It was a few months after that ball when my father was holding one in our home. Demetrius House was expansive and suited well for parties. My father had been sickly along time and he said that hosting the balls made him feel young and healthy again.

Plus it was the closest he got to company since his dear friend, Lord Charters had passed away and left everything to his son.

Bodin.

I wondered if Bodin was going to be here. Of course he'll be here. I'm here.

It seemed he was everywhere I was anymore.

"Belle." His voice boomed across the Ballroom with such authority that everyone stopped and all eyes turned.

I lifted my brows in shock that he'd shout for me across a crowded room. I lifted my skirts and hurried over. "What?"

"The doctor is here. Your father collapsed in the Parlor a short time ago."

"And you didn't tell me!" I went to move past him but he caught me by the shoulders.

"The doctor is tending to him. Let him do his job."

"What do you think I'll do!"

"You'll go in there and try to control everything as you always do."

What? I reared back as though he'd slapped me.

Bodin rarely insulted me.

"Come here." He commanded.

I was so stunned at his tone that I obediently followed him to the Dark Parlor further down the hall.

He led me in but I was so consumed with worry for my father I didn't consider that we were alone, unchaperoned in the Parlor.

"What do you want, Din?" I said a bit harshly.

He was watching me pace. His eyes so dark that they reflected only the candle burning in the corner and his head turned slightly to keep me in view. "You know what I want."

"I told you a million times, you can't have me."

"I don't think you're hearing me."

"Now is not the time!" I stomped a foot. "My father is ill."

"Now is absolutely the right time. What do you think happens to you when he's gone?"

"I don't know. I'm sure some distant aunt somewhere will take me."

"You don't know or speak to any of your family. Do you even know that your father disowned many of them for his friendship with mine?"

"What?" I blinked at him. Coming to a stop clutching my skirts.

He shook his head. "How can you be so blind? It's all irrelevant now."

"What on Earth are you mumbling, Din?"

"Marry me."

"No." I said obstinately.

"Today."

"Never." I countered.

He tilted his head and stared down his nose at me.

I could feel his anger rolling off him in waves.

"I don't think you understand." He said coldly. "I will have you."

"Over my dead body, Bodin."

He shrugged. "We'll see, Belle."

He turned and walked from the room without another word. Slamming it behind him so resoundingly that the wall vibrated.

I winced and jumped. That seemed nothing like the shy boy I knew.