Given their precarious circumstances, she knew Holden wouldnât be here.
Once she calmed down, Ariana realized that this person didnât smell familiar.
With a gulp, she mustered the courage to ask, âWhoâs there?â
In the blink of an eye, the lights were turned on in the room.
Bennett showed up right in front of Ariana.
He grabbed her chin, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
âYou seemed really happy just now.
Who were you expecting?â
Ariana didnât even blink.
She stared him down and shot back, âYouâve got a sharp eye; it was dark just now.
Have you got yourself night vision goggles or something?â
She then quickly wriggled out of his hold, adding, âI thought I was at home for a second and mistook you for my dog from Eleymond.
My bad.
â
She sounded anything but apologetic.
Bennettâs face darkened, and he paused before snorting.
âYouâve got a thing for dogs, huh? Oneâs not enough; you need another?â
Ariana rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
Bennett, seeing her reaction, somehow felt better and teased, âYou look like an idiot when you roll your eyes like that.
â
Ariana, not in the mood for games, retorted, âDo you have any idea how creepy it is to just barge in uninvited?â
Bennett raised an eyebrow.
âThis whole place is mine.
Why would I need an invitation?â
Ariana scoffed, âCommon courtesy, you know? Most people knock before they walk into someone elseâs room.
Itâs about having a little respect.
â
âI make the rules around here.
Manners and respect? That all depends on what kind of day Iâm having.
â
Bennett laughed dismissively.
They kept snapping at each other, each trying to get the upper hand.
Ariana was seething inside, desperate to give Bennett a piece of her mind without holding back.
But she knew that Bennett showing up to argue meant he wasnât in a completely foul mood.
If she went too far, though, she might really piss him off, and it was hard to predict what he might do.
Suppressing her rage, Ariana kept up the banter, but her patience was wearing thin.
Eventually, she couldnât take it anymore and blurted out, âSo, what do you want? Are you just here to argue with me?â
âIâm not that idle,â Bennett said, standing up and fixing his suit.
âIâm here to tell you dinnerâs ready.
Youâve got three minutes to get dressed and come downstairs.
If youâre not there in three minutes, youâll become dinner for the beasts instead.
â
With that, he walked out of the room.
Ariana cursed under her breath as she watched him leave.
She had wanted to unload on him, but this was his territory, and she could only suppress her anger.