Ariana had reached her limit.
She shoved Bennett hard and took a few steps back, creating some distance between them.
She adjusted her clothes quickly and shot him a cold look.
âI did your little dance.
Now you better keep your word.
â
Bennett smirked.
âOf course, I always honor my promises.
You get to keep the dog, and youâre out of the arena.
You can stay here and do whatever you want; just donât try to escape.
â
Ariana mustered a fake smile and looked at him.
âDo whatever I want?â
Bennett chuckled.
âYeah, as long as you donât mess with me.
You can have cash, jewels, fancy meals, whatever you desire.
â
Ariana scoffed, âOh, really? So, youâre just going to keep me here?â
Bennett raised an eyebrow.
âIsnât keeping a woman simple?â
He moved closer to her, his voice light but laced with threat.
âJust do as I say.
Keep me happy, and youâll have no problems.
That should be easy, right?â
Inside, Ariana was boiling with rage.
Bennett was acting like she was his property, some sort of toy to amuse him until he got bored.
It was common in this placeânobody saw anyone as human, not even themselves.
Ariana stayed silent.
She didnât trust herself to say anything without blowing up.
At least Bennett wasnât pushing further right now, which gave her a chance to think.
She was already plotting her next move, trying to figure out a way to let Bennett take her to the banquet.
On her way here, she had spotted several guards.
Staying here meant being under watch, but slipping out from a busy banquet might be easier.
She didnât know Holdenâs exact plans, but he would soon realize she wasnât heading back to the arena.
Yet getting inside the villa might be tough for him.
Ariana was deep in thought as a hand brushed against her _ cheek.
Instinctively, she stepped back, instantly on high alert.
Bennettâs hand was still in the air.
He didnât get angry at her actions.
He just told one of his men, âTake her to rest.
â
Ariana shot him a glance before scooping up the puppy.
Bennettâs man was acting more civil now.
Instead of dragging Ariana along, he just nodded for her to follow.
With the puppy in her arms, Ariana left.
As Bennett watched Ariana leave, he calmly adjusted his cufflinks and said to someone nearby, âKeep a close eye on her.
Make sure she doesnât try any funny business.
â
Ariana left with one of Bennettâs guys, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
She couldnât believe how smoothly Bennett had let her leave the arena.
She had braced herself for a battle of wills, fearing she would have to find other ways to deal with this if Bennett disagreed.