Darius's POV
As I pulled up at the entrance of the house, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was here to pick up Rachel for the gala event tonight.
These past few days that we have been working together have been nothing short of torture. Her beauty with a mix of innocence haunted my thoughts.
She was elegantly beautiful, her eyes, god! I could stare at them all day and never get tired.
She seemed so pure, so untouched by the world. It was refreshing, and it made me want her for myself...to protect her.
Seeing her eyes soaked with tears stirred my emotions knowing that my goddamn nephew was responsible for them.
I hissed at the thought. No woman has had much effect on me since my deceased wife.
Rachel is a forbidden fruit I wanted so badly.
Damn it!
I hit on the steering wheel, letting out a grunt.
She was too innocent and naive for a dangerous world like this; I wanted to protect her from Andrew. He didn't deserve her, not by a long shot.
That fucker and his father have been up to no good, and the chance to bring them down is one I couldn't miss.
I took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts aside. Tonight was about being civil, about putting on a good face for the sake of family.
I know I was meeting a lot of business apprentices and family, which included my grandmother, who is hell-bent on playing Cupid.
The plan was to avoid the conversation at all costs; I hope it does work out for me.
I got out of the car and walked up to the door. I rang the bell, and a moment later, one of the maids opened the door and greeted me.
I nodded, walking in.
"I'll go inform Mss Beaumont of your arrival," the maid announced, and I hummed in response.
I pulled out my phone, answering a few messages to keep myself busy before she got down, and just as I lifted my eyes to the staircase, I was blessed with an admiring scene.
She looked stunning in a red gown, her hair styled perfectly, her makeup subtle yet elegant.
I felt a pang of...something. Admiration, maybe. Attraction.
For a moment I froze, taking in every detail of her appearance.
How could someone be so beautiful?
Seeing as she moved uncomfortably, I cleared my throat, cutting the tension.
How badly I wanted to have a taste of those plump and inviting lips.
But I pushed it aside. I had to. She was off-limits, forbidden fruit.
"You look stunning," I couldn't help but compliment with a slight smile.
I may have never said something this nice to her. I wanted to keep my relationship as professional as I could with her, but Rachel, she's too attractive to ignore.
I didn't miss the way her cheeks heated up, her lips quivering, making my jawline harden.
"Th-thank you, Darius," she stuttered, taking her eyes off mine.
I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "Shall we?" I asked, offering my arm.
She nodded before we proceeded to make our way out, still feeling a bit dazed.
I opened the car for her, and she slid in before I took the driver's seat and roared the engine.
The ride was a silent one; I could feel her tense and uncomfortable. I feel her steal a glance my way.
"Something on your mind?" I asked, cutting the silence-filled air.
She moved, biting on her bottom lip, and shaking her head. "N-no," she stuttered.
"You sure?" I pondered.
She hummed in response, "Yeah! Why?"
I choose not to respond, seeing as we have already reached our destination, taking the next turn.
We arrived at the event, and I turned off the engine. "We're here," I said, my eyes meeting hers.
She nodded, smoothing out her dress once more. I stepped out of the car and walked around to open the door.
I offered my hand, helping her out of the vehicle.
As we walked towards the entrance, I noticed the way the men around roamed their dirty stares at her, making my jawline harden. I slipped my hand around her waist, my fingers resting lightly on her hip. "Stay close," I whispered, not missing the way she shivered.
As we got in, my eyes roamed around seeing a few familiar faces before my eyes fell on my grandmother's.
She smiled.
I leaned into Rachel's left ear, her scent hitting my nostrils, making me suck in a breath momentarily before whispering, "Keep your eyes open and try communicating with a few business associates."
She nods.
"Good. I'll be back; stay out of trouble." I let go and walked away, my body missing her warmth.
And by trouble I meant my nephew; I didn't want him near her; it doesn't always end well when that happens.
The fucker had other choices to choose from but chose her best friend; how stupid of him. I could only imagine the hurt she felt.
She seems to love him more than he retaliates. I've gone through the records of Andrew's company, and it's safe to say Rachel has been the pillar of support to that company the minute she subtracted the support she gives to that company.
It will be nothing but history, yet he dared to underrate her.
"Son," my grandmother acknowledges as I lean in, placing a kiss on her left cheek.
We exchanged a few pleasantries before I moved to discussing business with other people, but then all of a sudden we heard a scream.
We directed our attention to the source, my eyes falling on Rachel, who stood frozen, and Victoria, who was clutching her stomach.
Oh for god's sake, not today too!