Chapter 9: A Cruel Girl
Marienne exited the hotel and winced as the cold drizzle brushed against her face. She had completely forgotten to bring an umbrella, and the realization that her blazer was still in the hotel room only deepened the frown on her forehead. Wrapping her arms around her shoulders in a futile attempt to ward off the chill, she glanced around, as if expecting someone to emerge from the shadows.
Yet, the street remained empty.
Sighing, she reached into her purse for her phone, but before her fingers could grasp it, a heavy hand pressed down on her shoulder. Marienne flinched, a startled cry nearly escaping her lips.
"Jesus, Seb!" she hissed, recoiling as the pungent stench of cigarette smoke assaulted her nostrils. She coughed and waved a hand in front of her face. "How many times do I have to tell you not to smoke these nasty things near me? The smell clings to my clothes––it's impossible to get rid of afterward!"
Seb scoffed, deliberately blowing another cloud of smoke in her direction, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
"Let's take a walk," he said, his voice cold and emotionless as he pulled her closer under his wide black umbrella.
Marienne groaned, glancing down at her designer heels already soaking up the damp pavement. "Ugh, I'd rather not walk right now. My shoes are getting ruined!"
Seb's grip on her shoulder tightened, the pressure almost bruising. The threat was subtle, but clear. Marienne sighed.
"You don't have to be so crude all the time," she muttered with a pout.