Arianell.
Not to mention I was the only Crane on the board. Though I was only present as the executor of the umbrella foundation for all the orphanages in the Imperial Colony, still I had the biggest share in the Cranes business and foundations. So, being present as a decent lady was a must. At least this was a way for me to exercise myself to present the timid me in front of the public.
At least I could start with one Daniel person. The first time was always the hardest, the second always was supposed to be easier. I needed to think that my second would be in front of the public such as Saturday's execution. Tonight, was the hardest part, and I used Daniel as a way to exercise myself.
When I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt not bad for a rookie. I regretted not appearing too often in front of the public. I understood that before this was different because dad was always around and he was always the center of attention due to everyone's needs related to him. I was always sneaking out that dad never seemed to mind about that. He let me be free because presenting in public, wasn't my duty yet,
"Be free my dearest and only daughter. Enjoy the freedom when I'm still here. When the time comes, you'll know what to do with your first debut as the last Crane at the moment," dad said with his most calming eyes.
Since he was my dad, he knew exactly the type of blood that ran through my veins as his offspring. He knew I'd be ready. I took a look again before I left my room. Neck-length silver hair tucked into the back of my left ear with a hint of a small blue hair clip. My V-neck was quite low showing my collar bones. But that was the nearest gown I could grab faster. Its bluish-purple looked nice on my skin. It was light and flowing, neither too formal nor too casual. Just perfect for dinner in the mansion, so I rushed myself to the dining room to eat and read the info…
Or simply reading Daniel's mind about my appearance. This is something new that I hadn't had the last time I met Daniel. I still remembered how I got flustered over just to be in the same room with him. It was dangerous suddenly the night after the meeting I got worked up about wanting him in my bed.
I was still curious, but still, I had my ability to read minds now, I didn't need to worry about what in his mind would be. I was sure I could handle it. Akrem taught me how to be good with my self-defense and my mind-reading management. I guessed I was ready.
But I wasn't ready when I saw Daniel in the dining room. I went down the stairs as I looked at his posture facing the opened door balcony and was staring at the blue moonlight breaking into the dining room.
I was starving and I saw there were lots of food on the dining table. But I saw there weren't any servers not even Mr. Tanaka around. I got curious especially when I went down the stairs, and Daniel turned his back and then looked up at me trailing down the stairs. His face was full of anticipation, just like the first and last time I saw him. That drop-dead gorgeous smile and a hint of dimples plastered on his smiley face.
It looked like he was still in his working clothes. Jacket laid down on the nearest high head chair and he wore only a white formal shirt with a black tie hanging too low. I could see his broad shoulders, bulky arms, and firm chest from underneath his white shirt. His trousers were also black with a neat belt that fit so well on his backside that I couldn't help me not to look when he still had his back in my direction at the time he enjoyed the blue moonlight that broke through the dining room's balcony door.
But suddenly, I remembered Akrem.
[Am I in danger?]
Daniels' gaze didn't leave me not even once when I stepped from the last stair to the dining room floor. His smirking shot a thousand mysteries that I couldn't solve. I got curious so I approached him. Intoxicated, I also smiled when he widened his smile welcoming me to get near to him.
As I was only a few feet away from him, it was nothing. It was blank that I didn't catch any hint of images or even whispers of voices from his mind. I got puzzled and I frowned.
[What? How come I can't read his mind?]
I questioned myself if he was really not thinking at the moment or if I really couldn't read his mind, so I tested the water,
"How do I look?" I turned myself around so he could see me clearly in my bluish purple flowing light gown and I flirted a little to lure his mind to think. Usually, when a person liked what he or she saw, he or she would think of something before speaking. I was counting on that, but still, there was none. His right hand reached mine and brought it up to the air while saying,
"The blue light of the moon looks so dull to compare to your bright blue eyes matching with this bluish gown. You're the apple of my eyes now…" he smiled so wide and brought my knuckle to his slightly wet lips to kiss and shivers ran down from the spot he kissed on my hand, to my arms, and my spine.
I felt a sudden urge build between my legs. I was speechless as well. Not because of his flirty line or his slightly tempting kiss on the bare skin of my hand, but because I couldn't read even a hint of his mind. I was hoping I could read his dirty mind when he touched me like that, just like I read Akrem's mind.
Either Akrem was doing it on purpose, or Daniel was the kind of guy who didn't think and was just doing it. Well, it wasn't wholly true. I was half curious and half tempted.
I was seduced.
Still, I shot out my curiosity. After all, he was Detective G's apprentice, he couldn't harm me…
{Right?]
-to be continued-