Comfort with the enemy
1180 Words
Chapter Seven
Anastasia POV
For a moment, I thought someone was staring at me but then I had just finished giving a speech and everyone had their eyes on me. So why then did I feel as though these eyes were different? Why did I feel the intent to be something intense and mysterious?
“That was a heartwarming speech, Anastasia, thank you again.” Mrs. Moore said as we exchanged greetings. “You look lovely in that dress, it does complement your eyes and hair.” She added and I smiled. Others came in with their smiles and greetings and while I attended to them I caught sight of Daniel. He was at the back, not going the hoard and his gaze was on me, instead of a bright smile his lips were in a thin line like he was upset about something.
“Excuse me,” I walked towards him and when I reached he pulled me into a strong kiss. His lips tasted sweet, champagne. It was barely the beginning and he had already had enough to change the taste of his lips. His hands wrapped around my waist as he took possession of my lips. When he pulled away, his lips spread into a smile.
“Someone is excited,” I said brushing away the former reaction I had seen on his face. “Where were you? I have been looking for you and you weren’t taking my calls.”
“You look ravishing, it's quite hard to let you stay in that dress without wanting to jump on you.” He said. “Your dress- it's quite something. A lot of men have been staring at you and I don’t like it.”
“Dani-”
“I don’t like that they get to share this image of you even though you’re mine, and not to mention theirs a specific man who won’t keep his eyes off you. It's disturbing.” He muttered next to my ears and I frowned. A man?
“Where is he?” I asked and then Daniel pulled away from me and nudged at Damien who was coming towards us.
“Mr. Reed, Mrs. Anastasia, what a wonderful speech you delivered right there.” He started with his gaze entirely on me. “It was as though you were trying to prove me wrong.” The corner of my lips lifted in a small smile.
“I’m guessing that I did,” I replied and Daniel’s arms around me tightened.
“I wasn’t aware that you two know each other,” Daniel said staring at Damien. “Who might you be?”
“My sincere apologies, my name is Damien Graham, and I wouldn’t say I know Anastasia so well since we’re in the middle of a partnership.” At the mention of his name, Daniel turned rigid beside me, like he knew who he was. I turned to him with my brows scrunched up in concern.
“Is everything okay?” I whispered to him but he didn't respond instead he smiled.
“Damien Graham, I think I know you. Your father was that man that was involved in that nasty red-line case-” My frown deepened as I turned to Damien who didn’t seem too happy.
“Seems like you know a lot about my father- interesting. It's a good thing he’s out of the picture now.” He turned to me. “Mrs. Anastasia would you mind walking with me as we talk about our future partnership since we couldn’t get to discuss the last time we met.”
“You can speak to us both, we are a couple after all,” Daniel answered firmly but he was passing a message that he didnt want me to be alone with Damien.
“She’s the owner of the company last I checked and she agreed to have the meeting with me, so I dont think that should be a problem.” That seems to have struck a nerve with Daniel.
“It’s going to be fine Daniel, please.” Daniel turned to me and placed a long kiss on my lips right in front of Damien, it was a bit embarrassing but Daniel was staking his claim and he wanted it to be clear.
“I’ll be at the gallery, come meet me when you’re done.” He said and retreated leaving me with Damien.
“I’m sorry about Daniel- he’-”
“Quite insecure and acts like a manchild,” Damien stated with no regrets.
“He’s my husband.”
“Yet he treats you like a mistress.” He countered as we walked away from the crowd towards the bar which was slightly empty. “Whatever it is, shall we have a drink?”
“I don’t drink,” I replied as I watched the crowd, the buzzing was quite electric. People from different families built acquaintances over champagne and shared interests. I spotted Marcus with a lady by his side, she had her arms wrapped around his and from the look on her face, it was obvious that she wasn’t comfortable speaking with the older man in front of them.
“What exactly do you want Mr. Graham?” I asked turning to look at Damien who was staring at me. He was studying me, accessing me as though to check a list in his head.
“Back to the last name basis, are we?” He said. “You know your father did say a great deal about a woman he loved. Even though I was sure his wife died quite earlier, now that I see it, he was talking about you.”
“You knew my father?” It’s been five years since my father died and I hadn’t talked about him with anyone else other than Josiah.
“The man who was responsible for my father being in jail? Yes, I did.” Dad was responsible for putting Damien’s father in Jail? I remembered Daniel's words about the red-line case.
“You don’t seem bothered by it.” I pointed out, he was extremely calm.
“Rayleigh Graham was a man who always got what he wanted and he didnt care what was on the line to get it.” I studied Damien’s profile, and now that he was closer to me I noticed a small scar just by his ear. “Anastasia?” He said without turning to face me. His lips were now in a thin line and his shoulder had turned rigid.
“Yeah?”
“In the next five seconds, I want you to walk away and don’t look back, got it?”
“Wha-”
“Just listen to me okay?” He repeated with much urgency. What was happening? I counted to five and as it clocked five I walked away at the same time a man walked past me.
“Hello Damien, it's such a surprise to see you-” I heard the man in an unruly voice that sent shivers up my spine.
- Writer
