The Devil’s Bite

Chapter 20

Her brain might not working properly. She could not even think of refusing dinner with her boss. Sofia received death glares with her co-workers when she walked on the lobby with their boss Demire Goddard. She has no idea why they were looking at her that way, as if she did a crime. She sighed, rolled her eyes and continue walking with Demire. When they reached his car, she immediately opened the door and get in. Don’t know why, but she doesn’t want him to open the door again for her and later on he will go back rude. Just like what happened this morning. He went inside the car and removed his coat.

She faced him when five minutes after and he didn’t move any to drive.

“Is there anything wrong, Mr. Goddard?” she asked cofused.

He sighed. He moved closed to her, it surprised Sofia. She holds her breath when he leaned closer to her. Closer like last night they made the kiss— Or last night that Demire claimed her lips and stole her first ever kiss. Her eyes widened staring at his eyes. She heard him hissed.

“Your seatbelt, freak.” He wagged his head and took the seatbelt fastened it on. Smile drew his lips but he has to hide it from her. “Safety first.” He could let her fasten her own seatbelt but he decided to do it himself, instead. He might be crazy for doing that stupid thing but it made him happy. Indeed crazy!

“Your seatbelt, freak.” He wagged his head and took the seatbelt fastened it on. Smile drew his lips but he has to hide it from her. “Safety first.” He could let her fasten her own seatbelt but he decided to do it himself, instead. He might be crazy for doing that stupid thing but it made him happy. Indeed crazy!

Sofia breathed heavily and looked away. She faced on the window and touched her chest. It’s thudding loudly enough for him to be heard. Demire’s smile didn’t vanish. He let that smile subsisted while driving. They are heading his favorite Italian restaurant. Fifteen minutes to drive away. “You look pale, are you okay?” He’s gazing her refection on the rearview mirror. Her makeup sobered, that is why he easily noticed her pale lips. A sudden concern registered inside him.

She didn’t answer him. Not because she was sick to mention any words but because she didn’t know what to answer him. She’s certainly okay, physically and mentally but deep inside her heart she’s not. She clearly remembering the kiss last night and now her heart thudding loudly because he leaned close to her. What’s wrong with her? What’s wrong of what he did? Normal gentlemen would care about women’s safety.

“Sofia? Do you want me to bring you on the hospital?”

“H-hospital?” she finally managed to speak, “N-no, I’ll be fine, j-just thirsty, Mr. Goddard.” She sighed and remained staring outside the car while he’s driving.

“You could be less formal when we’re already out the company, just call me Demire then.”

She fleetly looked at him. “You will let me call you, Demire?” She couldn’t believe what he just said. She never met her this way. He was a strict boss and bad-tempered. Her eyes flashed with surprised.

“Yes, only if we’re out and not on work.”

She nodded and smiled. Suddenly, she forgotten what things bothering her a few minutes ago. “Okay, M—Demire.”

They finally arrived after fourteen minutes of driving, one minute early than his usual arrival to this fancy restaurant he used to go with when he’s happy and wanted to relax with some beautiful ambiance. He handed him his hand to her for some company and she didn’t hesitate to accept it. They entered the restaurant with her hand on his arm to accompany her.

They found and seated near the glass tinted wall.

“Oh, my God,” she murmured but Demire heard it.

“Why?” He stared at her waiting for her answer.

Sofia roamed her eyes around the luxurious, lavishly decorated restaurant. The place was so beautiful and absolutely splendid. The table was covered with linen tablecloths, and candlelight on top, fresh flower, tasteful artworks and napkins. There were low lightings and the feeling was overwhelming. “Mr. Goddard— I mean, Demire, I don’t have enough money left on my wallet to pay for any meal here.”

“And?” He seemed unconscious of what is she talking about.

“I shouldn’t come with you here.” She stood up and took her bag hanged on the chair. She’s about to leave but Demire held her arm to stop her. “I’m sorry but I couldn’t pay—”

“What are you talking about? Who told you I’ll let you pay any?” He’s serious enough. “Go back to your chair, I’m hungry.” He went back to his chair and started to check the menu. She has nothing to do but only to seat back to her chair and wait for their food that he ordered for them. “Do you want some dessert?”

She shook her head, still feeling uneasy. She’d been invited many times and had dinner on some fancy restaurants, it was when she was living with her parents’ luxury, but when they started to face the bankruptcy and lost everything, it all ended there.