Chapter Three
“Wait here,” I told my driver Ewan as he stopped the car around the corner from Maya’s place. I scowled at the sight of the good-for-nothing arse who seemed to think it was ok to go and threaten a woman. How dare he. I warned them to find out what his issue with Maya was. I hardly knew her but I wanted to be around her and get to know her better. I felt a connection to her since the minute I stopped her walking into the road and being squashed by an oncoming car. She was beautiful with shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes that I could stare into for hours, her bright red lips were so luscious that I wanted to brush mine against hers and kiss her.
“Is everything ok Mr Charles?” Ewan turned around in his seat and looked concerned as I jumped out the car and followed Joe.
“Hey you.” I shouted after him as he spun around looking surprised then he let out a small growl when he recognised it was me.
“What the hell do you want?” he started to approach me. I walked straight up to him and grabbed him by the neck pinning him up against an old oak tree. He tried to hit out and kick me as he struggled to breath but I wasn't fussed. He needed to listen to me and back off Maya. I didn't know what the story was with them two but I could see the discomfort on her face when he was there.
“You stay away from Maya.” I told him, releasing my grip on him and he fell to the ground in a heap gasping for breath.
“Youre going to pay for that.” he slowly pulled himself back up and tried to grab me but I stepped on his hand preventing him from being able to lash out at me.
I watched as Joe stumbled back, gasping for breath, his eyes blazing with anger. I could tell he was seething, but I didn't care. I wasn't about to let him continue to harass Maya, not while I was around. I stepped back, my eyes never leaving his, and addressed him in a calm but firm tone.
"You need to stay away from her," I repeated. "Whatever your issue is with Maya, it's none of your concern. You need to leave her alone."
Joe's face twisted in a mixture of rage and fear as he glared at me. "You're making a big mistake," he spat, his voice venomous. "She's mine."
I raised an eyebrow. "Who are you kidding? You're not even good enough for her. You're a loser, Joe. And she deserves so much better."
Joe's eyes narrowed, his face reddening with anger. "You don't know anything about us," he snarled, taking a step closer to me.
I stood my ground, my fists clenched at my sides. "I know that you're trying to hurt Maya," I said calmly. "And I won't let that happen. Not while I'm around."
Joe's face contorted in a snarl as he lunged at me, but I was ready for him. I grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back, holding him in a firm grip.
"You need to learn to respect people," I told him, my voice firm but controlled. "And you need to leave Maya alone."
I held him there for a few moments, making sure he understood the gravity of the situation. Then, with a final squeeze, I released him and stepped back.
"Remember what I said," I warned him, my eyes never leaving his. "Stay away from Maya."
“That b***h owes me money and I want it back. You tell her from me she better pay up.” he grunted and I glared at him for a moment before pulling out my wallet.
“Here take this and keep the change.” I threw a bundle of cash at him and his eyes widened as he started to grab the money as it scattered to the ground.
“Consider that her debt paid. If I see you near Maya or her friend again, then I will kill you and bury you in the deep sea ocean.” I warned him and with that, I turned and walked back to my car without looking back at his pathetic sight. He was a pure loser and I wanted him as far away from Maya as possible.
I couldn't believe I'd asked Maya out on a date, let alone proposed a deal that could change the course of her life and my life. She was all I had thought about since I had met her. There was no way that I was going to be able to walk away from her.
Later that day
I walked up to Maya's doorstep, feeling a sense of anticipation as I rang the doorbell. I had been thinking about her all day, replaying our conversation from the night before in my head. I had a feeling that tonight was going to be a turning point for us.
The door opened, and Maya stood before me, looking stunning in a simple yet elegant dress. Her hair was styled perfectly, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of uncertainty.
"Hey," she said, smiling slightly.
"Hey," I replied, feeling my heart skip a beat. "You look beautiful."
Maya blushed, and I could see the tension between us dissipate slightly. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I handed her the flowers I had brought, and she took them with a smile. "I hope you like them," I said.
Maya nodded, her eyes scanning the bouquet before she looked back at me. "They're lovely," she said.
We stood there for a moment, the only sound being the distant hum of traffic and the quiet rustling of the flowers. It was as if we were both waiting for something to happen, but neither of us knew what it was.
Finally, I broke the silence. "Shall we?" I asked, holding out my arm.
Maya took it, and we walked out into the night together. The air was cool and crisp, and I could feel her hand trembling slightly as we walked. It was a small gesture, but it told me that she was just as nervous as I was. I opened the car door for her and she smiled gratefully and stepped inside.
As we drove to the restaurant, the city lights blurred together as we sped along the highway. The music was soft and jazzy, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. We chatted quietly, sharing stories and laughter as we went.
I glanced over at Maya a few times, taking in the way the dim light of the car highlighted her features. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she talked about her job, and her smile was infectious. I found myself smiling more and more as the conversation went on.
The traffic was light, and we made good time. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the restaurant, a sleek and modern building with a sign that read "Bistro 42". I cut off the engine and turned to Maya.
"Ready for dinner?" I asked, looking at her with a smile.
Maya nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm starving," she said.
I opened the door for her, and she stepped out onto the sidewalk. The cool evening air enveloped us as we walked towards the restaurant entrance. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted out from inside, mingling with the scent of food wafting from the kitchen.
As we entered the restaurant, I could feel the warmth of the atmosphere envelop us. The decor was modern and chic, with dark wood accents and plush seating. We were greeted by the maître d', who showed us to our table by the window.
As we sat down at the restaurant, I could see the initial shock in her eyes fade away, replaced by a glimmer of curiosity. She was a beautiful woman, with a fiery spirit and a heart of gold. And I knew that if she agreed to my proposal, she would be the perfect partner for me.
So I leaned in, my voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Maya, I have a proposal for you," I said, my eyes locked on hers. "I know your mother is sick, and I know how much you want to help her. And I'm willing to help you...if you'll agree to one condition."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and I could see the gears turning in her head. She was weighing her options, trying to decide what to do. And I knew that every second counted.
"Tell me what you want," she said finally, her voice low and husky.
And that's when I laid it all out for her - the deal, the proposal, the offer.