Strings of Fate

13- Gifts and guards

Here.” She hands me a folded square of paper. I unfold it and read.

*Ryann,

Since you will be attending my sister’s engagement party and will be assisting me with the matter we previously discussed, it is only right that I provide you with the appropriate attire for the occasion. As such, I hope that while you are shopping with Megan today you will choose a dress for yourself which I will pay for. (Megan has my credit card)

Bellamy

I am gaping at the note, totally confused. What the actual hell is this? Is Bellamy just super generous all of a sudden? Or maybe he is trying to bribe me to cooperate more or something. Either way, it is completely unacceptable. He might be my fate but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable going around spending his money. Particularly since we aren’t actually together yet. I drop the note and turn to Megan, about to voice my objections when she hands me a phone. My phone which she apparently took from my bag while I was reading.

“I added my brother’s number. I figure you’re planning to call him now right?” she grins at me as I roll my eyes but nod. I flick through my contacts and find his name. I hit the call button and wait. It rings only a few times before he answers.

“Alpha Kane speaking.” he says formally.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I state firmly, not bothering to say who is calling or anything. It should be obvious, well unless he often offers to buy random women dresses which I suppose is technically possible. But it doesn’t seem likely.

“Good morning Ryann.” he responds, keeping his tone pleasant.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I repeat stubbornly.

“Of course I can, I gave Megan my credit card. What’s the problem?” I roll my eyes.

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13- Gifts and guards

“I mean that I won’t accept it. There is no reason why you should pay for a dress for me so I

can’t accept it. It feels like you’re trying to bribe me or something.”

“Ryann.” He responds, his tome serious.

“I am not trying to bribe you into cooperating with me. You wouldn’t even need a dress if it weren’t for my sister and me so it is only right that I provide it for you. Benides that, I want

a thank you gift for the assistance you are going to provide and for the information you have already

right. I feel like I ove you

is quiet

a compromise?” he

did you have in mind?” I ask,

for your dress

compromise, that’s the

finish.. I’ll pay for your chess and you help me

2012 MOOT

on what you

wait and see. Text me when you finish shopping and

click and realise that he

looking

nothing too pricey.” She practically squeals in delight. The car door swings open. I hadn’t even realised that we had panked. I was too dimacted willing to Bellamy. I climb out. We are at a cute little cafe and I know there is a huge mll only a few sineers away. We pide a table and sit. Dumien sits with us

13- Gifts and guards

with whipped cream and

stick to a light breakfast if we’re trying on dresses, it’s annoying trying clothes on when you feel all bloaty, don’t you think.” Megan comments. I nod my agreement. I wouldn’t really know, I’ve never really had the income required to spend much time trying on dresses. Half the time I order my clothes online or pick them up from thrift stores. Neither of those options tend to leave much opportunity for finding a perfect fit. It takes only a minute. for the food to arrive and we dig in. I notice Darrien eyeing off the scones

that takes the pressure off a little. I already know that I can trust you. Which is

are totally going to be stuck with me.” I inform her. We chat for a little while getting to know each other. It seems we like all the same shows, although in my opinion she ships all the wrong couples in everything, which is fine I guess, she is entitled to her own opinions. Even if they are wrong. I am polishing off

a nice time. Don’t forget to ask Megan about the

night.

out a quick

Ryann- Okay.

at my phone. She seems to

that Bels said you should ask me some things. So shoot, you said there was a disagreement or something?”

he was basically being a bossy, overprotective, jerk. It is incredibly irritating and I’m no good at taking orders so it was

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13–Gifts and guards

me his arm and needing to protect me from things which is totally ridiculous if you

my brother have been arguing a lot?”

definitely. Hey, is it just me or is he really bad at

much never actually apologises. He can be awkward like that. When he feels bad he just acts repentant and then tries to give you a gift or something. It’s a little annoying, but at least when he does apologise you know he really means it.” she

“I guess so. P

explain why he keeps acting all overbearing all of a sudden?”