#I don't normally post screenies in the middle of a story post

[sunnydayzes]

Malcolm laughed, but not a joyful laugh. There was a malicious edge to it; as thought what Dina had said was completely ridiculous.

"Do you think either of us would have ever had a choice in the matter?", He asked as he rose from the picnic bench and began making his way slowly towards her. "My life has been decided for me ever since my elder brother decided that he wanted to abandon his family and fortune to chase his own selfish desires. The minute he rejected the arrangement between Cassie and him all those years ago, I knew it would fall on my shoulders to fill."

Dina had always heard the rumors that there was an elder Landgraab brother that had changed his name and had been disinherited from the family fortune, but she had never known that it was true. She had only thought it was a rumor. And furthermore, to learn that it had been this elder brother that had originally been arranged to marry Cassie, someone who was likely much younger than him at the time, made her sick to her stomach. It was as though the Goth's and the Landgraabs were stuck in medieval times, and it didn't sit right with Dina. Dina might not have believed in love, but to be robbed of ever finding it for herself? Cassie must have been going through hell.

"It's not the 1800s. Arranged marriages are a thing of the past.", Dina said incredulously, crossing her arms as she began to back away from Malcolm. She didn't like how he was approaching her and she was trying her best to keep her backdoor towards her; in case she had to run inside to escape Malcolm's infamous temper.

"Not when you're rich, sweetheart. How do you think the rich stay rich? We don't marry those that have less money than us. We marry to gain more assets. The Goth's control Willow Creek, and we control Oasis Springs. If we were to merge our families together, we would have both towns in our grasp. And my mother will not stop until we have secured our future.", he replied, an almost defeated tone to his voice as his hand reached out to grab hold of her elbow. He pulled her body towards him, securing her in place so that she couldn't escape.

Dina felt her cheeks flushed as his words whispered in her ear. It was true. She had always wanted Malcolm Landgraab, but not for who he was. But, here he was, offering to make an arrangement with her, and she wasn't sure that she could turn him down. She didn't want to make an enemy out of the Landgraabs; especially if she was trying to make a name for herself in this town.

"I have plenty to offer you, Malcolm.". Dina said softly, as his hands began to travel over her body.

"I can see that.", he said, chuckling as he released her, stepping away. "We can discuss this later. Just remember what I said. If you do anything to ruin Cassie's reputation before the engagement is announced, I will ruin you. Understand?"

She nodded her head, feeling her heart beating in her chest as he slunk his way off to the gate without saying a word.