Heero's POV
The Wedding Planner Part 5
Interference
True to my purpose, when Relena announced she was meeting with Maxwell the next day, I cleared my schedule to join them. It wasn't easy to do; I had three meetings that had to be rescheduled, as well as two projects needing my attention. I knew I'd catch hell from Wufei the next day.
But it was worth it to see the dismayed expression on Maxwell's face when the butler led him out to the veranda.
"Duo," I said politely, with a smile I've been told is nothing less than menacing. "Good to see you."
A flash of skepticism passed through his indigo eyes, before he gave a smooth, insincere smile. "Likewise. How nice that you could take time off from work to join us, Heero." A wry twist of his lips turned the smile into a near-smirk.
I could tell he got off on using my first name, instead of addressing me more formally, since he'd used nothing else from the moment Relena gave her permission. But I noticed he didn't offer to shake hands. I smirked in satisfaction, trying to ignore the fact that my own hand was still a bit sore. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied firmly.
He moved over to where Relena was seated, and she stood up and extended her hand, just waiting for the ever-so charming greeting she knew he'd give.
And give it, he did, glancing up at me with a devilish glint in his eyes as he kissed her hand. Then he leered appreciatively at her. (Okay, so he simply smiled...but it could have been a leer if taken out of context.)
"You look great, Relena." He glanced at me, his deep blue eyes giving me a once-over, and for a moment I thought he'd try including me in his commentary. But then he simply smirked. "I thought we'd drive up the coast today and have a tour of the Romefeller Estate. I took the liberty of scheduling a showing. I believe it topped your list for reception locations?"
"Oh, I heard it's divine!" Relena cooed, grabbing Duo's arm and turning towards me. "Wouldn't it be perfect, Heero?"
What would be perfect would be for her to take her hands off the good-looking wedding planner and behave with a little more restraint. I swept him with a deadly glare, resenting the way his dark blue silk shirt had the top two buttons open, artfully displaying part of a tanned chest and a small gold cross. Even worse was the fact that his expensive, tailored trousers clung snugly to his slim hips without looking sleazy. I swear to God he must have had a personal assistant to dress him so perfectly. Either that or he was gay. But judging from the way he placed a hand over the one Relena had wrapped around his elbow, he liked women just fine. Especially my woman.
Okay, I know that sounded bad. The phrase "my woman" sounds positively primitive. Next thing you knew, I'd be grabbing her by the hair and dragging her off to the bedroom. Then again, he was the one with the long braid that just begged to be yanked. And pulling his head off his shoulders by the braid was a truly appealing notion.
"Heero?" Relena asked again.
"Oh. Yes. Fine," I managed, pulling my mind away from the alluring homicidal thoughts. "I'll have Pargan bring the limo."
"We could take my car," Duo offered.
"The limo will be more comfortable for the three of us," I said firmly, sure that whatever clunker he drove wouldn't measure up to Relena's standards, let alone mine. Besides, I wanted to control our mode of transportation. This was a power struggle, and I intended to win it.
I walked over and took Relena's free arm, linking it in mine, and starting for the door. She seemed to realize she still had hold of Maxwell, and let go, giving a small, sheepish grin. Yeah, she knew. She knew I was still displeased at her choice of planner, and she damn well should have known I resented his little flirtatious gestures. I resented hers even more.
I knew that jealousy was a wasted emotion on a woman like Relena. Her job as an international politician required her to be charming to everyone, even people she hated. But I knew the difference between her cool civility, and genuine affection. She was warming up to the suave wedding planner. If he'd been female, I'd have said they were well on their way to becoming good friends...sharing ideas about color schemes and which flowers lasted best in bouquets. But he was a guy, damn it! A guy who we were going to have to spend lots of time with. And if I had to constantly be asserting my claim to Relena, it was going to be unpleasant time for all of us.
Relena ended up sitting between us in the limo, despite my best efforts. I vowed that on the way back, I'd insinuate myself between the two of them if it was the last thing I did. I couldn't stand the way he sat so close they nearly touched. But I settled for putting my arm around Relena's waist in a very possessive gesture, and glaring over her shoulder at him when she wasn't looking.
He seemed oblivious, chattering away about the grand ballroom, the marble staircase for our entrance, and the orchestra pit tastefully placed in the most acoustically perfect area of the room.
God, what an ass!
The three-hour drive up the coast might have been pleasant, but for the company. Maxwell used the first hour to describe the amenities the Romefeller Estate included in a wedding package, while I closed my eyes and nearly drifted off to sleep. Damn, that limo has a smooth ride!
Relena made sure to periodically nudge me to be sure I was awake and listening, and when I spared a glance at Maxwell, the arrogant little shit was invariably smirking.
For the remaining two hours of the ride, he and Relena discussed some of the options, such as torchlight in the gardens, doves to be released during the ceremony, and fireworks over the ocean. I wanted to groan aloud. When did weddings get so damned complicated? When Relena was involved...that's when.
We finally arrived at the estate, and I have to admit, I was impressed. It was every bit as grand as I'd heard. In fact, I wondered why Relena and I had never attended an event there. Did we not rate?
Maxwell was out of the limo first, graciously holding out a hand to assist Relena, even though Pargan gave him a dirty look for it. Yes! At least someone was on my side.
Then Pargan glared at me, as if to scold me for not being the one to offer help, and I scowled back. I never liked him anyway. I think he secretly believed no one would ever be good enough for Relena, myself included.
I decided to redeem myself by getting to the gate first and holding it open for my lovely fiancé. She smiled primly as she walked through, and then Maxwell was there, pausing to give me a look I couldn't quite identify.
"After you," he said graciously, gesturing me to precede him.
"Oh, no. I insist," I replied, suddenly realizing he considered it an affront to his manhood that I was holding the gate for him. I consider it the height of good breeding that I didn't add a little dig referencing the feminine nature of his job...something along the lines of "ladies first." Heh.
He knew without my saying it, though, and stopped in his tracks. "You're the groom...please, go ahead," he said through gritted teeth.
I smiled grimly. "I'm also the one signing your paychecks...so we'll do this my way."
This time he couldn't hide the flash of anger in those indigo eyes. He stepped through the gate, but as he passed, he spoke in an undertone. "You may be signing the checks, but she's obviously the one calling the shots."
Then he was past me, and I was glaring at the back of his head. The little shit had done it again--got the last word. I vowed that before we were through, he'd know Relena only called the shots I chose to let her call.
But first, I suppose I had to make her realize it. Shit, damn, and motherfuck!
TBC...
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