The Devil's Disguise

Chapter 10

I took a deep breath, before walking inside the room. My mouth almost fell open, as I looked around at the grandeur of his office. There was a wall made entirely of glass, looking over one of the most beautiful views of the city. There was a large desk in one corner, with a couple of aircraft models, a few papers scattered around, and what I presumed was his coat. Opposite to it, was a flat-screen TV, as well as a book shelf, completely filled with hardbacks. My gaze raked over a couple of them, before I lowered it, heat rising to my cheeks because of the images on their covers.

"So we meet again," Rafael said, not bothering to turn towards me. He was standing near the glass wall, hands behind his back, dressed in the same attire I had seen him the first time we met in that private suite. Although this time, there was also an expensive watch on his wrist.

"We do," I said softly, unsure of what else to say. Memories of what happened the last time came flooding in, and so did some of the fear. I was suddenly very aware of being alone with him.

He dropped his hands to his sides, before raising one of them a little, and with his index finger, gestured at me. "Come here, Lara."

I blinked, before cautiously walking closer to him. I stood beside him at a safe distance, staring outside the glass, not daring to glance at him.

"How have you been?" he asked plainly.

"I've been doing well," I replied. "Owing most of it to you."

"Glad to hear it." He finally turned towards me, and I forced myself to meet his gaze. The sunlight that filtered through the glass gently kissed his handsome face, adding almost a godly lustre to his curly hair. He smiled at me, and my knees weakened. "Nice to see you again."

"Likewise," I managed to say.

"Have a seat, then. Let's discuss the terms of your contract, and see whether or not you'll be able to do the job."

I nodded, following him as we walked to his desk. He took his seat, and I sat opposite to him, feeling small under his gaze. He grabbed a black file, and handed it to me. 

"Read, and let me know." He put one leg over the other, and leaned his head back, against the neck rest of his chair.

I opened the file, and scanned the document, realizing it was a single page. My eyebrows furrowed as I read through the few bullet points, before closing the file and looking at him.

"Well?" he asked, not bothering to raise his head.

"Two years, and I can't work anywhere else? No office hours? I have to be at your disposal all the time? What does this mean, Rafael?" I questioned, trying not to sound too rude.

"Those are the terms." He shrugged. "Take it or leave it. It's a job designed only for you, Lara. I don't even need a personal secretary."

"If you don't need one, then why would you need me at any time of the day? This makes me sound like a slave."

"A corporate slave," he corrected, now sitting up straight. He rested his elbows on the desk, intertwining the fingers of his hands. "And that's exactly what you are. Did you read the pay? It's more than what high ranking employees earn. All I'll ask of you is to accompany me on certain meetings, make some calls here and there, and get me coffee. On top of that, you're getting travel allowances, healthcare, and an apartment close to mine. What more could you want?"

"I don't want an apartment, and didn't you live in a man--bungalow?"

"You don't have an option, and yes I did. I moved a week ago. Was getting bored of all the extra space."

"Why do I need to live--"

"So you're there when I need you, Ms. Dames. You know that already, so why ask stupid questions?"

I rubbed a hand over my forehead, taking another deep breath. "I... I don't know if I can sign this," I said softly.

"Suit yourself." He shrugged. "Those are the terms."

God, I wanted to punch him. This was a trick. He wanted to get me back in that old position.

"Okay, I'll take it, on one condition."

"You're not in the position to negotiate, but, humor me."

"At any point, were you to touch me, or make me feel threatened in anyway, this contract stands dissolved."

A smile crawled onto his lips as he stared at me, going silent for a few moments. I noticed the way his thumb tapped his finger repeatedly, before he separated his hands and sat straighter. "You're aware I'm engaged to someone, right?"

"I am, but I just wanna be safe. After what happened last time, you can't blame me for being too careful."

"That was a joke, and you're still here, aren't you?"

"Only because I really need this. But that doesn't mean I'd compromise on my safety."

Rafael let out a chuckle, shaking his head at me. "You're not saying you're afraid of me, are you? Because you're gonna be around me a lot."

"I'm not afraid of anyone, but no one gets hurt by being too cautious."

He leaned over the table, closer to me. "But isn't it the danger that makes everything fun?"

My heart skipped a beat. "I prefer safe and boring."

"Very well." He smirked, leaning away again. "Consider it a deal."

"I don't want your word. I want it on the contract."

His eyebrows shot up. "That wouldn't sound too right on a contract, Ms. Dames."

"We both know how lame the whole thing is anyway, Mr. Knight. I know no one else is going to see this. I'm no genius, but even I know the difference between an official, legitimate contract, and words quickly printed on a paper."

Rafael nodded, smile widening. "I'll have you know that this will still hold the same weight in a court."

"Glad to hear that."

"Go on then. Give this to the brunette girl on your way out, and return tomorrow to sign the new contract, and to collect the keys to your new apartment. You can join in from the day after tomorrow."

I gave him a nod, and stood up. "Thank you, Mr. Knight."

"See you around, Ms. Dames." He waved.

I rolled my eyes and clutched the file to my chest, turning on my heel to leave. I could feel his gaze burning holes through my back, and I also heard his chair move back as I made my way to the door. But what I didn't expect was what happened next.

As soon as my hand touched the door, Rafael grabbed my wrist and turned me around, his lips on mine the very next second. His free hand held my chin in place, and I froze as he pushed me against the door, the file dropping from my hands, his cologne washing over my senses. He let go of my wrist and wrapped his arm around my waist as his teeth grazed my lip, making me let out a soft gasp. His tongue found its way into my mouth, and before I knew it, I was kissing him back. My arms looped around his neck as I melted into him, closing my eyes tightly shut, relishing in the taste of his mouth and the feel of his touch. My heart hammered against my ribs, and my toes curled in my heels, my mind unable to make sense of what was happening.

After what were the best few moments of my life, Rafael slowly pulled away, and I took in a huge gulp of air. My chest heaved up and down, and my lips felt swollen as I stared up at him in dazed disbelief. What had he just done? What had I just done?

"That was better than I thought," he whispered, his electric blue eyes flickering to my lips again.

"Wh... What did--"

"Shh," he cut me off, pressing his index finger against my lips. "You kissed me back."

"You kissed me first," I said breathlessly, scowling. "You just breached the terms."

"It isn't signed yet, and I couldn't let you go without a taste," he replied, in the most casual tone ever. He then swallowed, gaze raking over my body. "I would've regretted every single day, seeing you in front of me, but not being able to know what you'd feel like. You're too appealing, Ms. Dames, and I have very little self control. Although, now I'm not so sure if I want to sign the contract with those terms."

My heart beat seemed to quicken even further, if that was even possible at this point. I had no idea what to say to him. I only knew that I felt really hot.

"I'm gonna leave," I squeaked out.

"And will you come back tomorrow?" He traced his thumb over my cheek.

"You--you have a fiance."

"I know," he whispered, gently rubbing the corner of my mouth.

"I have a boyfriend," I stated, clenching my jaw.

He withdrew his hand. "Oh."

"Yes. Please stay away from me. Please, don't do that ever again. It's not right. It's... It's not good for me."

"Why are you so afraid of me, Lara? I never hurt you."

I shook my head. "I don't know. I don't know why, I don't know anything. I just know that this is very, very wrong. I shouldn't have come here."

"No, no. You should have." He stepped back. "You're right. I shouldn't have kissed you. It won't happen again, I promise. You're... safe with me."

I let out a trembling breath, searching his eyes, and when I found sincerity, I didn't expect the disappointment I felt. God, what was wrong with me?

"Thank you," I said softly, gulping.

Rafael bent down, and I flinched slightly, before realizing that he was only picking up the file. He handed it to me, and stepped further away, allowing me to safely open the door and then get the hell out of that room. My heels clicked against the floor as I rushed to the only brunette I saw in the corridor, and practically shoved the file on her. She took it, giving me a wary look, but I had no time, or no words to explain my state. I was sure she could tell what happened from how my lips looked. I hurried past her, and took the stairs this time, rushing down. I could not stay there and wait for the elevator. I needed to get out.

I was a panting mess by the time I reached the tenth floor, and cursing under my breath, I slammed my hand against the elevator button. I had barely caught my breath, before the doors opened and I scrambled in, only to be brought face to face with another red head, her eyes narrowing as soon as she saw me.

- - - - - -

I actually loved writing this chapter lol. It was so unplanned and so raw. Ugh, love it.

Did you guys enjoy it? What do you think of Rafael right now? And what of Lara? Let me know in the comments!