Did your husband ever not seduce you?

Mellow's Inn, a haven for the elites and those with deep pockets, was renowned for its grandeur and inviting interior decor. Audrey couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret as she anticipated the overwhelming cost of her meal, realizing she should have opted for a more affordable place. However, she couldn't be blamed for her ignorance, as she had never set foot in Mellow's Inn before. All she knew about it was from Genevieve's vivid descriptions. Even after her marriage, Cedric had warned her to stay away from the place, in order not to cause him embarrassment.

Audrey let out a weary sigh as she was escorted to a private room, fully aware that the bill would be even higher. She had thought inviting Benjamin out for lunch would be a profitable move, but now she suspected he had ulterior motives in mind... he was just keen on milking her dry!

"Good afternoon, Mr. Devine," Audrey greeted, her eyes fixed on the man who only glanced up from the menu when she entered.

She couldn't help but notice his puzzled expression as he took in her faded dress, wondering what had become of the dress she wore in the morning, but he didn't ask. Her slightly swollen eyes hinted that she had been crying, making him wonder if it was because of their earlier conversation. That was precisely why he had agreed to this human's proposal in the first place. He believed he had touched on a sour spot...

"Afternoon, Audrey," he murmured in response, diverting his attention back to the menu. He soon realized that Audrey's gaze was fixed on him rather than the food options. "Are you here to repay a favour or simply to ogle at me?"

Hearing Benjamin's words, Audrey snapped out of her daze. She cleared her throat and retorted, "Mr. Devine, you are utterly vain."

"Vain? Miss Morriston, what does self-confidence have to do with vanity?" Benjamin replied with a hint of amusement.

"In that case, your self-confidence is based on narcissism," Audrey remarked boldly. She wasn't sure where she found the courage, but if she wanted to unravel the mystery, which was Benjamin Devine, she had to engage him in conversation more often. Perhaps one day, he would open up.

Audrey's eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the waitress approach with a trolley of delicious food. She couldn't believe Benjamin had ordered without her consent! Her lips pursed in annoyance as she roughly calculated the cost in her mind. How dare he?! But when Benjamin began to eat, she reluctantly gave in. So much for profit. "Why did you agree to this?" she asked, puzzled.

"I never specified the terms of the favour," he explained.

"I guess we're even then," she mused.

"Supposedly so," Benjamin replied, causing Audrey to pause. Did he want more from her? Was he really trying to drain her dry? Couldn't he tell from her appearance that she was struggling with her upkeep? She tightened her grip on her cutlery, realizing she had a miserly side she never knew existed.

Audrey's eyes blazed with defiance as she retorted, "What do you mean by supposedly so, Mr. Devine? I already signed the contract to repay you last time. Bringing you out to lunch was my way of returning the favour for letting me stay at your house. What more do you want?"

Benjamin leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table as he drawled, "Miss Morriston, do you even realize who you're speaking to?" His patience was wearing thin, but he knew that it was him who needed this alliance most. He clicked his tongue in frustration.

"There's a royal ball at the castle in ten days. You should come with me," he stated firmly.

"Are you asking me on a date, Mr. Devine?" Audrey questioned, pretending to be cheerful. She leaned forward. When she received no response, she continued, "Then consider this as a favour from me. You'll have to pay back. "

Benjamin tilted his head, a few bangs falling to the side. He cupped his chin. "Miss Morriston, my acceptance to dine with you should also be considered a favour from me. I'm not sure you can afford every dish on this table, can you?"

She knew that he was speaking the truth, but from the way he confidently spoke, he must've intentionally ordered so much that she'd be unable to pay and have to turn to him for help! He was deceptive! "Is it your usual habit to emotionally manipulate people into doing what you want?" Audrey asked, and maybe she had crossed a line because Benjamin suddenly stood up and loomed over her, his eyes narrowing. Audrey found herself captivated by his gaze, momentarily lost in his eyes hidden behind thick lashes.

"Miss Morriston, I'm being a gentleman for your sake. Are you sure I'm coercing you into doing anything?" He leaned in towards her ear and whispered, chuckling sinfully at Audrey's puzzled expression, "You're too innocent for your own good. Have you forgotten who you're dealing with?" His voice was low and slightly husky, whispering like a seductive melody from a siren.

"I..." She tried to speak, but he gently brushed his thumb over her lower lip, sending a jolt through her nerves. Audrey stared at him wide-eyed, her heart racing and cheeks flushed. He leaned in closer again, leaving only a breath of space between them. His warm breath tickled her lips, and his gaze was predatory. As he moved even closer, Audrey instinctively recoiled in her chair, trying to create distance. She closed her eyes, berating herself for succumbing to his advances. Her mind resisted, but her heart urged her on. Then, there was nothing.

All she heard was Benjamin's half-mocking laughter. Opening her eyes, she saw him up close, "Tell me, your husband... Did he never seduce you like this before?"