Elena spent the remaining day pacing the aisles of the bookstore with Damian's words repeating over in her mind like an echo. I want you, Elena. Wear something red.Who did he think he was?
Even though she found him infuriating, his way of presenting himself unsettled her. She found it annoying, not in a bad way, but in a way that threw her off kilter and made her pulse race. She was already exhausted by the time she closed up for the night.
She tried to convince herself not to show up. She would never allow him to dictate her life. Yet when she was in front of her little wardrobe, she found herself grabbing a red dress from way back in there. She held up the dress and brushed her fingers over it softly. "Don't be ridiculous Elena", she said and threw it back. She then opted for a black sweater and jeans with her hair in a messy bun.A sharp knock on her apartment door made her jump.
She looked at the clock: 7:59 p.m. He is on time. Of course he was. Damian stood on the other side when she opened the door, looking devastatingly handsome in yet another fitted suit. "You're not wearing red," he said, his voice casual but dark as his gaze swept over her. "I'm not going," she said, crossing her arms. His smirk returned but his eyes narrowed with a flash of something more possessive. "I don't like repeating myself, Elena.""And I don't like being bossed around," she replied, ignoring the way her heart fluttered apparently at the intensity of his stare. Taking a step closer, the man's towering presence enveloped her in shadow. He moved closer, growling in a low voice. "You can definitely fight me all you want, but you will still end up right where I want you–beside me." "Is that so?"
You think you can control me?" she challenged, refusing to back down. "Yes," he said simply, his lips curling into a dark smile. "Plus, I always win." Before she could say anything, he stepped back and held a hand out. Are you coming with me willingly or will I have to carry you?Elena's mouth dropped open and her cheeks heated. "You wouldn't dare.""Try me," he said, silky and dangerous. Her defiant gaze faltered under his fierce stare. She huffed, grabbed her coat, and stepped out.
"Fine. But only because I don't want my neighbors calling the cops when you inevitably throw a fit."Damian chuckled, the sound low and almost…affectionate. "Good choice. Little Bird.""That's not very kind," she said, frowning. He looked down at her and his grin softened. "Smart choice, little bird.""Little bird? " she echoed, frowning.
He glanced down at her, his smirk softening into something almost tender. "Just take me where you're going so we can get this over with.""As you wish," he said, putting a possessive hand on the small of her back to guide her to his sleek black car parked by the curb.
The ride was silent but Elena could feel his eyes on her every few minutes. When a luxurious, dark estate came into view, she realized how much a man like Damian Steele could endanger not just her life, but her heart as well.