Strings of Fate

13- Gifts and guards

Here.” She hands me a folded square of paper. I unfold it and read.

*Ryann,

Since you will be attending my sister’s engagement party and will be assisting me with the matter we previously discussed, it is only right that I provide you with the appropriate attire for the occasion. As such, I hope that while you are shopping with Megan today you will choose a dress for yourself which I will pay for. (Megan has my credit card)

Bellamy

I am gaping at the note, totally confused. What the actual hell is this? Is Bellamy just super generous all of a sudden? Or maybe he is trying to bribe me to cooperate more or something. Either way, it is completely unacceptable. He might be my fate but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable going around spending his money. Particularly since we aren’t actually together yet. I drop the note and turn to Megan, about to voice my objections when she hands me a phone. My phone which she apparently took from my bag while I was reading.

“I added my brother’s number. I figure you’re planning to call him now right?” she grins at me as I roll my eyes but nod. I flick through my contacts and find his name. I hit the call button and wait. It rings only a few times before he answers.

“Alpha Kane speaking.” he says formally.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I state firmly, not bothering to say who is calling or anything. It should be obvious, well unless he often offers to buy random women dresses which I suppose is technically possible. But it doesn’t seem likely.

“Good morning Ryann.” he responds, keeping his tone pleasant.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I repeat stubbornly.

“Of course I can, I gave Megan my credit card. What’s the problem?” I roll my eyes.

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13- Gifts and guards

“I mean that I won’t accept it. There is no reason why you should pay for a dress for me so I

can’t accept it. It feels like you’re trying to bribe me or something.”

“Ryann.” He responds, his tome serious.

“I am not trying to bribe you into cooperating with me. You wouldn’t even need a dress if it weren’t for my sister and me so it is only right that I provide it for you. Benides that, I want

are going to provide and

didn’t do that to help you, it isn’t right. I feel like I

Bellamy is quiet for a

a compromise?”

have in mind?” I

your dress and-“I cut

compromise, that’s the exact

me finish.. I’ll pay for your chess and you help

2012 MOOT

you want help

and see. Text me when you finish

a click and realise that he

looking at

practically squeals in delight. The car door swings open. I hadn’t even realised that we had panked. I was too dimacted willing to Bellamy. I climb out. We are at a cute little cafe and I know there is a huge mll only a few sineers away. We pide a table and sit. Dumien sits with us but angles himmelf away a little aus if trying to give un

13- Gifts and guards

whipped cream

trying on dresses, it’s annoying trying clothes on when you feel all bloaty, don’t you think.” Megan comments. I nod my agreement. I wouldn’t really know, I’ve never really had the income required to spend much time trying on dresses. Half the time I order my clothes online or pick them up from thrift stores. Neither of those options tend to leave much opportunity for finding a perfect fit. It takes only a minute. for the food to arrive and we dig in. I notice Darrien eyeing off the scones and I quickly stick one on a plate and place it on the table in front of

guess that takes the pressure off a little. I already know that I

they are wrong. I am polishing off my second scone when my phone chimes informing me that I have a text. I glance at the screen, prepared to ignore it if it’s just the phone company or something. I only bother

a nice time. Don’t forget to ask Megan about the issue from

night.

out a

Ryann- Okay.

phone. She

that Bels said you should ask me some things. So shoot, you said there

overprotective, jerk. It is incredibly irritating and I’m no good at taking orders so it was causing

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13–Gifts and guards

trouble explaining it and that I should ask you. The entire debate was something about him offering me his arm

brother have been arguing a lot?” she questions. I

just me or is he

be awkward like that. When he feels bad he just acts repentant and then tries to give you a gift or something. It’s a little annoying, but at least when he does apologise you know he really

“I guess so. P

he keeps acting