Deal With The Devil

 Chapter 2

GIOVANNA 

My eyes widened as I turned to see the stranger I had kissed earlier, what is he doing here?

“Aurelio, drive.” He ordered in a smooth voice and the car engine revved.

“Wait, hold on. I think I got into the wrong car, this looks so much like my car model.” I stared around and outside the window only to find my car at the other side with my driver leaning onto it.

Despite me calling their attention, no one in the car said a word and the driver just kept driving like some kind of robot that was only programmed for driving.

“Can you hear me? I'd like to get down.” I said knocking on the window glass and slightly shoved the driver but he remained as firm as a brick wall.

“Well, I'll start the introductions. I'm Marko, the CEO of the company your ex boyfriend works in, I suppose and now your husband to be.” He stared at the wedding ring looking intrigued and I just sighed.

Oh and his voice has this nice, deep baritone that again is so sinful. This man has to be the epitome of a Greek god.

“I'm Giovanna and I'm sorry for imposing that on you like that, I was honestly just caught up in the moment. You don't have to think much about it, I apologize once again.”

“Why are you talking so much? It's not like you did it alone, I kissed you.” He muttered inaudibly and I leaned in closer.

“What?” He twitched his brows while shrugging and then shook his head in negativity.

“Well, where are we going? I'd like to go home.” My eyes were red and itchy from tears as I leaned resignedly onto the car seat.

“Somewhere you can clear your head, you were quite hysterical back there and I don't think it's the best idea to leave you in charge of yourself for today.” He nodded staring at the window with a smug look on his face.

I was about to dispute what he said when the car came to a stop and I looked around my surroundings and was in awe.

I was an heiress but this place looked like heaven, the entire mansion like a transcending work of art that could last ages.

I alighted from the car as the driver held the door open and then trailed Marko into his house. I was just going to say my thank you’s and leave, that was my decision within me.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Marko and I really appreciate your kind gesture for bringing me here so I don't wallow in hurt but I honestly think it's best if I leave. Besides, I have something to get on with.” For some reason, I didn't feel uncomfortable inside of his living room and I wasn't sure why.

It almost felt like a whole lot of eyes were on me yet no one visible was staring at me. His guards seemed conspicuous and did everything so perfectly.

Something within me kept yelling at me to leave the premises and run as fast as I could out of this place.

“You can surely have a few drinks and my chauffeur would drop you off.” He gestured to a brand of whiskey laying on the table and I shook my head in negativity.

“I'm sorry, I don't drink. And I can just call my driver or even better, get an Uber.” I smiled nervously, rubbing my wrist together as I took a few steps backwards and he gulped down a shot of whiskey.

Watching his Adam apple rise and fall sent some strange feelings down my spine making my legs jitter.

Okay, that's it! Giovanna! I need to freaking leave before I jump on this man and harass him.

“Get an Uber? There's no way I'll let that happen but aside from the fact that I don't want you to return home and wallow in hurt which you would still do regardless, I actually have a business idea you might love.” He winked and I tightened my grip on my purse contemplating it.

“You can call my secretary and book an appointment.” I smiled to him as I went closer aand dropped my card onto the table.

“Oh, I thought matters that had to do with Diamond palace would be one you would love to hear as soon as possible and in person.” His brows twitched and just by mentioning Diamond falls, my dad's company, he had gotten my attention.

“How do you know the Diamond falls?” I queried with raised brows and he chuckled slightly.

“You're now my assumed fiancee. Even if nothing goes on, I need to know the littlest things about you Giovanna.” Why was he putting a labour on the fiancee thing? I think I already emphasized that it was just a phase and i had done it out of the pan out of the events at that moment.

“What was the business idea you were talking about?” I asked and he gestured to a seat, I had no other option but to join him and at first glance,I thought he actually wanted to pour me drink until he stood up and re entered with a can of unopened apple juice.

“I don't really appreciate the idea of you watching me as I drink while we discuss and anyone that goes through your profile would see how much you love apple juice.” I accepted the glass he poured me and took a little sip while staring at him intently to know the idea he had.

“The press already knows that you were going to propose to Alessandro today.” He stated and I shrugged.

That wasn't a problem, 2 weeks away from media and paparazzi’s would fix that for me.

“I know what's going through your mind, Giovanna but few weeks away from the media won't save your fathers company from the losses he'd face by tomorrow.” I dropped the glass on the table and turned my phone on when I heard the news and unexpectedly, I was already trending as the billionaire heiress that got rejected.

And more particularly, there was a lot of fabricated stories that didn't even happen and almost immediately, my phone beeped again and it was a text from my dad.

“What the hell happened with you and that punk of a boyfriend you have?” I swallowed hard as I stared at the text for a few seconds before turning off my phone screen.

“Marry me for real.” Marko suddenly declared and I choked on the glass juice I was sipping.

“I'm sorry, I think my brain is in a little overdrive and I must have misheard what you said. Can you repeat that?” I leaned forward just to make I didn't miss any letters and he leaned in closer again.

“You heard me, Giovanna.” 

“I know the proposal was off but that doesn't give you the room to propose marriage. I don't want it! I don't even know you.” I was about to stand up when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back down.

“Your fathers company is going haywire because you were to be engaged, what if you introduce me as your husband to be on the news leaving the impression that the media got the match between you and Alessandro all wrong. Your fathers company would survive the fall and you'd be saved the shame and embarrassment too.” I nodded in understanding and then turned to him.

“And besides, if you want to know anything about me, you can just ask.” Oh how I wish I could blurt out all the question spinning through my head but I'm sure that would only make me look like a creep.

“You own that company?” I questioned and he chuckled before gulping down a drink.

“Not directly. It's just one of my father's companies that I'm on the verge of losing.” 

“Why would you loose your company? And what's in the marriage for you you? ” I needed to know everything before accepting and he just shrugged his shoulders like it wasn't important.

My father's company meant a lot to him and so did my father mean a lot to me, I was willing to do anything for him.

“I was supposed to get married, you know. My ex-girlfriend abandoned me at the altar because her childhood sweetheart suddenly returned and it was my father's wish that I got married else stocks and all family companies will be transferred to my step brother. That's what my stepmother wants anyways so I'm in a fix, if I show up with a wife, I'll save face in the family. I'm begging you here, Giovanna.” My mouth fell open as I realized how miserable that must have been for him.

He looked so perfect yet was going through so much hurt and pain.

“I'm so sorry.” I said and I could swear I saw his eyes moisten up a bit.

“Nah, it's okay.”

“In about two weeks, this fake marriage thing will be over, right?” I asked and he nodded.

“All you have to do is sign here and we'd have a private wedding just for the show, in 2 weeks, we'd annul.” I nodded and picked up the fille, glancing through out, I rummaged my purse for a pen when he offered me his.

“Here you go.” I accepted it with a smile and attached my signature to the end of the file.