Love Triangle wreath scene (Niall's POV)

I don't know why Marcus always moans that he doesn't want to attend these parties. He gives me a look of disdain every time someone laughs a little too pitchy to his liking. And I always give him a smile. When he's in the worst of moods, it manages to even deepen his frown. 

A woman walks past me and flashes me a smile. Once the wine starts to flow, the guests are jollier. The music makes my muscles itch as a demand to start dancing. A slave passes me another bowl of pudding with dried figs.

What's not to love? Sometimes I don't understand Marcus at all.

I wiggle my toes inside my new boots.

However, just as I'm about to let the music take me with it, I feel your gaze on me. 

Ah, yes. This is a special night. I don't know why father invited you here but it was a nice surprise to see your face peek behind the curtain. I always want to smack you on your arm and tousle your hair when I see you. You would probably flee if I tried that. Most likely.

You're looking at the flower crown on my head. Are you wondering about its purpose? 

All these Roman customs must be exhaustingly new for you. I give you a little smile, trying to make you feel that I can relate. I've been there.

But, you look away with a frown. I shake my head but don't let it sway me. I'm used to the reaction. At times, I feel like I'm surrounded by nothing but grumpy people.

I'm not sure if you've enjoyed your evening so far, but what I am sure about is that the wreath and its scents will make you more relaxed.

I reach for the wreath, only to realize that Marcus's hand is reaching for it, too.

I look at Marcus, just now realizing that I must be wearing the same frown he is. What does he think he's doing?

His gaze darts to you. He meant to give it to you.

A flash of worry runs through me. I've seen how your body tenses when he's around. Is this another way of his to bully you? Bullied by flower-crowns? 

"I was going to put this on Hati," I say, a bit more forcefully than I thought I would. I want to make you feel better about being here. I don't know what Marcus wants. I'm not sure if he even knows that.

Marcus quickly lets go of the wreath with a seemingly noncommittal shrug.

"Whatever, I hope he likes it."

What is he implying? Heat rises to my cheeks, he knows how easy it is.

"I hope so, too. The wreath, I mean." I don't know why I added that last bit. What else would I mean? 

Marcus smiles. It's one of his cruel smiles, ones that he wears when he enjoys torture. "I meant that I hope he likes to feel your hands on his scalp. Perhaps you will lightly graze the lobe of his ear as you put the wreath on. Perhaps your delicate finger tips will send a light shudder through his quivering body, as a breath of hot air leaves his lips and he starts fantasizing about you touching him even lower."

Heat shoots across my body as I tense up. I inhale, too quickly, and start coughing. Why would he think that, let alone say that?!

Marcus puffs his chest, as if he won.