The Jerkface She Married

The morning light felt sharp, cutting through the silence. The only sound one could hear was the swift movement of footsteps. Even the staff were trying to be as quiet as possible that early morning.

Thea's eyes opened slowly and the memory of last night hit her like sharp pain in the head. Seth's lips, the intensity of his gaze and how delicate his hands felt on her…..

She sat up on her bed, her eyes staring into space. He had just left her there, standing awkwardly as he hurried off!

Her fingers traced her lips, there was something more to that kiss and she knew it. How is she supposed to face him now?

“Ms Thea?”

Thea jerked back to reality, her eyes flickered to one of the home staff who had walked into the room unnoticed.

“Yes.” Thea responded calmly.

“Would you like me to make you a cup of coffee?”

“No, thank you.”

“Breakfast will be ready in less than an hour. Would you like to bring it up to your room?”

Thea went silent, her mind racing with thoughts. She swallowed, her eyes focusing on the staff again. “Is Seth going to be there? At the dining area?”

The staff paused for a few seconds, she wanted to make sure she gave an accurate answer. “I'm afraid I am not quite sure. I would ask another staff member who is in charge of cleaning his room today if you don't mind..”

“No!” Thea calked after her, stopping her in her tracks. “There's no need for that. Thank you.”

The young lady nodded with a polite smile on her face before returning back to the door where she had cleaning utensils ready.

Thea leaned back on her bed, she did nothing wrong! He kissed her! Why the hell should she avoid him?

If there's anyone who should be ashamed right now, it should be Seth and she'd be damned if she stayed indoors in hopes of avoiding him.

Thea made her way to the bathroom and took a shower. She got dressed in an oversized tee and shorts, the one Daisy had bought for her during the honeymoon, and headed downstairs for breakfast.

The dining room was surprisingly quiet as Thea approached, save for the constant sound of spoons clicking on a plate slightly.

Thea's heart dropped to the pits of hell as Seth came into view. She was wrong, she can't face him! She turned on her heels until a calm voice called after her.

“Good morning Ms Thea.”

Butler John called. Thea bit her lips, she should have moved way faster. She turned slowly to face him, a small smile on her face and not all glance soared her way from Seth. “Good morning John.”

“How was your night?”

Thea glanced at Seth unconsciously, registering him fully. He was dressed in a sharp business suit, his hair neatly combed, back to his usual self. His tablet was propped up in front of him, and he was completely lost in his work, tapping and scrolling. He seemed not to notice her at all as she walked in.

And those lips…and the unspoken promises he made to her last night on that damned landing. She swallowed, forcing a smile.

“Good. It was good.”

Thea walked deeper into the dining area, her hands behind her back. She settled on the furthest seat from Seth's right across the table. She piled a few items onto her plate, her movements quiet, trying to decide how to act.

Should she pretend nothing happened? Or bring it up? Her eyes flickered in Seth’s direction once more, the warmth in his eyes was completely gone now replaced with the usual coldness.

Her attention returned to her plate, there's no point bringing it up. It is pointless. He was clearly drunk and it's all a mistake, nothing more.

She picked up her fork but it fell right out of her hands, landing on the marble floors with a loud clunk. Seth finally looked up, his eyes hovering above his tablet, staring at her in silence.

One of the staff hurried towards her and picked up the fork, another replaced it with a new one. She flashes a small smile. “ Thank you.”

“Are you nervous?”

His question washed over her like some0ne had just read out the details of her diary for the world to hear.

"Why would I be?" Thea replied, her voice a little colder than she intended.

He went back to his tablet for a moment, then looked up again.

"Celine called earlier. She wants us over for dinner tonight at her place." His tone was casual. “We will be leaving by 6pm. I'll have your dress delivered to you before then. Alongside a new wardrobe." He adds.

“Right.” Thea said simply, not soaring him a glance as she digs her fork into her omelette, wishing it was his head pinned against a target board instead.

“We put on a good performance, show what she wants to see and call it a night.” Seth said casually like he was discussing the weather.

Thea chuckled. " So, last night... when you kissed me... was that also part of the performance for Celine? Cause I know she wasn't here last night was she?” She muttered, loud enough for him to hear.

Seth's fingers paused over his tablet. He didn't look up right away. The silence stretched, long and uncomfortable.

Thea's heart pounded in her chest. She waited, desperate for a real answer, for any sign that last night had meant something more to him.

He slowly put his tablet down, finally meeting her gaze. His eyes were unreadable. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, but before he could say a word, Thea's phone chimed; a new text message. She glanced down at it. It was from Posy.

Message: Thea! I've been thinking about your text. I know it's weird, but... would you really come bridal gown shopping with me today? I could really use your honest opinion. I have to look amazing for Runes on our wedding day. Please say yes! I'll send you the address soon. See you by 10!

Thea scoffed, her eyes fixed on her phone. Seth studied her in silence, his brow furrowed; what was she staring at?

She pushed her chair back, a sharp scraping sound on the marble floor.

"I need to go," Thea said to Seth, not waiting for his reply. "I have... an appointment." She didn't look back as she walked quickly out of the dining room, leaving him alone at the table.

She pulled out her phone as she walked away, a sense of mischievous excitement bubbling up inside her. She needed to respond to Posy's text. This was turning into a very interesting day.

Seth watched Thea walk away. He saw her glance at her phone, saw the slight smirk that appeared on her face as she walked away.

He slowly reached up and massaged his brow with his fingers. A deep sigh escaped him. What the hell was he thinking last night? This was so unlike him! He would never do anything insensible and that kiss with Thea last night was insensible.

And…gentle and passionate…he recalled how she melted in his arms, her body warm and soft against his..

He picked up his tablet again, but his eyes weren't really seeing the reports. His mind was elsewhere, somewhere he shouldn't probably be..

Their one night stand, that one night he had tried to ignore but for some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Why had he reacted that way? Why couldn't he just give her a straight answer? Last night wasn't about Celine, no. The kiss... the kiss had been more real than anything he'd allowed himself to feel in a very long time.

Seth sets his tablet back down, another exhale escapes his lips, calling John's attention.

“Is everything okay, Mr Seth? Should I get you something?” Butler John asked in concern.

Seth waved him off, this isn't a problem for him to fix. “I'm alright.”

He usually had every word, every move, planned. But with Thea..she's something else.. Her directness chipped away at his defenses. He found himself saying things, doing things that weren't in his usual script.

Seth closed his eyes, pressing his fingers harder against his temples. He had no clue why he was being an asshole to her. It wasn't planned. It wasn't useful. But something about her, something about that unexpected intimacy last night, made him lose control. And that was a dangerous thing for him.

He needed to get a grip.