The very moment I felt my heart grow for him, it shriveled into nothing the instant he spoke. “Yeah, I’ll play nice,” I bit out coldly.
Dinner
I stood in my overstocked closet, filled to capacity with clothes Daimon had prepared for me. He deemed it Addie-worthy. One side was filled with casual clothes like jeans and shirts, while the other was filled with evening-wear such as cocktail dresses and evening gowns. He told me I would need them since I was married to such a big shot. Not to mention the entire corner of my side of the closet was filled with expensive lingerie. I mean the type that cost a mortgage payment.
I walked over to my dresses and thumbed through them. I noticed each dress was just at the right height to hide my scar. I kept searching, finally stopping at one I thought was just right. The color was ivory and the corset underneath was nude. It was a beautiful dress with a fitted bodice made of lace and a ruffled skirt of various lengths. I matched them with a stunning pair of ivory sling backs. After following the YouTube instructions of how to create a smoky eye effect, and was convinced I looked presentable, I emerged from the closet. But this time, I wasn’t seeking Daimon’s approval. I learned not to do that anymore. I smiled, happy with my efforts as I looked into the full-length mirror that was just outside of the closet.
“Are you coming?” shouted Daimon from downstairs.
Drako barked. I pretended he was telling him not to rush me. Drako came running to my side and wagged his tail at me as he walked me down the stairs. Daimon was on the phone, speaking angrily to someone on the other end. I shrugged it off. It was normal to see him that way. I walked around to the kitchen wanting some water. I figured at the rate he was arguing on the phone, it would take a while.
“I said that the merger will happen next week in England. Don’t even try to push it back again,” he shouted. He turned around and finally found me as I stood in the kitchen. His face dropped and his eyes went liquid blue. “I’ll call you back,” he said and hung up.
“What?” I hesitated and took a step back, looking down at myself.
“Addie…you look…” He stopped and inched closer.
“If the dress is too much, just tell me and I’ll change.” I instantly felt uncomfortable, not knowing if I was dressed correctly.
I played with my dress, straightening out the various layers that made up the bottom half. Daimon surprised me by lifting my chin and kissing me softly. I put my hand on his chest and pushed him back.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I cried out.
“I couldn’t help it. You look beautiful.” He smiled his devilish grin.
“Just don’t do it again,” I said stiffly. I hated how much each kiss he planted on me made me want more, pushing me deeper into a world, I knew logically, I could never be a part of.
“I can’t help it if my lips seek you out.” He smiled, amused at my behavior.
“Well, help it and stop.” I walked past him, but he stopped me, placing his hand onto the cabinet to block my path.
“It’s only a matter of time,” he whispered slowly in my ear, taunting me.
“We’ll see,” I said grimly.
God! He was infuriating thinking he knew me. The thing was, the more he acted like that, the more I wanted to prove him wrong. Daimon did not control my body or my mind, let alone my heart.
“Move your arm,” I seethed.
“Sure thing, Addie. Whatever you want.” Daimon moved his arm in an exaggerated way and laughed. “Come on. The driver is waiting downstairs for us.”
We stopped in front of Gotham Hall. The tall Corinthian columns were lit up with a pale purple, contrasting with the dark sky around us. Daimon stepped out of the car and held out his hand waiting for me. I couldn’t help but think this was all part of his orchestrated plan. He always got out first and always held out his hand for me waiting. He beckoned with his fingers. I guessed I was taking too long. Finally relenting, I took his hand. He helped me out of the car and intertwined our fingers together.
“Earn your keep, my beloved Addie.” He brushed his other hand across my cheek; he then leaned in and kissed me on my forehead. I stifled the feeling of being a whore. Daimon ruled his world with money and was the only thing that ever made any sense to him.
“Daimon?” We heard through the crowd as we walked to the large golden doors of the hall.
“Hey, Rafe.” Daimon took him by the shoulder and squeezed it.
“What? No handshake?” Rafe laughed.
“I can’t let go of my wifie’s hand. We’re still in the honeymoon stage,” he said as I tried to yank it away, but Daimon held on tightly, not letting me go.