“What?” he snarled.
“Frank did this to me,” I said almost sobbing.
“You have to be fucking kidding me, right?” Daimon stood stupefied.
“No, I'm not. See how fucking stupid I am, Mr. Evans?” I began to cry.
The bell of the elevator rang.
“Fuck,” he muttered and walked out to get it. Drako ran in once the door opened. He began jumping at my feet, trying to get my attention. I knelt down and played with him.
I heard Daimon come back up, but I didn’t bother to get up as I continued playing with Drako. I felt a soft fabric fall onto my shoulders. I looked back to see Daimon had knelt down and placed it on me.
“What did Frank do?” he asked softly.
“Frank was a good guy really. When we started dating, everything was great. But he lost his job and started drinking. That’s when he started hitting me.” Daimon growled once I said it. “I thought I could change him. The last time was pretty bad, enough that I ended up in the hospital and with this scar. He went to jail and I hadn’t seen him since. Well, not until now, that is,” I said quietly.
“And Sofia?”
“You noticed, obviously you would. We never told her, my dad and me that is. She still thinks Frank’s this nice guy and I'm the jerk who dumped him.” I shrugged, wiping my tears away.
“So what does he want now?” I shook my head, refusing to tell him. “Addie,” he bit out.
“He wants money. He says I cost him his life and I owe him.” I stood up and headed out the door, but Daimon stopped me.
“Addie, I promise he won’t come near you or your family again.” I stood there watching Daimon. I wanted to be held, to be comforted. For some reason I wanted his arms around me, cocooning me from everything, but I knew better. This was a fake relationship, nothing more, nothing less.
“No. I don’t want you to do a thing for me other than what you’re paying me for. I’ll take care of Frank myself,” I said and marched away.
“Yeah, just like you took care of him before? He beat you, Addie. He beat you so badly that he put in the hospital. For fuck’s sake, when will you realize you can’t take care of everything?” Daimon said spitefully. He was starting his classic attack.
“Aren’t we going to be late for your gala, Mr. Evans?” I hissed. “I suggest we get going so I can earn my keep.” I left him in his bedroom and headed downstairs. Drako ran after me and stood by me as I waited by the elevator. Daimon emerged from his room and walked down the stairs while fixing his cufflinks. He stopped and put his hands in his pockets and watched me intently.
“Well, Mr. Evans,” I said as I bowed my head.
“Stop calling me that!” he barked.
“What? My employer’s name? I'm sorry, but I always do my job to a T.”
He walked over to me and took my hand. “Fine, Addie. Have it your way.”
DAIMON’S KISS
We sat in the back seat of the black sleek sedan in silence. Not one word was uttered between us as Daimon’s driver drove us to his gala dinner. Daimon brooded in the edge of his seat, while I sat reliving the last night I was with Frank. The stupid things we do under the guise of love. I realized now I might have never really loved Frank. He was convenient and nice when he wasn’t drunk and mean. I wanted someone to love me, to care for me. I guess I latched onto Frank, thinking he could be the one, but I was wrong. Oh how fucking wrong I was. Now I had a scar and a bruised heart to live with.
The car stopped in front of 583 Park Avenue. Daimon didn’t wait for his driver. He opened the door and let himself out. He stood up and fixed his suit jacket then held out his hand waiting for me. I looked at his hand and wondered what I really had gotten myself into. Daimon’s hand looked strong and powerful as he demanded for me to come to him. I stretched out my hand and placed it in his, his fingers wrapped round mine and nearly pulled me out of the car. The shawl fell to one side as I stood beside him. I tensed up, but Daimon only smiled; he was playing his part now. He reached down and picked up the soft, black silk shawl and placed it gently back onto my shoulders. His hand reached for my face and he softly caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. I closed my eyes relishing in his soft tender touch. I almost yearned for it, like I needed some warmth.
“Let’s go, Addie,” he said softly as he took my hand and walked me toward the building.
Soft purple lighting highlighted the four large white columns lining the entrance. The building itself looked old and wondrous. In between the columns were three double doors, above each door was a large arched window. Doormen stood by each door, opening and closing, allowing the patrons inside to come and go as they pleased. It was a black tie affair, everyone wore their best. Women dressed sophisticatedly, while the men all wore black suits. They all seemed on their best behavior, but an air of cattiness seemed to linger around everyone. I felt uncomfortable and uneasy about being here, but like Daimon said, he bought me and I had a role to fulfill. I still thought it odd that he would need to avoid a business marriage, but the rich lived differently than me. Standing there I was proof of that.