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CHAPTER 12
Raphael could not ignore the growing unease in his stomach. Even her friend was shocked. Did Skia not receive his number?
No.
It could not have occurred. He had tipped the staff well to ensure she left that club with his number. If that did not happen, then only one of the two options was possible.
1. He did not leave that much of a good impression, or his move on her had scared her.
2. She called, and someone else destroyed his chances.
A dark glint flashed in his emerald green eyes instantly as realization struck a nerve. And without one delay, he uttered, "Damien."
Many individuals frequently speculated that Damien Raphael, the CEO of Sterling Enterprise, possessed a split personality.
While one of them was quite outspoken, stoic, cold and unwelcoming, a business demon, the other had a free-spirited and exceptionally charming nature, which made him quite popular with the ladies.
Not that Damioen was lacking in that aspect.
Raphael had a knack for captivating the hearts of naïve and flirtatious young women alike.
But deep down, there was more than that.
Raphael gripped the wine glass in his hand hard, almost cracking the cup when his eyes darkened further, and suddenly he shut them.
His lashes moved, his eyeballs dancing behind their closed sockets as his mind delved deep into the memories of the day from the previous night.
"Aishh!" Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "Damn that Damien, always finding ways to block me off from his memories," he muttered. "Tsk, like hell, I'd let him."
He shut his eyes again, concentrating deeper while releasing his aura into the surroundings.
Several images came in a flash, but one of them was the five digits of the phone number that had called early in the morning and Damien's fingers—deleting the call log.
At once, his eyes flew open.
A low growl tore through his lips, earning him a quirked brow from the bartender, whose hair had been on ends since Raphael walked back to take a sit.
Just as his anger was about to be unleashed, another image flew into his mind and his eyes widened.
There was no mistake about it. It may have been brief, but he quite well understood it. It was an image of Skai in an office outfit, with Damien sparing her a glance.
"How can that idiot only take a glance at her?" Raphael seethed, clearing cussing at his alter ego.
Suddenly, a shudder ran down his body. He had no idea if Skai had approached Damien and spoken to him. At least he knew the previous night he did not give her anything to make her scared.
Maybe she did try to speak to him but his obnoxious other self must have been grumpy.
"This is why he would die without a loved one someday," Raphael added.
But even all his insults and cusses to Damien did not help soothe his rage. He needed more. He needed something else. He needed to make this right.
Once more, he found himself on the path leading to where Kiera was seated, engrossed in her discussion, like his problem did not matter.
Technically, it did and didn't. Still, he could not growl and put on his best charming smile.
Yes, he got the heated glare from her boyfriend, but as usual, Raphael shrugged it off.
"Sorry to intrude once again," he said. He did not care about the air of a gentleman but let his crazy, sexy aura seep out into the atmosphere, heightening his charm. "But please, may I have your friend's number?"
Kiera frowned visibly. He should learn to take a hint.
Unfortunately for her, she and her companion were at the best part and had their lips about to brush each other's for a cherished kiss when he chose this moment to arrive.
Regardless of her menacing look, Raphael shrugged his shoulders like he did not interrupt a special moment.
He didn't mind. He wasn't enjoying his special moment either.
Prior, he was about to spend more quality time kissing Skai when her devilish mice of friends scooted her away and Damien decided to use his momentary distraction to force his way through.
Just thinking about it made a sigh escape his lips.
Seeing him this way, Kiera felt a soft spot in her heart for him. She did not want to see him sad and thought it was truly a misunderstanding if the young man was putting in an effort like this.
"I can't give you her number," she pursed her lips, watching as his parted slightly and disappointment flashed in his eyes.
As quickly as it came, Raphael pushed it aside. "Why?"
"Two things." He arched a brow quizzically waiting for her condition. "First, you interrupted my moment."
"Not valid." Almost as instantly as she gave her input, he disregarded it. "Second?"
He was not a man of deep patience, and he was already on the brink of losing it with his incompetent alter ego.
"Second?" It was Kiera who lifted a brow.
"Babe, just give him what he wants let him go. I am beginning to get tired." Kiera's ears perked up when her boyfriend raised his complaint.
"Fine." she shot him an apologetic smile before facing Raphael again. "I can't give her number without permission."
"But you were the one who pushed her to me."
Kiera took in her lower lip, almost regretting her decision yesterday, but the handsome hunk in front of her made her dismiss the thought.
"She seems bothered. I don't know what happened between you two, but I will have to seek her permission first."
"Okay, do it."
That was it.
Raising her brows won't cut it. He had an air of superiority surrounding him. He really looked like someone who couldn't take no for an answer.
Still…
She wished she could facepalm now. But the earlier she shooed him away, the better.
"Can't. I'm busy, not that you apologized."
"I..." Raphael parted his lips to speak when she lifted her palm, cutting him off.
"No need. The best I can do is set up a meeting for you two. Whatever happens after that, I am not to blame."
"Thank you." Surprisingly, the naughty, good-looking, breathtakingly handsome young man agreed without putting up much of a fight or resistance.
"Can I get your number? Or here's mine. You can call or text me once you've put things in place, and trust me, I need to see her."
"Fine."
They exchanged numbers, and he took his leave, letting her continue her time with her boyfriend, but Kiera was done.
She did not trust that he wouldn't be rushing back the next second in search of something.
"Baby, let's go over to my place and continue with that kiss. Shall we?"
Thankfully, her boyfriend and she had been together for three years. He understood her and knew she was not a cheat.
Moreover, Kiera effortlessly managed everything in the presence of her lover and was understandably annoyed by Raphael's constant disruptions.
From their conversation, he could also see that Kiera was only playing matchmaker between her friend and this guy.
Without any resistance, he rose to his feet, extended his hand for her to take and they left.