Book To Read
26
Lilies and smiles
The yellow Lilly bouquet was a beauty. I put it to my nose, loving the intoxicating and gorgeous fragrance. I could feel Damien’s eyes on me the entire time, watching me keenly as I admired the bouquet. He started the car, and we drove out of the estate while I focused on the flower so I wouldn’t have to talk to him.
“In Chinese culture, lilies symbolize good luck and long-lasting love?” Damien said, smiling. I knew he would be the first to evade the silence.
I dropped the bouquet on the back seat and folded my hands, wearing an angry expression. This made Damien chuckle, revealing his perfect set of white teeth unlike mine that was a little yellowish. “I’m still angry you ambushed me.”
“You look like a child whose sweets were taken from her.” He said, and I rolled my eyes.
“What you did is so annoying! You should not have come to pick me up! What if Julian had seen you?”
“Didn’t you say you had nothing to do with him?”
My eyes widened, and my hands rushed to my mouth to cover it. Damn! Samantha, you have a big mouth?
Damien snickered. “No need to pretend. I have my eyes everywhere.”
His words made me wonder how much more he knew. What’s your secret, Damien?
“Is that why you came? Why did you come? What if Julian had seen you?”
“Then he would know he has a rival for your heart.”
I almost smiled.
What is wrong with you? You better not smile.
Why not consider Damien’s offer? I mean, he doesn’t have a child. He’s a prince; he’s wealthier and handsome. But he’s a playboy.
Julian might be a playboy, too. The devil you know is better than the Angel you don’t know.
Julian is not a playboy. He told me I’m the only woman that has gotten him to feel something since his fiance left him.
And you believe him?
Absolutely. Why should I doubt him?
What if he’s lying? I mean, who is the woman in the picture?
I don’t care, but Damien is just not an option. He is a playboy!
“Are you having a full-blown conversation in your mind?” Damien asked, startling me.
I glanced down at my feet, feeling embarrassed that he had swiftly grasped the situation, much like he did in his mother’s office yesterday. “So what if I am?”NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
My heels are starting to hurt.
“I mean, that’s okay. I have no problem with it. My younger sister, Liz, does it, too.” He replied. “I love teasing her about it.”
“That’s nice. At least now I know your mother has a reasonable child.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“That you are a headache!”
Damien’s face fell, and he put his hand on his chest. I didn’t know if he was hurt or just pretending.
Fuck! I think I did hurt him.
Did I banter him too much?
Be an adult and apologize, Samantha!
“Damien, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I….”
He burst out laughing, “Got you!”
I hit his arm playfully. “You did! That’s why I don’t take you seriously! You turn everything into a joke!”
“Well, if you don’t play, you will develop high blood pressure. Not everything about life has to be made complicated. One does not have to be serious all the time, you know. Sometimes, just loosen up and be happy. It’s the Damien’s playbook. Top of the list.”
“I think I agree,” I said, chuckling.
“Splendid. We can finally agree on something.”
“But I’m still mad at you for coming to pick me up. It could have ruined all my plans if Julian had seen you.”
“And it would have made my plans easier.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “What plans do you mean?”
“I plan to have you as mine. I’m serious about you, Samantha. I want you to be mine.”
I looked at him, mouth agape, not knowing what to say. My heart pounded hard at the realization that this man in the car could be genuine about wanting me. I mean, he’s good-looking and sweet, smart and rich, but he’s already been cancelled, plus he’s never really shown his interest in me so urgently before. Could he be doing this to keep me away from Julian?
What if he’s just using you to pass time, Samantha? Maybe he’s just bored.
“Is this some of your jokes?” I ask him. “Cause you do be joking a lot.”
“I’ve never been more earnest, Sam.”
“This is not supposed to be a real date. Remember?” I finally said, knowing that it’s better to play safe.
This could be Julian testing you,
I don’t know, but nowadays, anything is possible
My phone beeped, and I looked down to see a text from my brother.
I’m yet to hear from your dramatic ass. I know you are dramatic, but you are still my only sister, and I will do anything to protect you. So please reply to this text and let me know you are fine. Otherwise, I’m sending the army to the address you gave me. Understood!
I read the text message with a smile on my face.
“So who’s making you smile?” Damien asked, glaring at me from his peripheral vision.
“No one that you should worry about.”
“But I still want to know.” He insisted.
“And I don’t have to tell you.” I shot back,
“Why do you have to be so stubborn!” He chuckled. “I can make you talk, Sam. I will make you talk.”
I took a deep breath and licked my lips, “No need for all that. It’s my brother Elijah. He just wants to know if I’m fine. I kind of scared him.”
“Well, brothers are overprotective like that. I’m very protective of my sister, too.”
“Oh, you are?” I asked with a teasing smile. “Didn’t take you as the protective type.”
“That’s because you do not know me, Sam. I’m very protective and possessive of the ones I love.”
For some reason, the weight of his words almost sank my heart. I wondered what it would be like to be loved by Damien. To be chosen by him.