Rachel's POV
I stood in front of my closet, trying to decide what to wear to the business gala. Darius said we had to attend; after looking for every reason to bail on him, he didn't let me.
I finally settled on a simple yet elegant black dress that fell just above my knees.
I didn't want to wear anything catchy, just simplicity.
As I slipped into my heels, Diana walked into my room. "Wow, Rach, you look amazing!" she exclaimed.
I bit down a blush. "Thanks, I was going for simple."
"Simple?" Diana raised an eyebrow. "You look stunning! Darius won't be able to take his eyes off you."
I rolled my eyes, trying to brush off the compliment. "Don't go there, Di. Darius and I are just coworkers. Nothing can happen between us so please."
The thought alone didn't sit well with me, and Darius is way too professional to have such thoughts about me, so it's a no-go area.
Diana smirked mischievously. "Ah, come on! It's the perfect revenge. His nephew broke your heart; now you can show him what he's missing. I mean, Darius is kind of hot in a way—"
I groaned, cutting her off, and she burst into a fit of laughter. I sent her a playful glare.
Pushing the conversation away. "Diana, stop. He is a no-go area, plus he's old, and I don't like old men."
She snorts, "He's not old, Rach! 38 isn't old to me, she remarks.
I shrugged, "Whatever."
Diana chuckled. "Okay, okay. But seriously, Rach, you look gorgeous. Just be yourself and have fun. And don't let that asshole get to you; he is not worth it, trust me.
My conversation with Andrew came rushing down to me like a wave of nostalgia, feeling my heart squeeze.
Arsehole.
I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress. "Thanks, Di. You're the best."
A knock on the door snaps our attention.
One of the maids walked in. "Mr. Reid is downstairs," she announced.
My heart dropped at the mention of his arrival, and all of a sudden feeling uneasy.
"She'll be down in a bit," Diana responded, to which she nodded before she walked away.
"Come on, Rach, let's not keep him waiting." She teased, wiggling her brows.
I nudged her, earning a growl.
As we walked down, I met him by the entrance of the house; my eyes widened as I took in Darius's imposing figure. He stood tall, his broad shoulders filling out his tailored tuxedo perfectly.
His steel grey eyes sparkled in the dim light, piercing through me like a sharp blade. I felt my breath catch as our gazes met, my skin prickling with goosebumps.
God!
This man would be the end of me.
For a moment, I forgot to breathe. Forgot to move. Forgot to speak. I couldn't find the right words to say to himZ
Darius cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "You look stunning," he complimented with a slight smile, catching me off guard.
It's the nicest he has been since we started working together.
I felt my face heat up as I struggled to find my voice. "Th-thank you, Darius," I stuttered, my eyes darting away from his intense gaze.
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.
I nodded before we proceeded to make our way out, still feeling a bit dazed. He opened the car for me, and I slid in before he took the driver's seat and roared the engine.
Silence filled the air, making me nervously fidget with my clutch. Darius's presence dominates the moment.
I felt like he could feel every movement I made.
I stole a glance at him, and he caught me.
I quickly looked away.
Damn it!
"Something on your mind?" He asked.
I bit on my bottom lip, shaking my head. "N-no," I stuttered.
"You sure?" He pondered to which I nodded.
"Yeah! Why?"
He doesn't respond, taking the next turn.
God, Rach! Gosh!
We arrived at the event, and Darius turned off the engine. "We're here," he said, his eyes meeting mine.
I nodded, smoothing out my dress once more. Darius stepped out of the car and walked around to open my door. He offered his hand, helping me out of the vehicle.
As we walked towards the entrance, Darius slipped his hand around my waist, his fingers resting lightly on my hip. "Stay close," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
My feet felt wobbly beneath me. The touch sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but lean into his warmth. It was as if my body had a mind of its own, responding to his touch.
I didn't like the effect he had on me, but who was I kidding? This man is a drop-dead Greek god.
As we walked in, it was like the whole attention was drawn to us; the music and banter filled the air.
Darius' Hand gripped firmly on my waist, firm yet soft.
"Keep your eyes open and try communicating with a few business associates," he whispers, to which I nod.
"Good. I'll be back; stay out of trouble." He lets go and walks away, my body missing his warmth.
What did he mean by staying out of trouble? I am no trouble; in fact, I am... you know what? Never mind.
I hissed, roaming my stare around, my eyes falling on a familiar pair of eyes.
Jasmine.
I smiled as she approached me. She pulled me in for a hug. "Rach! You made it; you look beautiful, she compliments as we pull away.
I smiled, "You look great yourself and trust me, I tried so hard to dodge Mr. Reid."
She giggled, "Well, I am glad you are here; it was getting boring and lonely… Come, let's go have a drink, she ushers, to which I nod.
Okay, maybe tonight won't be bad.
As we chatter with Jasmine and share a few drinks trying not to get drunk, but who was I kidding? I didn't drink much, and when I did, it got bad.
"Who invited you?"