My Mysterious Love For him

CHAPTER-7

ADAM

“Why do I need to go with you for your shopping? You have your fiancé going with you already.” I purposefully emphasis ‘you’, hoping she’d see my point.

Sora doesn’t spare a glance at my whining, it’s quite rare I complain over certain things in life. Like shopping for instance. During the mid-morning, Sora dragged me out of the kitchen where I was instructing the kitchen staff the menu for the day. On the way, she threw the plan on me that she’d decided for the day.

She and Marcus were to visit the boutique for their final fittings of their wedding outfits. They were needed as bride and groom, why me?

A pair of clothes lands on my face, I peel them out my eyes squinting in annoyance at her.

“Wear it, you have ten minutes to get ready. And you are coming with me. No more discussions.”

I grumble to myself stomping to the bathroom and wearing simple washed jeans, grey hoodie. After fifteen minutes, we were standing on the porch waiting for Marcus as he was driving us to the boutique. Thankfully none of the other Richards were present otherwise I’d have faced series of taunts to leave in middle of my working hours or maybe reason for another chaos when Sora would start standing up for me.

Her gesture as affectionate as it was, I’d rather avoid any tense environment between them. Yawning for fifth time, I rub my eyes to blink from tiredness. Soon, an Audi rolls up to stop in front of us I hardly sigh, then another Range Rover follows the suit.

“We’re expecting any visitors?” I direct the query at Sora.

She smirks indignantly ignoring my question, jumping into open arms of Marcus and start making out with him. Immediately, I curtain my eyes glancing at the other car in question. My mouth unhinges as the driver door pops open, Mr. Azrael De Luca step out.

Oh my freaking macaroons, ‘what a spectacular sight he is’

He was wearing dark blue dress shirt, black formal pants, and black shoes. If that was not enough to make him drool worthy, he slides off his aviators, his pretty stormy eyes staring directly at me. My knees almost buckle from the charged intensity I could feel even from distance.

He is too bad for my innocent heart.

The obnoxious moans breaks my reverie, I momentarily look aside immediately averting my eyes. I clear my throat few times nothing effects the two bunnies in heat so I clap my hands loudly. Startled, they move from each other. Slightly.

“I apologize Adam, to give a free show for uncalled viewers,” Marcus sheepishly smiles, dimples visible, while Sora hits him on his arm.

I force a smile, waving it off. 'What else can I do?' This was the reason why I was avoiding to be third wheeling. The shopping session was yet to begin. Though the hundred dollar question was why the elder De Luca was joining us? I highly doubt Marcus has dragged him like I was being. Convincing Azrael to give in- something he doesn’t want to, just feels impossible.

'Waah! Look at my detective senses working to reveal the- off limits man- like a professional.'

Sora loops my arm urging me to descend the steps instead of moving to Marcus’ car, she moves to Range Rover.

My eyes widen, I dig my feet whisper yelling at her, “Are you mad!!! I’m not going to-

“As if you have a choice. Make best use of the time to admire your man with no restrictions even talk to him or maybe touch him like you have been dreaming,” she giggles in my ear, nearly pushing me in front of him.

I groan internally cursing myself for spilling about my recent day dreaming. Saving the collision just in time, I awkwardly wave at him mumbling a good afternoon. He simply nod in response, opening the door of passenger seat. Completely unused to such gentlemanliness, I breath a quick thank you before getting in.

I get lost admiring the interiors, shiny gears so it was minutes later I observed he was already driving on the road. I do a double take at the way his arms effortlessly drive the car. The silver ring on his right hand thumb finger, another similar one in his pointer finger of left hand glint in the sunlight.

I never knew observing someone doing such a mundane task would be so interesting.

Sighing, I’m deeply asking for trouble to fantasize a younger man. A smoky hot, attractive-

“Say something,” his gruff voice breaks the silence.

“Huh? Oh, uhmm…did you had breakfast?”

I mentally smack my head for asking such weird question.

He hums in agreement, I wait for him to explain further but he doesn’t. This is going to be difficult, if any future conversations were going to be.

I try again, “You must have been busy for the day instead of spending time in this silly shopping,”

Commonly business men enjoy bragging about their schedules or to showcase their ventures at the recent phase. So I thought maybe he would fall into similar category.

“Marcus requested me to join him and nothing is more important than my family,” he states with a monotonous expression.

Physically admiring someone was normal but to be awestruck with someone’s personality was a rare case.

I don’t think ever in my life, I have been swooned over a man with only couple of words. Rest of the ride was in silence, I was gazing out of the window not to get caught for staring. Once reached there, I was surprised to find the entire section of boutique was booked by Marcus.

I even sported few guards outside the entrance for avoiding any paparazzi attention on the couple. Also it was not often Azrael De Luca to be seen wandering in the malls. The couple was rushed by the designers for the trials. Randomly, I was roaming around touching different fabrics, smiling at certain pieces then my brows would hit my hairline to read their prices.

Obviously I knew it was unaffordable still I passed the time to imagine myself in them. I don’t think, I’d get another opportunity to casually visit such customized boutique let alone buy something. From minute to minute I could feel familiar gaze on me but I stubbornly avoid him.

“Excuse me, I turn to see one of the formally dressed employee. “You have been requested to find Ms. Soraya,”

“Okay,” I follow her, glancing over my shoulder at Azrael De Luca.

Maybe I should just shorten his name to A.D.L. His gaze was unsurprisingly was fixed on me. I concentrate back on the way ahead.

“Addy, please tell me how am I looking? It’s too tight or I have put on weight?”

Sora fired questions without waiting for my reply, nervously looking at her porcelain white flowy gown, in all directions. The designer shook her head disbelieving her complains.

I grasp her shoulder to halt her panicky, stating, “You look gorgeous, Sora. Stop worrying over nothing. Taking deep breath with me.”

She bobs her head obliging my advice, I mildly feel afraid for her reaction on the wedding day if these little incidents are to hint anything.

“Sora… oh my dearest gods.” We both twirl to find Marcus gaping at her.

He was looking dapper in his white suit, jerking from his stupor he walks straight to Sora.

“Marcus, I told you not to see my attire before wedding day. It was meant to be a surprise.” She whines adorably making us chuckle.

He smiles, pulling her closely, “No matter how many ever times I’d see you in this gown. Trust me you’d make me breathless every time. Bellissimo Angelo”

“It means beautiful angel in Italian,” the designer kindly translates to me.

This is exactly I earnestly wish for my Sora, to be selflessly loved and find happiness forever in her life. I send a quick prayer to save their happiness from all evil eyes.

*****

“Sora, this was definitely not needed,”

Hours later, they both have finalized everything, I was about to make a run out of the store mainly from A.L.D, it’s not that he said something. In fact he hardly spoke anything except confirming Marcus’s choice of suit.

His presence was just unavoidable. But hard luck, Sora decided to surprise me by gifting an expensive three piece for her wedding day.

Free of cost, it was not at all sitting well with me. I don’t like getting favors especially if its money related.

Sora sharply face me, pointing her finger, “Shut up Addy, you seriously think I’d have went on with your lame excuse that you’d arrange something to wear on my wedding day. Knowing you beforehand, I have placed an order for another designer suit for you. So stop complaining and just wear the dam suit.” Saying she pushes me inside the changing room.

“Why does you keep pushing me at someone or something, since morning?” I scoff, discarding my clothes one by one.

“Maybe, I’d do it hundred times more if it meant to involve your happiness or love,” she drags the last word irritating me.

“Shut up, Sora,” what if someone heard her?

She laughs it off, “I will be back in couple of minutes, okay?”

“Yeah,” I absent mindedly reply her, gawking at the midnight blue color suit. Thank god it’s not pink, Sora’s favorite color. Let’s get done with this.

Sora must have planned it way earlier without my knowledge as the fitting was apt, though the buttons were difficult to manage. It was odd feeling to have such formal attire on my body. I hiss when working on one of the buttons, I accidently scrape my skin. Bringing it to my view, I frown at the tiny blood drop from the split skin.

'Darn it!' I can’t button up neither I can remove the suit before staining its pristine color. I groan annoyed, with my haste complicating another situation.

“Soraya!”

I call her hoping she could suggest an idea or arrange a band aid. Not receiving any response after calling three more times, I huff deciding to step outside. At least I was wearing my pants. Suddenly the door was pushed inside slightly, I tilt my head up to find A.D.L impassively staring at me.

He step inside without asking. “Mr. Azrael what are you doing-

“I clearly remember asking you to drop the formalities, isn’t it?”

The small room barely left any space between us not like he minded as he was observing me patiently. I was by no means shorter, fairly at 5’ 11’ inches he still manage to surpass at 6’4. And he was still drop dead handsome.

I nod remembering his question, “Azrael,” it sounds so personal to call his first name.

He tips his head on my thumb that I was securely holding it with other hand, “Can I?”

My mouth feels dry, the unpleasant experience to be touched by some man comes marching out. Still, I clench my fist refusing to be enslaved to those memories. Not finding my voice, I tilt my head maintaining his eye contact.

Firstly, his fingertips brush my knuckles sending tingles in my body, he grasp my hand fragilely. Like afraid to hurt me, the skin to skin contact should have disturbed me instead it feels gentle. He whispers something inaudibly in Italian then disappears out of the room.

Leaving me befuddled, he returns with band aid and sealing the small wound on my finger. He doesn’t loosen his hold, I didn’t mind it either. It was long since feeling comfortable under another Man’s touch. Giving a light squeeze he releases my hand, asking again to help me with the suit.

In daze, I permit him stupefied to be treated respectfully especially by such an elite. He keeps his touch minimal, not more than necessary.

“I’d suggest you see yourself in the suit before getting changed,” he motions to the mirror behind.

Standing in front of the mirror, I tip my head to the side gazing up and down at my reflection.

“The suit is expensive so obviously it’d look good. But what about…” I trail off grazing my fingers on my birthmark.

Nothing could overpower this ugliness, I know it.

A warm breath fanning on nape of my neck brings me back to reality, I hesitantly glance at Azrael.

“It shouldn’t be that some random people complimenting only then you’d appreciate yourself. 'Always logical.' “Still if it matters, you look peaceful,” the low tenor of his voice could put anyone in haze. Top it off with his intense stare, sighing dreamily.

“Peaceful?”

Instead of answering me, he opens the door, “Let’s leave after you get changed.”

I brush off my curiosity, switching my clothes back. Looking in either directions to find Sora, I walk nervously with Azrael.

“Adam, I blink at him. “Would you like to grab a quick snack or something to drink?”

He is interested to spend more time with me? “Okay, if you don’t mind that is.”

“Never with you,” he mutters, still I heard.

My cheeks flush with warmness. 'Stop overthinking, it must be something else.'

We find a booth at the end of the cafeteria, the different names on the menu confuses me. The price also seems to be high, I’d surely not have enough money in my pocket to afford a satisfying meal. So going with the least paid dish seems convenient option, I can later have left overs in the night.

A waiter approaches us with a notepad asking, “Are you ready to order?”

I was about to initiate, her attention was mainly on Azrael so I fall silent.

“Adam, please go ahead first.” He solemnly says, looking at me.

I shuffle in my seat requesting a simple burger and chips. Azrael briefly runs his gaze in the menu before ordering the same.

“Also we’d like to request another waiter for the table,”

The waitress with an embarrassed smile scurries away, my brows furrow not understanding his intention or his choice of food. Maybe he wasn’t hungry much. Though from his physique, it was doubtful he’d eat cheesy or greasy food.

'Totally unneeded observation.'

Our orders soon arrive by the new waiter, we both dig in. I stifle a chuckle seeing him struggling to take a bite of the entire burger in mouth. He starts disassembling the pieces, picking separately with the fork.

These are the moments, I seriously doubt his age.

“You are basically murdering the concept of burger,”

His fork with leafy lettuce halts in air, tilting his head slightly in confusion. Oh, he looks cute also.

He clears his throat needlessly. I raise my brow, realizing I’d have said it loud.

Now, we both blush averting each other’s gaze. It takes next fifteen minutes to complete the meal and get on our way back. Again, Sora and Marcus ditch us going for another date or something.

I was used to Sora playing high music while accompanying her in the car not this silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable rather there is unfamiliar warmness I feel around his presence. For tenth time my gaze flickers to his hand resting on his thigh, there was an odd urge to hold it. Play with his ring fingers.

'What the hell Adam, you sound so pervert.'

Looking out of window, the constant slide of different view makes me drowsy under the plush seat, it was more comfortable than my own bed. Not due to certain handsome man beside me. A couple of minutes of quick nap won’t be bad, I hope it doesn’t seem disrespectful to him.

“Hmm…”

The murmuring of my own voice stirs me out of my slumber, I shoot up in my spot.

“Careful,”

I blink my eyes repeatedly to see clearly, Azrael’s face was merely inches away from mine. Should I touch his handsome scruff and call it accidental?

“What did you just say?”

His gruff voice disperse the remnants of drowsiness, he moves back in his seat.

“For how long I have been sleeping? Sorry to make you wait uselessly for me,” I look down in embarrassment.

My chin is hooked up, triggering tingles down my spine, “Nothing about you is useless. It was my own decision to not disturb your sleep.”

Unconsciously I lean in his touch, immersing in his grey- bluish eyes communicating a feeling, I couldn’t understand. Rewinding from whatever it was, I clumsily unstrap my buckle unlocking my side of car door.

“Adam,”

God! I tighten my grip on the handle not to visibly shiver hearing his deep voice. I discreetly glance at him, “Take good care of yourself.”

I should also say something, “Please drive safely and rest well.”

His lips twitch up slightly, I was in awe. Waving at him one last time, I get on my way. Foolishly smiling.

It was around six in the evening, someone knocked my door. Don’t tell me it is another call for task. I was so badly exhausted. Pulling the door inside, a line of bags were lying in front.

Jass was out of breath, muttering incoherent words, “For you someone has send this. Who is the new admirer? I mean in whole month the total batch of workers might have not ordered these many bags of stuff.”

“I don’t know,” Confusedly, eyeing the bags.

She rolls her eyes, “Its fine Adam if you don’t want to share but you don’t have to lie. Anyways enjoy your new wardrobe.”

It took me ten minutes to drag all the packages inside, they were not a lot but surely felt heavy. I was sweating checking the clothes. Realization hit me that these were the exact ones I was observing in the boutique. It couldn’t be Sora as she wasn’t present then…

“Azrael,”

Biting my lip, I think aloud, “What does this mean?”