We drive a distance onto a narrow road surrounded by nothing but trees, their branches all white.

When he remains silent, I ask again, “Your house?”

He still doesn’t reply, just gives me a wry look and turns back to his phone.

My lips curl and my throat tightens so hard that it’s difficult for me to swallow. I hate his uncaring attitude. Arrogance, I can tolerate, but this inconsiderate behavior I will not.

I take a deep controlling breath to calm myself because I can’t blow up on him, no matter how much I want to.

“Unbelievable,” I say in as quiet a voice I can muster.  “Did it not occur to you to share the change in plan with me? Or did you not consider it important enough?”

He finally raises his eyes from his phone to me.

“Well, the roads are getting impassable and you can see for yourself that the storm is coming down hard. In such circumstances I thought that the best decision would be to remain indoors and stay safe. I’ve a perfectly fine house close by and hence, we retire there and wait out the storm.”

I scowl. “Damien, I do not like my choices taken away from me.”

His eyes rest on me, his index finger resting on his upper lip as he takes his time to reply.  “Why do you have a problem in waiting out the storm? Would you rather wait in the jet instead, or in this car?”

“Don’t mock me Damien,” I snap. “You were wrong to not consult me or inform me at least. Accept it graciously and let us move on.” I fold my hands in front of me, my mouth setting in a straight, unmoving line.

He blinks. “My apologies then. I meant no offense.”

I lower my chin and consider him. It’s of no good to either of us if I remain mad with him. And I don’t have any choice. We’re going to be stranded here in the snow if we don’t seek shelter soon. I may as well use that opportunity to my benefit and get to know him better.

“Apology accepted!” I flick my hair away from my face. “Now where’s this house of yours?”

He stares at me for a few seconds and finally a slight smile eases over his mouth. “You are something else.”

He turns to look in the front. “Mike, take a turn into the gate on the right.”

We stop in front of a huge wrought-iron gate. Damien relays a code that Mike enters and the gates open wide.