Brewing Storm

Damon found himself pacing the living area, his hands idle by his side. The mansion was suffocatingly quiet and it was driving him nuts.

Naomi wasn't home yet.

He had come home to talk to Naomi, a part of him praying it wasn't too late to let her know how he felt but the one person who needed to hear him wasn't there.

The foyer, the living room, the quiet kitchen…every space echoed with her absence. He waited. He didn't bother to get out of his suit, maybe it just didn't occur to him to do so.

Hours went by and Naomi still wasn't home. He glanced at the entrance for the hundredth time that evening, his stomach screaming at him, telling something wasn't right. This was so unlike her. He had put a call through to the office to make sure she wasn't working late, the security claimed she took off right after work.

Where did she go then if she isn't at the office? Damon ran his fingers through his hair, what if she was involved in an accident? He had no idea where to start his search and it made him more upset.

How could he have no clue where she could have gone? How could he say he loves her when he couldn't make a guess as to where she could possibly be?

Damon tried to call her again, ignoring all the countless missed calls she must have had already. But his calls went straight to voicemail as did the other times he had tried to call her.

Patrick stood in the corner in silence, his eyes fixed on his phone screen. He had called each and every member of Naomi's department, trying to know if they might have an idea of where she must have been.

Since they got back from the estate, Patrick could sense Damon's uneasiness. Coming home and finding out Ms Naomi wasn't home had thrown him into worry for some reason.

He had a million things to say, to confess, but the phone in his hand offered only a busy signal. He tried again and again, each failed attempt a fresh sting, a reminder of the distance he had so carefully created.

Patrick sighed, Rose had no clue either. He had just one person on his list, Didi and he wasn't sure he would receive positive feedback.

Damon's phone went off and much to his disappointment, it was Clara. He frowned, answering with a curt, "This is the wrong time to piss me off."

Clara scoffed. “Its good to hear from you too. I understand Naomi has finally moved in with you. It's a shame you didn't see fit to inform me."

Damon's grip on the phone tightened. "That's none of your business."

"Is it? I only agreed to sign those damned papers because you told me you would keep her out of my brother's company!" she snapped.

“I don't have time for this. I'm a busy man, you know that.”

"I've watched Naomi for six years, Damon. If you think I'm going to let you get away with this breach of agreement , you're sorely mistaken. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my interests."

The call ended with a sharp click.

Damon stood frozen, the phone still pressed to his ear. What if Clara took Naomi because of their supposed agreement?

His hand went limp to his side, eyes wide open in horror. He should have told her earlier, he should have told Naomi about his deal with Clara and Amanda. He was just trying to protect Naomi, he was trying to keep his promise to Aaron Pearl..

“Good evening. This is Mr Patrick, Mr Damon's personal assistant. I was trying to reach Ms Naomi about something urgent but I can't seem to reach her. Do you have any idea where she could possibly be?”

Patrick was on the phone with Didi.

“Ms Naomi? Have you tried calling her home or something? She's married now. I'm sure her husband should be able to provide reasonable intel..”

Patrick glanced at Damon, nope. Not even her husband knows where she could possibly be.

“Unfortunately, her husband is unable to reach her either. Do you have any clue where she could be?”

Didi is silent and Patricl sighed, this was his last resort. “What about Soonie? She's best friends with Ms Naomi.”

“Soonie?”

“Yes she used to work for our branch until the new management moved her to a different branch.”

“Do you have Ms Soonie's number? We would like to reach out to her.”

“I'm sorry but I don't. My phone got stolen last night. I just got myself a new one today..”

“Thank you. You've provided useful intel.”

Patrick ended the call, turning towards Damon. “Sir, I think we might have something but it might take a while to get details..”

"Patrick," Damon called, his voice suspiciously calm. "Track Naomi's phone. Now."

“Yes sir. But I think there's a chance Ms Naomi is at her friend's place, Ms Soonie.”

Damon met his gaze, eyes narrowed on Patrick like he was no more than a prey. “Why the hell isn’t she responding to my calls then?”

Patrick sighed, they haven't been on good terms lately. Maybe Ms Naomi was giving him something to think about, intentionally.

“Get me the address and send it to me. I'm going there myself..” Damon grabbed the keys on the table and hurried to his car. He threw the car into drive and was out of the mansion in seconds.

He didn't give a shit if Naomi was with a friend, she should have responded to his calls at least. He'll, he doesn't even know if she's in danger or not.

Damon called Patrick, keeping him on the line while he waited patiently at the entrance into his estate.

Within minutes, Patrick's calm voice was on the line. "I have it, sir. She's at an apartment building on the west side of the city. Address. 12A, Felix Avenue."

Damon didn't wait for more. He threw the car into drive and drove with a reckless abandon he hadn't allowed himself in years, the city lights blurring into streaks of color.

If anything happens to Naomi, it would be all his fault. This wasn't the promise to make to Aaron! Hell, not even the one he made to himself ever since she moved in with him!

He arrived at the apartment building, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He got out of the car, his eyes scanning the building as a wave of overwhelming dread washed over him.

Soon, he found the block and he hurried in. Patrick has been able to narrow his search down to the floor and it seemed to be the second floor. Damon hurried up the stairs. Not allowing himself a moment to catch his breath.

Soon, he was outside Soonie's door. He placed a frantic knock on the door.

“Who is it?”

Damon remained silent. If he spoke, the door might remain shut and he wouldn't be able to know if Naomi was safe or not.

The locks clicked and standing at the other side of the door was Naomi. Her eyes went wide open on seeing him.

Damon exhaled, pulling her by the waist into a tight hug, his face buried in her shoulder as he tried to catch his breath.

She’s safe.