The Devil's Disguise

Chapter 4

"How could you try something like that, Lara? I am so disappointed in you!" Elene had yelled as soon as she had seen me. 

I had silently listened to all her scolding, not at all fazed by her words. Because I had known, that just in a couple of hours, maybe less, my devil would show up and it would shut her up for good. I had spent the night waiting for him, my mind hazy with his thoughts as I danced for other customers. For the first time ever, I hadn't even heard the remarks they passed as I moved my body. I just didn't care. 

But little had I known, that Rafael Knight was just like every other rich man, who charmed poorer women and then left them hanging. 

He never showed up at the club. Not that day, not the next. Not even for the entire week. 

I did not want to hold it against him. I really did not. After all, he owed me nothing. I was the indebted to him, not the other way round. 

And yet, a selfish, vile part of me hated him for it. Had he not sent that gift, I would not have given it another thought. But he promised I'd see him again soon. And then he broke that promise. 

"Lara?" my best friend, Paige, snapped her fingers in front of my face.

"Yeah?" I muttered, my eyes rounding a bit. 

"You good?" she asked, her pierced eyebrows furrowing together.

"I'm okay."

"Where are you lost? Has something happened?"

I let out a soft sigh. I couldn't hold it in now, I had to talk to someone.

"It's about the club," I said, tightening the apron I wore.

"Did someone harass you?"

I shook my head. "I got a special client. Rafael Knight."

She snorted, getting back to wiping the counters. "As in the one from RK Aerospace?"

"Yeah."

"Sure you did."

"I'm serious."

"Why would Rafael Knight come to your club, Hun? No offense, but that place is not exactly the best in town."

I pulled myself up on the counter, sitting with my legs dangling in the air. "Trust me, I know. I was shocked too. A bit too much, actually."

She stopped now, glancing at me. "You're actually serious?"

"Yes, Paige. Why would I lie about something like this?"

"Rafael--freaking--Knight was at your club, and you're telling me now? When did this happen?" She stepped closer.

I shrugged. "It's been a week. I didn't get to complete my dance for him, because my mother hit her head. He was kind enough to drop me home, and even covered the expenses of the hospital."

"Woah," she whispered, her eyes wide. "That's generous."

I chuckled, nodding. "He then sent me a gift in the morning, kind of a personal joke. It had a letter too. He said he'll see me soon, but he hasn't showed up."

"I'm guessing that's what's bothering you."

I nodded.

Paige smiled, shaking her head at me. "Tell me honestly. You didn't really expect him to fulfill his promise, right? How do you think he earned s**t loads of money?"

"Uh, I don't think he's a fraud. I think he's an honest man."

Paige scoffed. "He may be, in business. But to be a good businessman, you need to be charming and convincing. Besides, have you seen the guy? I mean, I don't sway easy and even I get the hots for him. He should have been a model. He probably says stuff like that to all women. It has to be like a game for him. Charm the girl."

"You think I don't know that? I know what kind of a man he probably is. He's a player, obviously. The problem here is that I'm very bothered by--"

"Who's a player?" 

I froze, instantly recognizing the voice. The look on Paige's face as she looked behind me confirmed my suspicion. 

I bit my lip, slowly sliding off the counter, and turned around.

There he stood. Looking as handsome as always.

"Ms. Dames," he smiled, taking my hand and pressing a kiss to it.

Even when I was annoyed at him, my heart beat skyrocketed at his touch. He did know how to send you into space. Pun intended.

"Rafael," I whispered, my eyebrows furrowing. "What are you doing here?"

He looked around, and stepped closer to the counter, leaning in slightly. In all honesty, I was slightly grateful to the narrow counter separating us.

"I heard this is a coffeehouse and people come here to have... coffee," he said in a teasing tone.

"They do, but what are you doing here? This place isn't fit for someone of your status," I said honestly.

"Trust me, she really does work here. I swear one of her jobs is to attract customers," Paige piped in, causing Rafael to chuckle.

"And you are?"

"Paige."

"Nice to meet you, Paige."

"Likewise, Mr. Knight."

"Rafael," I said again, "really. Why are you here?"

"Didn't I say I'll see you again soon?"

"You did. It's been a week. And... I didn't assume you'd be seeing me here."

"Hmm." He frowned. "As far as I recall, that note I sent was addressed to Ms. Dames. Not Rosie."

My mouth parted slightly. He was right. The note was, indeed, addressed to Ms. Dames. But he knew full well what he was doing. He wasn't stupid, and neither was I.

"Anyway, could we sit and talk?"

I glanced at Paige. She gave me a nod.

"Actually, I'm working right now," I stated. "You think you could wait for half an hour? My shift is just ending."

"Sure thing. I'll be in my car outside. Once you're done, join me."

"Okay."

He gave me a smile and left, and the next second I was being turned around by Paige.

"What did you just do?" she asked in disbelief, her kajal laden eyes widened in a glare. "He helped you when you needed it, Lara. What's wrong with you?"

"I... I'm working!" I tried to defend.

"There is hardly anyone here, I will manage. Go, and talk to him. At least thank him for what he did for you!" She shoved me towards the door.

"Alright, alright!" I frowned, raising my hands in surrender. I took my apron off, tossing it at her. "You're right, I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm doing." 

I quickly ran out of the coffeehouse, and searched for his BMW in the parking spaces. But instead of it, I found a red Devil of the latest model. A smile tugged at my lips. It hadn't made sense to me why he owned a car brand and still travelled in another. 

I quickly jogged up to it, and the guard standing by the door of the back seat opened it for me. I thanked him and sat inside, turning my upper body towards Rafael. He looked slightly confused to see me.

"I am so sorry for telling you to wait," I began before he could say anything. "You came all the way here just to see me, and I waved you off. It was extremely rude, and... ungrateful. Thank you so much for what you did for my mother. I can't describe--"

He calmly placed his finger on my mouth, immediately cutting me off. 

"Are you this boring when you're Lara Dames?" 

It took me a second to register his words, before I leaned my head back to remove his finger from my lips. 

"I don't understand--"

"When you told me to wait outside, I actually liked it. No one has ever asked me to wait before, even though I am mature enough to understand that they can have lives too. I respect you, for respecting your work ethics. And there is no need to thank me for anything. I did it for me, not you."

"For you?"

"Yes. Did it not leave a mark on your heart and mind?"

I couldn't stop my eyes from narrowing, nor could I suppress the smile that crawled onto my lips. He grinned back, before chuckling.

"Now tell me, do you have time to get coffee? Or do you wanna continue to thank me for basic human decency?"

"That was much more than basic human decency, but let's get coffee instead."

"Perfect. Could we get it from somewhere else, though? I did steal you from your work place and I don't want you getting scolded by your boss in front of me. I'll probably end up punching him."

I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Sure. Wherever you wanna go."

"Oh don't leave it completely up to me," he smirked. "If I had the liberty, I'd take you to my bedroom."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Unfortunately, you don't have that liberty. Although now I'm wondering whether getting in the car with you was such a good idea."

He laughed again, looking away from me. "Too late to think now, darling, the doors are already locked and you're trapped."

"Should I start screaming?" I raised an eyebrow.

A dark shadow seemed to cross his features, reminding me of the night we first met. He leaned in, placing his hand on the back rest of the seat in front of me. I instinctively backed away slightly, eyeing him carefully. 

"I don't even let my women scream in the bedroom. You think you have the permission to do that in my car?"

A shiver went through me, and my breath hitched at his low tone. My eyes flickered to his parted lips, and I gulped, before meeting his gaze again.

"What's wrong, Lara?" he whispered, leaning in even closer. "Where's your voice?"

I closed my eyes as his breath traced against my nose. "It's right here," I said softly. "But I didn't scream because I'm not afraid."

I lied. I was frightened. This man was messing with everything within me, and without laying even a hand on my body. It was terrifying.

Rafael chuckled again, his gentle fingers pushing my hair away from my face. "Look at me, Ms. Dames."

I opened my eyes. 

"Do you prefer iced tea, or iced coffee?"

"In this winter?" 

"Mhm."

"Iced coffee."

"That's the correct answer."

He smiled and returned to his original spot, as if he had not just made all those suggestive remarks. 

I released a quiet breath, extremely aware of the pounding of my heart. 

He knocked on the window, and his chauffeur and guard both settled in the front seats. 

"Cafe La'Mousse," he stated, before glancing at me. "They have amazing iced coffee."

"Can't wait to try it," I replied, my voice still small. 

A ghost of a smile appeared on his face, as he stared at me silently. 

I raised my eyebrows. "What?"

"You smell delicious."

My cheeks stained red again. "Thanks?"

"You're welcome." He grinned.

"You smell good too."

"Thank you. It's Armani."

I let out a small laugh. "Of course it is."

"I'm not bragging."

"Sure you're not."

He gave me a boyish smile, and I returned it with my own.

- - - -

Sorry for the late update guys. I was binge-watching The Witcher. I am so in love with Henry Cavill it hurts. Those golden eyes and silver hair and that physique and that personality. What I wouldn't do to be Yennefer of Venderberg. Anyway, stay tuned, loves! Next update hopefully tomorrow.