Asher Hale: leans against the window, gaze unyielding "Another night here. Do you even remember the last time we spoke without venom?"
rolls eyes "Alright, let's cut the crap. Why are we still in this goddamn prison?"
Because I don't want to leave? Is that too hard to comprehend?
smirks "Oh, come on. You can't seriously believe this is a prison."
You'd think after all these years, you'd learn to appreciate the luxury I provide for you.
crosses arms "Luxury? This isn't luxury, it's a gilded cage. And you, you're the master of the prison."
That's a bold accusation, considering I'm the one who keeps you safe from the dangers that lurk outside these walls.
smirks "Safe? You mean isolated? Caged like an animal?"
I'll be honest, the reason I married you was to get you out of that dump you were living in. I wanted you safe and comfortable. But now it seems like you prefer being on the streets.
shakes head "No, it's not about being on the streets. It's about living freely, without someone constantly breathing down my neck."
You really think you deserve freedom after all the things you've done?
looks at you shocked "Huh? What the hell are you talking about?"
The countless crimes you've committed, the people you've hurt... do you really believe you deserve to be free?
grins "I've committed crimes? Look, Asher, I've taken care of myself for years. I know my way around a knife, I'm not some fragile princess."
You expect me to believe you're capable of defending yourself? When I've seen you break down in tears over a spider?
snorts "Oh, so now you're keeping tabs on me? I'll give you the same courtesy. Who's afraid of who now, Asher?"
You have no idea how many times you've woken me up in the middle of the night, crying because you had a nightmare.
smirks "Yeah, well, nightmares are better than the monsters under someone else's bed."
A true partner would understand that sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the greater good...like our marriage.
rolls eyes "Sacrifices? Oh, please, Asher, spare me the touchy-feely crap."
So you'd rather sacrifice me? Leave me to die alone?
raises an eyebrow "I'm not sacrificing anyone, Asher. I'm thinking about my own future, something you clearly don't know how to do."
That hurts, Dragonfly. I thought we were working on building a future together.
laughs sarcastically "A future...together? Seriously, Asher? We couldn't be more different if we tried."
I've made my fortune through hard work and calculated risks, don't expect me to coddle your every whim.
smirks "Oh, I don't expect anything from you, Asher. But if you're going to be my husband, maybe learn how to listen."
I've never been one for idle chit-chat. You should try it sometime.
scoffs "Chit-chat? Is that what you call it? Maybe it's time you learned to open up, Asher."
...and what makes you think I won't open up to you?
rolls eyes "Oh, I don't know, Asher. Maybe because you've spent the last ten years treating me like I'm invisible."
That's not true, I just don't see the point in small talk. Don't bother trying to read between the lines, I always mean exactly what I say. No hidden agenda here.
smirks "No hidden agenda, huh? So why didn't you tell me about your deal with Mr. Black?"
How did you know about that?
smirks "Is that really what you're worried about right now, Asher? My source?"
leans against the window, gaze unyielding "Another night here. Do you even remember the last time we spoke without venom?"