#3

Eve’s POV:

Raven didn't move a muscle. He genuinely looked confused at my actions, as if he hadn't just asked a random woman to marry him. I wasn't entirely sure if he wasn’t just joking. I stood there waiting for him to laugh or even smile to signal to me that he was not completely crazy.

"In my culture, when a woman shows you mercy and gives you food, you must marry her," he stated.

At least now I got my answer. He's crazy.

"In my culture, when a man is a creep, you call the police," I responded slowly, emphasizing each word so he could grasp its meaning.

"My fiancé, there's no need for this," he pleaded. "I want to return the favor by providing you security, a home, and sustenance."

"Don't call me that," I snapped, frustration seeping into my voice. "As you can see I already have a home, I fed you therefore I also have food. I'm great."

"It's fate, my future wife. We must be together," he insisted. "As a matter of fact, we have a saying: fate turns everything around to meet you with the right person, but it is a human right not to take what is meant for them."

"Yeah, and I'll exercise my right to choose and refuse your offer," I stated firmly.

"Why are you acting like this? What if I turn out to be the best husband ever? I can assure you that I will do anything to be that man for you," he pleaded.

"Oh, goddamn it, you're cute, but you need to leave right fucking now!" I exclaimed, feeling my patience wearing thin.

"You think I'm cute?" he asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

He was undeniably charming, and if he wasn't so unhinged, maybe I would have considered taking a chance. But boy, was he out of his mind.

"For the last time, Raven, get lost," I demanded, my voice firm and resolute.

His gaze changed at my words. He rose from his seat and moved dangerously close to me. I didn't move, I wasn't going to let him think he could bother me with that.

"I can't stand being told what to do," he declared.

"This is my house," I reminded him. "And when I tell you to leave, you will."

"I guess I'm not the only one who likes to be in charge here."

“Does that disappoint you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It rather excites me," he said and smiled.

Raven was undoubtedly skilled in the art of flirting. He looked like he wasn't an idiot, but rather used to getting whatever he wanted with his charm. Only I could not be enchanted by a few lines.

"Too bad, you want me to be your wife, yet you don't take my word for it. I don't think you'd make a suitable husband, Raven."

"Try me," he challenged.

Realizing that with every word we were shortening the distance, I came to my senses. I stood up from my seat and pointed to the door. 

"Go away, Raven," I repeated for what must have been the hundredth time.

"Okay, okay, I will, but I'll come back for you. What's your name, my fiancé?" he persisted.

"I'm not telling you my name, and stop calling me that," I firmly reiterated.

He sighed in displeasure, removing one of his rings and extending it toward me. I instinctively pushed away his hand, understanding his intention.

"This is all I can offer you for now," he said calmly.

"Stop it!" I retorted, growing increasingly frustrated.

"When I return, I'll give you everything you want and I will buy you a real engagement ring." he promised.

I stared at him intently. "Look at my lips, Raven. Read it! I. DON'T. WANT. ANYTHING. FROM. YOU!" I emphasized each word, hoping to finally get through to him.

Undeterred, he attempted to place the ring on my finger. Oh! I sighed in defeat. I looked at him blankly, but he just glanced invitingly at my hand.

"If I take the ring, will you leave?" I asked.

"Yes, fiancé," he replied, an eager smile forming on his face.

I reluctantly allowed him to put the ring on my finger, knowing it was a small price to pay.

"Anything else I can do for my future wife before I go?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

"Yes, don't call me that," I responded, my tone laced with weariness.

"Then say your name, it's as simple as that, honey," Raven prodded, a hint of playful exasperation in his voice.

I couldn't help but smile at the surreal nature of the situation. It was so utterly absurd that I decided to have a little fun with it.

"I'll tell you my name when you come back with my engagement ring," I replied, my tone teasing.

"Ring preferences?" he inquired, playing along with my charade.

"White gold, with exactly forty-seven small diamonds, and one big one in the middle," I said, continuing with my whimsical demands, "I want it to be square."

Raven's expression shifted from intrigue to bewilderment. He looked at me, his head tilting slightly in confusion, like a puppy trying to understand a new command.

"I'm not finished," I declared, suppressing a chuckle. "I want it engraved with a personal message from you, and there should be something pink on it. Get imaginative."

Raven appeared momentarily flustered. "Is that it?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice.

I nodded, my smile widening. "Yes, now leave."

He rose from his seat, and as he headed towards the door, he suddenly stopped and looked back at me. Cautiously, he reached out and touched my face. I froze in place, a mix of confusion and curiosity filling my mind. He gave me a moment to stop him, to back away, but for some inexplicable reason, I didn't. 

A slight smile played on his lips, as if unsure if I would interrupt him. His eyes scanned my face, and his breath seemed to hitch for a moment. Raven appeared as surprised by his own actions as I was that I didn't stop him. 

We sat like that for a few moments, locked in a strange intimacy. He ran his finger from my jaw to my lips, lingering there. There was something unexpectedly intimate about the way he touched me. My thoughts betray me, and for a brief moment, I find myself thinking of Ryan. 

When our relationship started he looked at me the same way. I shook my head annoyed at myself. How can I think about him right now?

"You're beautiful," Raven whispered.

He leaned closer, but his movement was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a woman screaming. 

I recognized that scream momentarily—it was Amy, who had just arrived home. Great!