Chapter 5: The Rescue
1076 Words
" Has he called back yet ? " Cia asked Maria, her tone laced with irritation.
" Not yet, milady ," Maria replied cautiously.
Cia's frustration boiled over. " Unbelievable! After all the trouble I went through to find his number, he ignores me ? Who does he think he is ? "
Just then, her iPhone vibrated. Damien's phone number flashed on the screen.
Cia answered with a curt " Hello? "
" Don't want to keep you waiting... if I decide to show up ," Damien said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Cia's anger flared. " You think you're funny, don't you? Rejecting me like I'm some groupie ? "
Damien chuckled. " Groupie? You're the one stalking me, Hollywood princess ."
Cia's voice rose. " How dare you! You're just a nobody, a— "
" Save your insults, Miss Hollywood," Damien interrupted. " I'm not impressed by your fame or beauty ."
Cia seethed. " You're making a huge mistake. You'll regret this ."
Damien laughed. " I doubt it. But hey, I'm curious. What's so important that you need to see me in person ? "
Cia's tone shifted, her voice husky. " Meet me at Griffith Observatory at sunset, and find out ."
Damien paused, then said , " Fine. I'll come. But don't expect me to stay too long ."
Cia smiled, triumphant. " I'll make sure you regret saying no ."
The line went dead.
Cia dialed James' number. " Get the cars ready. I have a place to go ".
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Cia arrived at Griffith Observatory in her sleek, black limousine. The chauffeur opened the door, and she stepped out, her heels clicking on the pavement. She was resplendent in a designer gown, her hair styled to perfection.
Cia glanced at her watch, her eyes narrowing. Damien was He had told her earlier not to arrive late but now he's the one who's late.
That rude young man, she scoffed.
Just then, a black SUV pulled up alongside her limousine. Damien's guards exited, scanning the area before opening the door for their master.
Damien stepped out, his piercing gaze locking onto Cia. She felt a jolt, her heart skipping a beat.
He was dressed in black, every inch of him exuding a dark aura that was both intimidating and enchantingly beautiful. His sharp jawline, chiseled features, and piercing eyes made her catch her breath.
Cia's pride wouldn't let her admit it, but Damien looked breathtakingly handsome in black. The color seemed to amplify his mysterious allure, drawing her in.
Damien approached, his stride confident and fluid. " You're punctual ," he said, an annoying smile touching the corners of his lips.
Cia's mask of indifference slipped for a moment before she regained control. " You're late ," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Damien smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. " Worth the wait ? "
Cia's cheeks flushed, but she refused to acknowledge the spark within her. "Let's get this over with."
Damien raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Get over with what?"
Cia sighed irritably, her patience wearing thin. "Whatever."
Damien stepped closer, his spicy scent enveloping her, making her heart skip a beat. "Why am I here, Cia?"
Cia frowned, her annoyance growing. "You just arrived. Can't you slow down for once?"
Damien smirked, his confidence radiating. "Maybe I want to make every moment count. I won't waste my time here."
Cia's irritation boiled over. She signaled Alex, who hastily approached, handing her a sleek leather folder. She presented it to Damien.
"Thirty million dollars," she said, her voice measured. "A token of gratitude for saving my life."
Damien's expression transformed from curiosity to astonishment. "Who said I needed money?" He chuckled, incredulous. "Do I look destitute?"
Cia's eyes widened, shocked by his rejection. What kind of man refuses such an offer?
"I'll be going now," Damien said, turning to leave.
Cia's anger flared. "You're an annoying man! I was trying to show appreciation!"
Damien paused, grinning over his shoulder. "I don't need anything from you, Hollywood princess. That's the truth."
With that, he slid into his car and sped away, leaving Cia seething.
"Let's go," she ordered James, her voice icy.
As they drove off, Cia's mind reeled. Who is this man, and why does he refuse her gifts?
As they drove down the deserted road, the limousine's tires suddenly blew out, sending the vehicle swerving to a halt. Cia's heart skipped a beat.
"Stay inside, milady," James cautioned, exiting the car to investigate.
Cia's anxiety grew as minutes ticked by, and the silence outside became unsettling. She pushed open the door, stepping out into the darkness.
That's when she saw them – her bodyguards, scattered on the ground, unconscious.
A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and menacing. Cia's instincts screamed warning.
"Well, well, well," the stranger sneered, approaching her. "Look what we have here. All alone and vulnerable."
Cia stood frozen, paralyzed by fear.
The stranger lunged, but before he could strike, a dark figure intercepted, sending the attacker flying.
Damien.
Cia's surprise turned to relief as Damien's sarcasm filled the air. "Save you again, Hollywood princess? How tiresome."
The stranger scrambled to his feet, snarling. "Mind your own business!"
Damien smirked, his eyes glinting. "She's my business now."
With swift efficiency, Damien took down the attacker, his movements a blur.
Cia watched, awestruck. Who is this man?
" Why not leave, Noel? You it's pretty funny if we fight ", said Damien as he approached the stranger.
" Well, I'll get her some other time ", said the stranger before he fled into the darkness.
Cia's eyes widened. This rude man seems to be a great man. And _ do they know each other. He just called him by his name.
Cia's fear began to dissipate, replaced by curiosity. "Why are you helping me?"
Damien shrugged. "Maybe I'm just bored."
Cia raised an eyebrow. "Bored?"
He ignored her walking away but Cia's voice stopped him.
" Can you help me, please?", it was a pleading voice.
" I've helped you enough. I'm not Superman by the way ", he tried to move further but she pleaded again.
"Please, drive me home. I_ I can't drive ".
How ridiculous. How can someone own a lot of cars but can't drive them?
" Please ", she pleaded again.
" Fine ", he sighed.
- Writer
