Chapter Five - He knows

Luxiana Sommeris

As we sat down with our coffee orders in hand, Anton leaned forward, a curious smile on his lips. 

“So, how long have you been in the city, Luxiana?” he asked, his voice casual yet warm. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “Oh, and how old are you? I just realized I might not be giving you the respect you deserve, depending on that.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at his sudden concern. “There’s no need to be so formal, really,” I assured him, offering a light smile. “I just turned 26 this year.”

His eyes widened in surprise, a playful spark flickering in them. “Wait, so you’re like my older sister!”

I clutched my chest dramatically, pretending to be wounded by his words. “I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not, but if that’s how you feel comfortable, then sure,”

We both burst out laughing, the atmosphere light and easy between us. After a moment, I took a sip of my cold caramel macchiato and glanced over at him. “What about you? You look young. What kind of job are you waiting on?”

His expression shifted, becoming a little more serious as he responded. “I just turned 22 last month.”

“I’m waiting on something from a publishing company. It’s been a dream of mine to work there, but I’m stuck on the waitlist because of the story I submitted,” he explained, his voice tinged with the frustration of someone so close to their goal but still just out of reach.

He looked almost defeated, and for a brief moment, the weight of that waiting seemed to hang over him.

“Hm, would like me to take a read on the story that you made? I am a book nerd. If it can help ease your mind…I can give some feedback.” I randomly told him.

I thought it might be strange to ask him, but I just thought it would be the best tone for the conversation.

Honestly, I have been shaking on the inside since a while ago, I don’t know where this confidence comes from.

“Really?” Anton’s eyes lit up before he reached out to my hands just to hold it as if he was clearly touched, “Give me your email so I can send the manuscript to you.”

After we exchanged emails, we quickly returned to our tasks in the library, working double time since Margaret was on the lookout for us. 

The place was packed with people, and she was wondering where we had disappeared. 

I could still feel her eyes on us from earlier when she spotted Anton and me entering the library together, her teasing glances never stopping for a moment.

Anton was the first to say his goodbyes, and we watched as he went out the door. The moment he was gone, I flinched when Margaret nudged me in the side with her elbow.

“I see you two are getting along quite well, huh?” she said in a teasing tone. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go out for coffee with anyone before.”

“That’s just because he’s new,” I replied, trying to brush off her insinuations. “I was showing him around, pointing out where he could grab a bite to eat.”

“Oh, please!” she exclaimed with a grin, her excitement bubbling up. “You can’t fool me! I bet you two hit it off!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her eagerness. “Stop it, will you? I always go out for coffee with you when we have time, and besides, all that caffeine isn't good for you. Also, he’s younger than me. I prefer someone a few years older.”

Margaret’s eyes lit up, and I immediately regretted saying anything. “So you do have a preference! I know someone older, a real hunk! I bet you two would get along!” she continued, already listing off her matchmaking options.

I just shook my head and decided it was best to ignore her. The more I responded, the more relentless she’d become. My type, huh?

A man a few years older... well, that was just one of the many things I’d always considered. And, truthfully, even though I didn’t want to admit it, Damien fit that description all too perfectly.

I felt a warmth creep up my cheeks at the thought, almost blushing, before forcing myself to refocus on my work. The day was winding down, and I decided it was time to head home before traffic got in my way.

When I got home, I briefly wondered if I should have another cup of coffee to stave off the inevitable drowsiness that would come too soon.

After a relaxing bath, I made my way to my phone, casually scrolling until my attention was caught by the sight of a new email. 

I opened the message, a smile tugged at my lips—it was Anton. He had sent over his manuscripts, and for reasons I couldn’t quite explain, an excited thrill ran through me.

The title alone seemed captivating, promising to keep me engrossed for hours. The thought of staying up all night lost in his words, was enticing.

My phone buzzed again, drawing me out of my thoughts, and I noticed another email from Anton. This time, it was informal.

‘I hope you like it!’ he wrote, followed by a string of cute little emojis at the end. How strange that these emojis somehow don’t suit his personality quite well, especially on email.

Shaking my head, I decided to read his manuscript and was amazed at how talented he was. It’s impossible for him not to get a position there.

I’ve read thousands of books, and this surpasses my taste so far. It’s about an angel and a demon. His approach is quite critical but unique.

I continued reading Anton’s manuscript, completely absorbed in the story until an unsettling sensation crept over me. 

It felt as if someone’s eyes were fixed on me from the doorway. I glanced up, and there stood Damien, silent and imposing. I couldn’t help but gasp, my heart jumping with surprise.

“For goodness' sake, you startled me,” I muttered, trying to steady my breath. Did I fall asleep while reading? The lines between dreams and reality were always so thin with him around.

Damien wouldn’t be here if I was still awake. I’m still surprised how can I think straight inside a dream or a nightmare.

I then found myself recalling the kiss we shared last night—a kiss that seemed to linger in the air long after it had ended, filled with heat and intensity that left me breathless, making it impossible to forget. 

How could I possibly bring myself to face him tonight, with the memory of his lips on mine still burning so vividly in my mind?

I raised my gaze and saw him smirking, his eyes unreadable yet intense, and tilted his head. “What took you so long to notice me?” His tone was low, with an edge of something unspoken—possessive, maybe even jealous.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. “Do I need to notice you every time?” I challenged, but he didn’t respond. His eyes, though, spoke volumes.

Without another word, he crossed the room and leaned over me, peering down at the manuscript with interest. “Who’s this... Anton?”

“A friend of mine from work,” I replied shortly, my voice cool.

Damien’s brow furrowed slightly. “Are you two... close?”

I shrugged, brushing it off. “We just met today. I barely know him.” As if to emphasize, I turned back to Anton’s story, though Damien’s presence lingered, a weight I couldn’t ignore.

His voice softened but retained its edge. “Would you like me to...distract you? Help you keep your focus on something more...tangible like myself?”

“What? No,” I said, trying to dismiss him with a wave of my hand. “I’m reading his manuscript.”

“You can’t continue scrolling here in this space. Your focus should be on me,” I heard him say, but I didn’t listen. I stubbornly kept scrolling through my laptop, ignoring him completely.

What happened next took me completely by surprise. Without a word, he reached over, grabbed my laptop, and pulled it away from me. 

He then kissed the back of my hand, his lips brushing against my skin in a way that sent a strange shiver down my spine. “Do I need to kiss you so you’ll focus on me?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

“Give my laptop back,” I replied, not daring to look him in the eye. The kiss lingered in my mind, too vivid and distracting, and I couldn’t shake the memory of it.

Before I could say another word, he moved in closer. With one hand, he gently but firmly tilted my chin upward so I had no choice but to meet his gaze. 

His eyes were intense, as though he could see straight through me. “Are you avoiding me? Didn’t you say you wanted to get to know me?” he said, his voice deep, almost a command.

His words sent a rush of heat to my face, and I felt myself freeze. “I want you to get to know me so we can take things further,” he added, his tone both demanding and seductive.

I bit my lower lip, trying desperately to look away from him, but it was impossible. My body felt paralyzed, my eyes locked with his, and it was as if I couldn’t even blink.

He was right. I had said that—said I wanted to know him better, to learn about him. But after that kiss… How could I possibly be comfortable around him now? How could I pretend that didn’t affect me?

I sighed, trying to push him away gently, but it felt like he was impenetrable, like I could never escape the pull he had on me.

“Last night…” I began, my voice shaking slightly, “That kiss was beyond anything I expected. You said it was just a kiss, and that means a peck, not... that.” My words faltered, and I had to almost raise my voice to mask my embarrassment.

Damien tilted his head, a sly smirk playing on his lips. “What? How could I resist such a sweet taste?” he replied, his voice dripping with amusement. “Why would I not indulge in the food served before me?”

“I’m not some freaking food,” I almost complained, my frustration slipping through.

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. “You’re feeding me with your desire. What does that make you?” he asked, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.

To be continued…