Tempting the Untouchable

Chapter 11

Raven

Raoul and I entered the central ballroom because of a luxury development gala. We both wore black this time.

"Smile for the camera?" I joked and I placed my hand on his arm.

"You might want to steal a kiss if you had a chance. Tonight's your only chance." He winked and I chuckled at that. He still didn't forget that! It has been days since I joked about that.

The moment we entered chandeliers sparkled aboved the crowd full of egos and tailored suits. Within just 5 seconds, business men already bombarded me and that is the call that I now have to make my rounds as the CEO of Buenavente Real Estate. Shaking hands with people who I know just pretends to respect me most specially the old ones because they didn't quite believe that my father passed this position to someone like me.

Or at least they think because I was his daughter and not capable of handling or leading a certain company.

Rao and I got separated for a bit and in matter of seconds, Harriot Vale, CEO of the rival development firm of Raoul came close beside me. I smirked in my thoughts. I guess men with an ego like him are overly too confident.

"You've done well for yourself, Ms. Buenaventura," he said, swirling his drink. "Dating an untouchable tycoon who has no interest and don't get me wrong, I know you both!" I finally looked up to face him and showed a fake smile. "And someone like you managing a company? Who would've thought... I always admire women who try harder." He took a sip of his drink.

I smiled tightly and pressed my wine glass to my lips to stop myself from speaking. Fingers clenched onto my glass due to rage. But before I could completely take a sip, Raoul stepped in. Silent. Calm and effortless.

He's in between us and he took my wine glass from my hand, like it belonged to him. Then replaces it with his own.

"That was my drink?" I murmured.

"He drugged your ego, not your wine." Rao murmured back, his eyes never leaving Harriot. "You're welcome."

I stifled a laugh at that. He then offered his arm and without saying a word, I slid my hand into the crook of his elbow having the feeling like it always belonged there.

We're both still making rounds inside this gala but this time, Raoul never left my side. We walked together through the clusters of developers, business people, politicians, and more. Been a long time yet my hand is still resting lightly on his arm.

I hear whispers. Of course, I'm with Raoul Elijah Grey. But I can't help feel disgusted over men who still stare at me longer than they should've even if I'm with Raoul. Every whispered comment by the ladies that I pretend not to hear.

I think I'm good with pretend.

After a few moments, it was just us, I lightly squeezed his arm and his attention turned to me.

"You know you don't have to babysit me?" I said, under my breath.

"I know," he whispered. "But I want to see the look on their faces when they realize you're not alone."

My brows furrowed at that but couldn't help to smirk. "Are you preferring to men or women?" I clarified.

"All of them."

"Are you always... this intense about your fake girlfriend's reputation?" I mocked.

He looked at me in the eye. "Only when she's actually brillant and doesn't see how much that scares them."

I didn't respond.

I smiled lightly at that and leaned myself just a bit closer to him. Yeah, I feel safe tonight.

An hour later, we both escaped to have a moment of silence and peace. Rao and I went up to this building's rooftop. There's a thing about rooftops and us, eh?

As soon as the elevator stopped, we stepped out and a cold breeze air welcomes us. We both stood against the raililng just admiring the quiet while the party buzzed below with soft jazz music and murmurs of hundreds of people.

"So," I started a conversation. "was that the lawyer in you tonight?" I smirked before taking a sip of my wine that was his.

"Which part?" He then faced me.

"Taking my wine like I'm in a courtroom and you're objecting on my behalf."

He smirked at that. "You didn't object though."

"... Maybe I liked it." I whispered.

Silence filled us in again.

"Was it professional or personal?" I bribed and I earned a chuckle from him.

"Does it matter?" He said so smoothly like it could've passed as a joke. But he had a follow up, his voice low. "I didn't like the way he looked at you."

I arched my brow and walked a bit to stand in front of him. We're now face to face. "Sounds a little like jealousy, Attorney Grey." I mocked.

"No." He grinned. "I just hate when people mistake you for someone small."

He met my gaze, full on and that made my heart a bit wild.

"You are the room, Raven Buenavente. They just haven't accepted it yet."

My breath hitched at that. As for someone who's standards are morally high when it comes to every little thing, I can't believe his perspective of me.

I smiled at that. I felt honored. We decided to leave the gala because it was getting late. Our car ride was again, quiet but not the awkward quiet. It was peaceful quiet.

The car parked in front of my condo's building and we both just sat in silence for a while. This thing between us... when did I notice the silence filling us in yet it brings comfort? Been a month since our agreement and our first date nights are not this kind. It was like a friendly-date of some sort.

So... when did it change?

I fixed my bag and turned to face him.

"Thank you," I said, softly and he met my gaze.

"For what?"

"For not making a scene." I smirked lightly while remembering what he did a while ago.

"Oh, would've been satisfying if I did, right?" He smirked.

I shook my head with a smile drawn on my lips. "But instead, you just... showed up. Stepped in. No drama... just... your presence."

He glanced over. "You don't need saving but I'll always stand beside you."

I smiled at that and held his hand then saw how his eyes quickly went to our hands and stared at it like it was an amusing painting.

"Even when it's fake?" I asked, my voice small.

My eyes widened a bit when he gripped my hand tighter.

"Even if it wasn't."