27.
Julian is here!
Why is Damien better than Julian? There’s no mystery with him. He’s very open to you, and you know he’s not lying, at least for the most part. You’ve learned about him and his family since you were a kid. You know his history.
That’s because it’s all over magazines and newspapers and was taught in my first year in college.
That doesn’t mean that he’s better for you, Samantha.
Julian could learn to be open to you, too. You just have to get him to trust you, and when he trusts you and opens up to you, you might just see that it’s all worth it-being patient with him and all that. I mean, everyone likes a mysterious guy. Don’t they?
Not in this day and age. You just have to….
“Having conversations with yourself again?” Julian asks with a teasing smile.
I exhaled. “Yea. I guess I’m just crazy like that.”
“That’s good. There’s something liberating about knowing that you are insane and loving it.”
I gave him a questioning glare, and he faced me.
“Eyes back on the road!” I warned and burst into laughter, which he joined in.
“Do you want to change?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
I examined my attire-black trousers and a pink button-up long-sleeve shirt, fitting for a teacher. I removed my black suit and left it on the backseat.
“I think I like what I’m wearing. That way, you don’t get any ideas.”
“I always get ideas.” He winked at me.
I rolled my eyes but could not hide the smile on my face.
Damien drove into an upscale restaurant in the heart of New Everest. The restaurant was the only five-star restaurant in the town and allowed access to only the most influential people in New Everest. It took my Dad a year to get a reservation here for their 30th anniversary. My mum loved the surprise and could not stop telling my brother and me what a great time she had.
As he drove further, I took the time to admire the architectural finesse and attention to detail it took to build something this beautiful. Impeccable landscaping, tasteful signage, and well-maintained decorated open Hall added to the sense of sophistication.
Damien is genuinely serious about you for him to take you to a place like this for a casual date he blackmailed you for.
He’s really on a mission to impress you. Will you fall for it?
“This place is too nice for a casual date. Don’t you think?” I said my thoughts out loud.
“Nothing is too nice for you.” He replied, turning off the ignition when we entered the parking lot. “You deserve the best, and I can give it to you. I’m not a man who holds back on doing something my heart yearns after.”
I swallowed, suddenly getting nervous.
Why does Damien always know the best things to say? Why is he so smooth?
He’s a playboy, Samantha. Duh!
“How did you get a reservation so quickly,” I said, desperate to change the topic.
“You are talking to the crown prince of New Everest,” Damien replied
I rolled my eyes. “You denounced the thrown, remember?”
“Royalty will always be Royalty.”
A security man, clad in a black suit, opened the driver’s door for Damien. Another attempted to open my door, but Damien halted him with a raised hand.
“I can handle it,” Damien said.
Oh my God, that’s so hot. A voice in my head sang, and I quickly shut it up.
Damien opened the passenger door for me, and I was led to the restaurant. He held my waist gentlemanly, his grip lose yet possessive.
Upon entering, I was captivated. The restaurant’s interior emanates sophistication and class. Opulent decor, high-quality furnishings, and thoughtfully chosen artwork create a lavish ambiance. Thoughtful lighting elevates the overall mood. The tables are meticulously arranged with exquisite linens and gleaming tableware.
We were guided to our designated table as the mellow R&B music in the background transitioned to country tunes. It seemed like the individual responsible for the music selection was made aware of my preference for country songs, particularly during meals.
Damien drew a chair crafted from fine leather at our round table, and I sat. He gently pushed the chair back before settling in across from me. The table was hidden, but I could get a good view of the beautiful lake outside.
I appreciated the fact that Damien was able to get a discreet table without compromising the quality of my sightseeing.
When we were seated, he put a napkin on his legs, and I put one on mine, too. Then, I continued looking around the restaurant. It’s the epitome of class.
“This place is so nice!” I commented, truly impressed.
“Never been here before, I take it.”
“My ex was a bum,” I replied, and Damien chuckled.
“Oh well, it takes just one man like me who knows what he wants and knows how to treat a woman to get you to forget all about your ex who was a bum.”
I tried to look at him, but I suddenly became shy. Now I knew why he had all the girls. I mean, I’ve always known, but I knew better now.
“Don’t take that job upon yourself. You just might fail, I warn you.”
“I never fail. I warn you. You will fall in love with me.”
Sun rays seeped through the windows and settled on Damien’s frame, making his eyes deeper and sexier, highlighting the shade of green in his irises.
“You are insane!” I replied, shaking my head.
“For you.”
I could not help the smile that formed on my face, which quickly faded as I instinctively glanced back and noticed Julian entering with two men resembling those foreign investors often seen in New Everest.
My heart skipped a bit, and I looked away.
I was visibly shaken
This is not happening!