Bound to the Billionaire: His Defiant Queen

HARLEM

"I don’t like him." I’m too occupied staring at the ethereal glory of the reception hall but I hear him anyway. Clearly. My head snaps to Zeke Andreal Tamrin.

"What?" We stop in the middle of the bustling room and I turn to him.

"You heard me Har." He states.

My brows go up and I tilt my head up to look at him. "You’re joking right? Why?"

"Oh, I don’t know. Maybe he just gives off the vibe of someone who would break your heart and leave you out to dry any day." He says shrugging like he knows it all. Ugh, older brothers.

I chuckle, but nothing’s funny. "Zeke, I’m sure you would know. You’ve broken a million girls’ hearts; I’m not surprised you expect to reap what you sow, but how about not with me? We’re not even dating, Zeke; he’s just my plus one AND my boss. I have no idea why you’re taking it so deep. Be like Mom and Zo." I bring out the big guns.

Snorting, he retorts. "Is that so? I see the way he looks at you, Harlem. Men like him don’t look at women like that for nothing and there’s no telling what he’s capable of and I’ll happily end him for that alone but I’m just looking out for you."

Blinking blandly at his gentleman behavior, I feel a wave of exasperation. "First of all, please don’t talk about my sex life to my face and secondly, I think you should be more worried about HIM doing the ’ending’."

"I’m not scared of him, Harlem. And I’m worried about YOU, it’s my job. Can’t I do my job?"

It’s my turn to scoff, I look around. Leave it to Zeke to make things worse. "Maybe you just want to feel in control at this point. Maybe it’s not even about Ezra. Maybe it’s about you."

"What does that mean, Harlem?" his expression hardens slightly.

My decorum slips "You’re a control freak, Zeke. Everyone knows. Maybe that’s why you’re the only person who sees him as a threat. Think about it."

He stares at me "Maybe I’m a control freak but at least I don’t let myself get controlled." He states and walks away.

My eyes fixate on the spot he was on for a few seconds before I snap out of it sighing and ruffling my hair. I’m back to my cat and dog days with Zeke.

I take a beat to breathe as I wonder why we have to argue on such a good day and why he’s making this hard. Does he see something I can’t? I shake my head and pretend to be engrossed on my phone. I get a hold of myself and keep moving. I’ll certainly deal with that later.

Eventually, I spot Mom and walk over to her as she talks to a few of her friends. She lights up when she sees me and that makes me feel less like shit. She introduces me to a few of her friends and we then go to take pictures with Violet and Zoran. Zeke and I giving each other a wide berth.

I don’t know what he’s so worked up about, it’s not like I’m in love with Ezra or something. He’s just overreacting. But maybe I shouldn’t have called him that... but then again, he didn’t exactly react maturely.

I sigh for the 15th time today. Yes, I’ve been counting. I reach for the chocolate covered croissants and another set of hands take them before me. My eyes meet Ezra’s green ones which seems to be filled with worry and something else I still can’t place. He’s standing behind me and he gently hands me the plate. Our fingers touch briefly and my nerves catch fire. I mask it with a small smile.

He stares at me while I take a huge bite. I sigh at the chocolatey goodness. Ezra suddenly wipes the corner of my mouth with his handkerchief, eyes never leaving mine and it’s such a sweet gesture and I’m so emotional right now I begin to feel like it was a bad idea to invite him for this because it-

"Tell me what’s wrong." he cuts off my thoughts. Thankfully.

I glance at him "It’s nothing." I say trying to brush it off.

"Harlem, I’m sorry." My eyes snap back to his. What the hell is he sorry for?

I blink at him "No, I’M sorry. I got mean and said those mean things and I’m sure you regret being my plus one."

"That’s impossible. Being here with you is the highlight of my year, Harlem." I feel literal butterflies in my belly and I know it’s fucked up when I don’t want them to be set free.

I smile at him and he holds my chin between his fingers, smiling as well and it looks so good on him, I just end up staring creepily.

Someone speaks into the microphone and we both turn to see them about to start the main reception. Good, I thought those pictures were never going to end.

Ezra takes my hand and we find the table with our names on it. It happens to be the family of the groom table and I spot Mom already seated talking to none other than Mr. Tamrin. Great.

"Wanna sit somewhere else?" Ezra whispers quietly against my ear which makes me clutch my plate of Choco-croissant and I momentarily forget my annoying ass father finally deciding to show his face but I eventually snap back to reality.

"Please, why not?" I mutter back and he squeezes my hand.

"Oh sweetie, you’re not seating here?" Mom voice cuts through, she glances worriedly at her husband.

"Uhm, we’re just going to occupy somewhere much quieter and less close to the front." I tell her avoiding the heat off my fathers glare-stare.

"Oh, okay." She says solemnly.

I take the bait and glance at Dad but he’s no longer looking at me, not that I’m surprised, but I think he’s staring intently at Ezra and I also notice Ezra staring back, but his feels a lot more menacing. His jaw ticks and he looks away and tugs me after him. Okayyy.

We sit on a table with a bunch of strangers and I proceed to finish my croissant while the MC calls out the order of events.

Ezra’s palm finds my thigh under the table and he squeezes softly. I turn to him and I’m sure I look silly with chocolate on my lips, a stuffed mouth and already ruffled hair.

He smiles at me "Are you okay?" I blink at him. It’s strange seeing this side of him; I wonder how many people actually get to.

I swallow "Yes, I am. I’m just shaken whenever I see my dad these days. Funny how he brought me into the world yet wants nothing to do with me."

He adjusts my necklace and wipes my mouth again "It’s going to be okay, princess. I promise."

I smile at him and I suddenly feel a lot lighter. "I hope so." I look away from his searching eyes and take a sip of my drink. I spot a few people on our table staring at us and I didn’t think it possible to get any more red. Ezra’s palm never leaves me as he takes his drink as well and pays attention to the event.

The reception starts with Zoran and Violet walking in together having both changed into different attires. Zoran is wearing a white suit while Violet is wearing a beautiful pink and white long sleeve flowing gown; her makeup and hair are still intact and she looks even more beautiful.

My parents get up to welcome them with bread, salt and shots as is the Polish tradition at weddings. Then, we all sing STO LAT which is basically the Polish version of ’May you live 100 years.’ I’m surprised I could still sing it word for word even though I can’t really speak my language.

Ezra has no idea what’s going on and his clueless face cracks me up as he even tries to mouth words but fails. He gives up and retorts to staring at me, not that I’m complaining. Eventually, they start serving food as Zoran and Violet share with us their most embarrassing moments, how they met each other, how they fell in love and weird shit like that. I watch them and I realize that I don’t think it would be a bad idea to have someone to spend the rest of my life with.

Ezra’s palm slides a bit higher on my thigh and my breath hitches. I look at him but he’s talking to someone beside him as Zoran tells everyone how he knew Vi was going to be his wife someday.

I swallow and mentally agree that ignorance is bliss. After Zoran and Violet are done, I’m basically done with two courses and can’t wait for the third; we give a toast and they begin their first slow dance.

When they’re done, I’m done with my fourth plate of food while Ezra hasn’t even finished his second. He catches me staring, a smirk appearing on his face as he slides his plate towards me. My brows scrunch up but I don’t protest as I dig in. It’s not my fault I’m always hungry.

Thereafter, games are played, money is sprayed, my belly is full and my phone gallery is crying for space. The MC calls everyone out to the dance floor for the final dance with the couple. I think of sitting it out but Ezra suddenly stands and offers me his hand. "Let’s go burn all that food, princess." Great, how can I say no to that?

I stand up as he leads us to a slightly secluded area of the hall. "FYI, my dancing skills significantly worsen when I have food in me." I state as he slides his big palms around my waist and pulls me closer causing goosebumps to cascade all over me.

"Not a problem." He mutters burying his face into my hair. My throat feels tight and I feel like I can’t breathe but I tell myself it doesn’t have to be weird until I make it weird. So, I relax into him and I think he notices because he pulls me impossibly closer and we stay that way, slowly swaying to the music with his arms around me and my head on his sturdy chest.

I don’t know how long we’re in that position till I hear someone clear their throat behind us. I shoot away from Ezra like I was caught doing something wrong and I can tell he’s not pleased. How many times will I do this today?

I slide away from Ezra’s tall figure in my line of sight just to immediately make eye contact with Violet Tamrin.