notices.

Brian: Relax your body and let me guide you.

Ana: Okay.

He starts to guide me and, incredibly, it was as if I knew how to dance. He brings his face close to mine, and we dance closely to each other. I breathe in that wonderful perfume he wears, and what a perfume... Wake up, Ana, this is just a marriage of convenience, you are not in love.

I snap out of my thoughts with him speaking.

Brian: Ana, now you are Mrs. Salvatore, it's time for you to assert yourself. I don't want you bowing your head to anyone, are you listening to me? They are the ones who have to bow down to you.

He spins me to the rhythm of the music.

Brian: It doesn't matter if it's your family or anyone else, you must assert yourself, of course, except with me… (he says laughing)

The way he speaks is funny and I end up laughing too.

Brian: Okay? (He says taking my chin and lifting my face)

I nod my head.

Brian: Great.

When I realize it, the dance is already over, and we go back to our places.

Brian: Why did you agree to be treated like this by your family?

Ana: I had no choice. (I say looking down)

Brian: You had every right to stand up for yourself, you are the legitimate daughter.

Ana: I never even had the chance to leave the house, let alone stand up for myself.

Brian: Has your father ever hit you?

Ana: A few slaps, yes. But nothing that hurt more than the contempt he showed me. (I speak with tears in my eyes)

Brian: One day he will regret it.

Ana: Why do you think that?

Brian: This stepmother of yours doesn't inspire confidence in me, let alone your sister.

Ana: They are snakes. (I say upset)

Brian: And your sister is a loose snake. (He says laughing)

Ana: Have you ever been with her? (the question comes out without me realizing it). Sorry, I wasn't supposed to ask that… (she says, embarrassed)

Brian: And why not? You're my wife, you can ask me anything… And to answer your question, no. She's not my type.

Ana: Oh, okay. (I say relieved)

Brian: I was relieved by our change of fiancee, I couldn't bear to live with her.

I start to laugh at what he's saying.

We're distracted and suddenly he looks at his watch.

Brian: It's consummation time. (He says looking at me)

And I blush with shame.

Brian: Shall we? (He holds out his hand and I take it)

We said goodbye to the guests and went to Brian's mansion.

As soon as I arrive I see that the decoration remains the same, with the difference of not seeing any employees around the house.

Brian: Don't worry, the house is empty. (He says seeming to guess my thoughts). Would you like some wine?

Ana: I don't drink... (He looks at me in amazement)

Brian: Seriously?

Ana: My father never let me… (I say remembering how I was treated)

He takes a glass, and fills it with wine that was in his cellar. And he comes towards me, on the living room sofa.

Brian: Try a little. (He offers me his glass)

I take it and drink a little.

Brian: So?

Ana: It's good…. (I say smiling and returning the glass)

Brian: Whenever you want to experiment more, just take it there. (Points to the cellar)

I nod my head, and start to get nervous about the consummation.

Brian: What is making you so nervous?

Ana: H-how do you know?

Brian: That you're nervous? Your expression, you can't stop tapping your feet lightly on the floor, and you can't stop squeezing your fingers…

I'm amazed at how he notices everything.

Brian: I learned to read people's body language in training, after all, a gift must be prepared. (He says sipping his wine). What is making you like this?

Ana: It's just…. I don't know how to say this… (I run my hand over my face) I've never done this… (I blurt out)

Brian: I know that… I investigated you…

Ana: So, that's it… (I lean back on the couch, relaxing)

Brian: I'm not going to force you into anything, Ana. If you're not ready, we'll find another way. No problem.

I nod my head.

Ana: And what would that way be?

Brian: Well, you're going to have to trust me… (He says looking at me)

I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust him… and I nod.

He extends his hand, and I take it. We went up the stairs and he explained.

Brian: Well, here on the top floor are the bedrooms, both the guest rooms and ours. (He says, opening the door)

Ana: O-ours? We're going to sleep together? (I ask embarrassed)

Brian: Yes, we are married. To everyone, we have to show that we are happy, otherwise the marriage is annulled. And I don't think either of us wants that.

I nod my head.

Brian: Even though we're not going to consummate, I'm going to need some of your blood. Because I need the stain on the sheet, and if by chance they do the test, they will confirm that the blood is yours.

Ana: Okay, how are we going to do this?

Brian: You'll see. (He says smiling). Take a bath to relax. Oh, before I forget, Pamela left this bag here and said it was for you.

Ana: Okay, thank you.

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