Page 64 of The Merciless Don's Bride

A smile flits over my face when Damien asks Rafael and Luca to wait down here for us while we enjoy our date. I don’t miss the brief look Luca throws my way. I don’t think he likes me very much. But he seems to tolerate my presence for his beloved boss.

Rafael’s my guy though. We leave them both and the bodyguards who followed us in the second car. I’d say Damien’s a little paranoid but from what I know about his world, you can never be too safe. Which is why it’s surprising that he asked that Luca and Rafeal wait. Either he’s very confident in the security measures already put in place at the restaurant, or he simply wants me to be comfortable which I appreciate.

He's been different since the wedding. Softer. He touches my back when I pass him and the way looks at me sometimes takes my breath away. It’s unsettling and irresistible at the same time. Which is why I agreed to this date. I’m curious about him, and a part of me craves this connection.

The lobby is all sleek marble, gold accents, and understated opulence. This restaurant is obviously a place for the most high class people in the city. A concierge leads us to a private elevator. Damien’s hand rests at the small of my back as we walk, warm through the silk of my dress.

One of my favorites from the brand new wardrobe. It’s an emerald green gown that fits like a second skin, off the shoulder, with a thigh high slit and just enough shimmer to catch the light every time I move. I put a lot of outfit into my appearance this evening. I felt like dressing up. For him.

My hair’s in soft waves, lips painted a berry red that makes me look older, more confident than I feel.

Damien of course looks like sin in a tailored black suit and charcoal shirt, no tie. Just enough buttons undone to make my stomach flutter. His cufflinks catch the light as he presses the elevator call button.

He turns to me, gaze flitting over me, caressing my skin. I fight a shiver.

“Have I mentioned how incredible you look tonight,mi vida?”

I nod, “Twice now. I’m flattered.”

He smirks. The elevator dings and we step inside, alone surrounded by mirrored walls and low golden lighting. As the doors slide shut, I shift uneasily, adjusting the slit of my dress.

“I hate elevators,” I murmur.

Damien glances at me, “Why?”

“I got stuck in one once. When I was fifteen. Power went out and I was alone for hours too much time and too many dark thoughts.”

His expression shifts, jaw tightening ever so slightly. “Don’t worry, I’m here to protect you, sweetheart. Besides, the odds of the elevator breaking down are slim to none. Just relax.”

Which was probably the absolute worst thing he could have said. The universe decides to choose that exact moment to be a jackass. And the elevator lurches. Hard. A metallic groan echoes through the shaft as the lights flicker. My stomach drops. I grab the side rail instinctively, the breath knocked out of me.

Then everything stops. Dead still. No humming. No movement. Just silence.

“Fuck,” Damien breathes, looking annoyingly calm except for the worry in his expression as he stares at me.

Cold panic rushing through me, crashing over every nerve ending.

“I think we just jinxed it,” I manage, exhaling a shaky breath.

“Cassie. Hey, look at me,” Damien says, stepping closer to me.

I shake my head, pressing back against the mirrored wall.

“I really, really hate this..”

“Cassie,” he says again, firmer now. His palms settle on either side of the wall near my shoulders, caging me in.

Not to trap me, but to serve as an anchor. His voice lowers, the seductive purr spreading through me.

“Remember what I said earlier. I’m here, I’ll protect you. You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone again. I promise.”

My eyes lock on to his and I feel my heartbeat start to settle at the look in those blue eyes.

“That sounds like a threat,” I murmur shakily.

His lips twitch, “Come on, just breathe.”

My first breath is a little shaky, but the second one comes easier.

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