CHAPTER 3

Panic flooded my senses. I waved my arms frantically before hitting the figure in the stomach. As soon as he let me go I turned on the lights. “Mr. Reeves” I called out in shock. He looked up at me and glared. “Miss Dickens, it’s you. Didn’t anyone tell you you’re supposed to be here?” I averted my eyes from his glare. He massaged his temples and sighed deeply. He walked away from the area with his hand on his stomach and I quickly walked after him. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Reeves. I don’t know what came over me. I just got curious” I pleaded, fearing for my life.

“I’m not some sick monster who can kill without batting an eye, miss Dickens” He rolled his eyes before turning to me. “What were you doing there?” He closed the distance between us. His eyes had emotion. Just one; anger. He backed me against the wall and lowered his head so we were at the same eye level. I shuddered under his cold gaze.

“W-well, I was bored so I got curious” when he didn’t budge I began to quiver. “I’m really sorry. I won’t do it again” I pouted. I could have sworn I saw him glance at my lips before he pulled away. “Don’t do it again” He said in a low voice, almost a whisper. My heart was still pounding as I watched him walk away. 

I woke up early to apologize to Mr. Reeves but I missed him. I got a call from the doctor taking care of my mom in the hospital that they would begin the procedure. I felt relaxed and guilty at the same time. Alice came over again. She had brought some clothes with her and forced me to try them on for research purposes but later confessed they were clothes she didn’t need anymore and wanted to give to me. I knew she was lying because I had seen the tag on one of the dresses but her smile and persuasiveness didn’t let me turn them down.

Feeling guilty about last night’s incident, I opened up to herabout it. She scolded me a little bit. “Damon is a very strict man. He hates people who do things behind his back and those who lie. If you want to escape his wrath, you shouldn’t do either of these” Alice advised.

“When you see him later, give him a proper apology. That way you can gain his trust and live in peace until that evil organization is found” Alice left after that to go to work. A driver came to pick her up. She waved at me before closing the car window, her smile slowly fading and her eyes devoid of emotion. She dialed a number that picked up after the first ring. “I’m on my way. Yes, she’s safe at home.” Alice smirked. “Are you worried about her, Damon?” she grinned at his response on the phone. “Don’t worry. She won’t go out of line again. Trust me.”

I spent the day in my room before going downstairs, looking for what to do. Miss Jane wasn’t any help as she dismissed me each time. Preaching about how she would never let a guest do dishes or sweep floors. It put me in an awkward position every time I was served food or attended to. I couldn’t wait to see Alice again. I had thought of her advice thoroughly and planned to wait for Damon till he got home. Miss Jane couldn’t stop me from waiting in the living room while everyone was already going to sleep. She later gave up and went inside. I fiddled with my phone until I dozed off.

Mr. Reeves walked into the penthouse at midnight and spotted me immediately. He stared at me for a moment, contemplating what he should do. He attempted to pick me up but feared stirring me awake so he got a blanket to cover me. In his attempt to complete the gesture, he slipped and fell on top of me. I sprang awake to meet his eyes with equal surprise. I could feel his breath on my face as my heart pounded. He stood abruptlylooking flushed, an expression I had never seen on his face before. “Sorry about that. I was trying to cover you” feeling flustered, he began to walk away but I held onto his arm. He turned to look at me as I slowly pulled him back. “I waited for you all night because I wanted to properly apologize to you, Mr. Reeves” he was about to say something dismissive so I spoke first. “I shouldn’t have invaded your space like that. It’s the least I can do after all you have given me” I bowed politely.

Mr. Reeves stared at me for a moment before shrugging “That’s alright” he responded calmly.

I beamed at him “Thank you, Mr. Reeves”

“Damon” he muttered, averting his gaze.

“What?” I didn’t hear him.

“Call me Damon” he looked at me now, his eyes holding an unfamiliar emotion.

I could feel my heart race and churn in my stomach. I hid my blush and gave a small smile. “Damon” I said slowly, as if testing his name on my tongue. He nodded. “Then you can call me Emma” My eyes subtly telling him to say it.

“Emma” he smirked, sending those annoying shivers down my spine. He suddenly became serious and gave me that distant look “Ill see you later” he said dismissively before he went upstairs. I stared at his back, feeling confused by his sudden change in tone.

I squinted my eyes shut in an attempt to fall asleep but couldn’t. I opened my phone to see a notification from the doctor telling me he had something important to tell me tomorrow regarding my mother’s condition. I got out of bed and navigated my way to Damon’s room like Alice had shown me. I was about to knock when I noticed the door was slightly open. I could hear his voice. It seemed like he was on the phone with somebody.

“Everything is going according to plan. We’re locating the weapon shipments as we speak” He sat on his bed. “Oh, the girl?” I held my breath. He laughed. A cold and deep one, making me shudder. “You don’t need to worry. She’s just a pawn. Nothing more”.