Billionaire Deception

DEEPENING DESIRES

"Could it be?" Olivia thought curiously, as she was slowly filled with anticipation.

It was a fortnight since Olivia and Damien met at her art exhibition, and her feelings for him had only grown stronger. But she was finally coming to terms that they might never meet again.

It's been 2 weeks, and she still hasn't heard from him.

However, she felt a thrill of anticipation, much like she had been feeling for the past few days. During the opening ceremony last week, someone anonymous had purchased all of her paintings.

This, coupled with the thought of that night with Damien, had kept her elated all week long.

It was towards the sun set, as the moon began to show its beauty.

While she was occupied with a rough sketch on her pad, she heard a crack in her window burglary. “Damn birds!” She muttered to herself. As she went to cover the window glass properly to avoid an aerial intrusion.

She couldn't help but notice a black car was parked in front of her home. The driver held a sign with her name.

Olivia froze in her tracks, unable to comprehend what was happening.

As she slowly muttered the name on the cardboard "Ms. Adams," held by a man in a black suit, a smile crept over her face.

Only one person had called her that so often yet so recently.

Olivia's heart leaped as she raced downstairs to confirm her hopes.

On getting downstairs, a familiar figure stepped out of the car. It was Damien, dressed in a crisp black suit and a dark blue tie. His eyes shone as he gazed at her, and a smile spread across his face.

She fought to maintain her composure, masking her excitement as best she could.

"Damien, what are you doing here?" Olivia gasped.

"I thought I'd take you out, Ms Adams." Damien replied, his voice smooth and confident.

"After all, I did abruptly end our last encounter. I thought I'd make it up to you," he continued.

“What happened to ’Evening, Ms. Adams. What's your weekend like?’” She said, flashing him the text on her phone

“Did you really miss me that much?” he asked teasingly.

"I never disclosed my address to you," she said, as she tried to ignore the question with a guilty smug.

"Ah, but you forget, it's me. I have my ways," Damien replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

Olivia wasn't particularly shocked by how he had discovered her whereabouts. Between her work and interactions with collectors at the art gallery, coupled with her status as a billionaire, it wasn't exactly a secret.

"But I'm not even properly dressed!" Olivia protested, gesturing to her casual jeans and sweater.

"You look perfect," Damien assured her.

Olivia's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she tried to remain calm.

"Give me a few minutes, I'll just throw something on," she said, hurrying off to her apartment.

In a flash, she ran up the stairs of her apartment, tore off her clothes, and dashed to the closet. Her hands flew as she tried to find an outfit worthy of an impromptu date.

But as Olivia rushed to get ready for her date, a man stood at a distance, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that caused her skin to prickle. He lingered in the shadows, unnoticed by Olivia, as she hurriedly prepared for her evening.

She thought it was just her elation over Damien's presence.

Finally, she settled on a simple black dress and heels. She hurriedly applied makeup, trying to steady her shaking hands.

"All set!" Olivia announced as she stepped out of her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation.

Olivia couldn't help but steal a glance in the direction of the gaze where a mysterious stranger stood.

His eyes held hers for a fleeting moment, a silent exchange that had high intensity.

Unsettled yet intrigued, Olivia forcefully tears her gaze away to listen as Damien compliments her.

"You look beautiful, Ms. Adams." Damien said, taking her hand while helping her get into the backseat of his luxurious car.

Olivia's heart pounded in her chest as they stepped into the black car. Damien's hand was warm in hers as he nodded at his driver to get going.

But even as she settled into the plush leather seats, the memory of the stranger's piercing gaze lingered, casting a shadow over her.

“Why did you leave so abruptly at my art exhibition”, Olivia asked in a slightly more serious tone this time.

“Apologies for that, Ms. Adams. I had a business emergency.” Damien said.

Olivia nods her head while looking outside the car window, trying to figure out where they might be going, but she's not familiar with this part of town.

"Where are we going?" she asked, giving up on the guess game.

Damien smiled, his eyes shining in the dim light. "A place where we can have a nice chat, critique some art and perhaps dance a little," he replied, his tone playful.

Her gaze was then caught by the driver, as he looked familiar.

She couldn't help but notice the driver as the man who interrupted their night at the exhibition. Giving him a harmless smile that wasn't so harmless through the front mirror.

As they drove, she stared out the window, admiring the lights of the city. She felt a rush of excitement as she anticipated what Damien had planned for their day.

Damian lived in a lavish mansion in an exclusive part of the city and upon arrival, Olivia was taken aback to find herself at the entrance of a magnificent mansion within expansive grounds.

As they stepped into the building, the grandeur of the hall left Olivia breathless. It was a far cry from the simple life she had lived until then.

She turned to face Damien, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change of scenery. But when she looked into his eyes, she saw only warmth and affection.

"What is this place?" she asked, unable to hide the wonder in her voice.

"This is my home," Damien replied. "It's not much, but I hope you'll be comfortable here."

"It's incredible," Olivia said, taking in the elegant furniture and stunning views.

As Olivia explored the walls, she noticed small details that revealed Damien's personal taste and style.

The luxurious fabrics, the sophisticated artwork, and the carefully chosen decoration gave the space an air of opulence and luxury.

"I'm glad you like it," Damien said, his voice smooth and deep.

Olivia turned to look at him, taking in the sight of his broad shoulders and chiseled jaw. He was a handsome man, and his confidence was undeniably attractive.

"Why did you invite me here?" Olivia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Meeting her gaze with intensity, Damien responded, "There's something intriguing about you, Ms. Adams."

"And I've brought you here to my home to discern precisely what that is," he added, a sly smirk playing at his lips.

Olivia's heart fluttered at his words, but she tried to remain rational. "How? Why? I don't understand?" She stammered. Acting as cool-headed as possible.

"We barely know each other," Olivia protested, but she could feel her resolve weakening.

Damien closed the gap between them, his eyes dark and hungry. "I don't care. All I know is that I find you fascinating."

“Your eyes, your smile, linger in my thoughts even in the midst of my business dealings," he admitted while looking at her lips.

As Olivia struggled to resist the temptation running through her mind, her heart betrayed her, fluttering with anticipation.

But before she could respond, Damien inched closer, as if poised to lean in for a kiss, his eyes locked on hers with fervour.

"I'm not afraid," she breathed,

This was her last attempt at playing tough like she didn't want the feel of Damien's lips on hers.

"No, I didn't think you were," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.

Olivia closed her eyes, surrendering to her desire. Her heart was pounding in her chest waiting for his lips to brush against hers, igniting a fire inside her.

But just then Damien leaned away from her and smiled. "But I do think we should take this slow, Ms. Adams. I want you to be sure," he said, his voice husky and low.

Olivia felt a rush of frustration. She was already sure, but she knew that Damien needed her to be certain.

"Your artwork is exceptional," Damien praised. "I've been wanting to inquire… Would you be open to continuing the critique we began the other night?" His voice flowed smoothly and resonantly, yet it carried an air of nonchalance, as though he hadn't just sparked a fire within her.

Olivia blinked in confusion, trying to focus on his words and not his lips.

"I mean, if you're interested," Damien added, his eyes darkening with desire.

"I am." Olivia mumbled, her body tingling with anticipation.

"You see, i enjoyed our last conversation and also wanted to apologize for cutting it short, hence I got all your artwork from the exhibition," he paused, as though waiting for her to catch up.

Olivia could only manage a soft ‘'that was you?,'’ as her mind was already occupied with thoughts of being held in Damien's strong arms, and the way his lips would feel pressed against hers.

She quickly cleared her throat as she asked again "that was you?" This time her voice was more steady and confident.

Damien's face broke into a lopsided grin, and he nodded in affirmation.

"That was me indeed!" he said as he strolled towards his mini bar that wasn't so mini as it contained all the wine, alcohol and spirits Olivia could think of, he grabbed a bottle of wine, two glasses and strolled towards her.

"Shall the critiquing begin?" he said with a smirk as he poured them both a glass.

Olivia took a sip and closed her eyes as the delicious taste hit her tongue.

"Delicious," she murmured, licking her lips. She opened her eyes to find Damien watching her with a heated gaze.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice low and husky.

"Let's start with this one," pointing at one of her paintings he got from the exhibition.

It was a painting of a beautiful woman lying on a bed covered in roses. Her hair was spread out behind her, and she had a look of pure ecstasy on her face.

"This is amazing," he breathed. "You have such a talent for capturing emotion. I can really feel the passion radiating from this painting."

Olivia blushed at his compliment.

"Thank you," she murmured, looking down at the floor.

As Olivia and Damien's evening progressed, so did their chemistry.

From talking about painting to everything else, finding herself captivated by Damien's magnetic presence.

Damien's chuckle rings out, warm and infectious, as he regales Olivia with tales of his travels and adventures.

"Tell me more about your time in Paris," Olivia urged, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.

Damien leans in closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Ah, Paris. The city of love and passion. But none of it compares to the moment I first laid eyes on you."

A flush rises to Olivia's cheeks as she meets Damien's gaze, a flutter of excitement stirring in her chest.

But beneath the surface, subtle moments of unease crept into Olivia's mind. As she notices the way Damien's eyes linger a fraction too long on her, a hint of possessiveness flicks behind his charming facade.

"I must admit, I've never felt a connection like this before," Damien murmurs, his hand grazing Olivia's arm in a gesture that sends shivers down her spine.

"Neither have I," Olivia replied, her heart fluttering in her chest.

But even as she revels in the intoxicating pull of Damien's presence, a nagging voice in the back of her mind warns her to tread carefully.

As they stroll down a corridor, Damien's commanding voice breaks the silence, “Do you dance, Ms. Adams?” urging Olivia to join him on the dance floor as he pushed open a grand door.

The soft glow of candlelight dances across the room, casting shadows that seem to envelop them in a world of their own.

With the tune of a beautiful orchestra playing across the ballroom, they dance along the ballroom floor. Olivia catches glimpses of a steeliness in Damien's gaze, a predatory edge that sends a ripple of apprehension through her.

"You haven't said much about your past, Damien. Feels like you might be hiding something?" Olivia said lightheartedly, but could sense a string of seriousness in her tone, while breathing hard from the proximity with Damien.

"Everyone has secrets, my dear Olivia. But some are best left undisturbed," he replied.

The ambiguity in Damien's response sends a shiver down Olivia's spine, a nagging doubt that refuses to be silenced. Despite her growing affection for him, she can't shake the feeling that there's more to Damien than meets the eye.

Olivia's heart pounds with uncertainty as she gazes into Damien's enigmatic eyes, searching for answers she's not sure she wants to find.

"You have a way of keeping secrets, Damien," she murmurs, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Damien's lips quirked into a knowing smile, but there was a shadow of something deeper lurking in his gaze.

"And you have a way of unraveling them, Olivia," he replied, his voice smooth as silk but edged with a hint of danger.

The evening wears on, each moment fraught with tension as Olivia's doubts gnaw at her from within. Despite the allure of Damien's charm, she can't shake the feeling that she's dancing with a stranger, a man whose true intentions remain shrouded in mystery.

As the night draws to a close, Olivia is left with more questions than answers, her heart torn between her growing affection for Damien and the unsettling sense of foreboding that clouds her mind.

Olivia can't shake the feeling that their whirlwind romance may come at a price she's not yet prepared to pay.

But for now, she pushes aside her doubts, lost in the intoxicating spell of Damien's embrace, unaware of the storm that brews on the horizon.

"Spend the night with me," Damien asked with a gaze that caused her skin to prickle.

Caught off guard by his unexpected request, Olivia gasped, with her feet faltering dangerously. Just as she was about to fall, Damien's strong arms wrapped around her waist, preventing her from hitting the ground.

At that moment, a war raged within Olivia's mind.

'I want you, Damien. But I haven't done this before. But what if I tell him the truth about me, and he's put off and never asks me out again? But do I have a choice? But.. But…’

Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Damien's assistance helped her regain her footing.

"I seem to have startled you with my request, Ms. Adams," Damien remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Damien," she replied hesitantly, attempting to compose herself.

He smirked, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement.

Deep down, every instinct screamed for her to accept, but how would she tell him the truth?

But how would she tell him she didn't mean to refuse? She hasn't done this before.

"It's fine, I didn't mean to ruin our dance," Damien said apologetically.

“No, that's not it!” She replied, forcing herself to tell him more.

“What's it, you can tell me,” Damien's demeanour became more earnest, becoming more attentive now.

“It's… It's just that… I haven't done this before, "she murmured. Feeling a bit embarrassed

“You haven't done that before?” Damien asked, trying to figure out the now timid Olivia.

“...had a sleepover?” He added

“No, of course not.” She said with a tiny smirk.

“I'm a virgin, Damien. I haven't had s*x before.” She finally voiced out

Taken aback by this revelation, “It's fine, Ms. Adams” Damien assured her, with a calm smile on

"I'll have Bruce drive you home, we can talk about this in the morning" he added.

"No, it's okay, I'll catch a taxi." she replied quickly, not wanting to be any more of a burden than she already had been.

As she made her way out of the ballroom and out of Damien's mansion.

Damien watched her, with a mix of surprise and bemusement. He couldn't understand why she would choose to walk home alone at night when he had offered her a safe and comfortable ride home.

"It's too late and not safe, come on," he said, ushering her into the back seat of his already waiting vehicle.

Reluctantly, she climbed in and he closed the door behind her. He gave the driver instructions to take her home safely before walking back towards the entrance of the mansion.

“Goodnight, Ms. Adams,” he said, still wearing a calm smile.

“He's probably mad at me for ruining the night.” She thought to herself as he bade her goodbye

“I'd be mad too?” She murmured.

-------------------------

Bruce pulls up in front of Olivia's apartment late that night, the chilly weather adding to the somber atmosphere.

Stepping out of the vehicle, Olivia bids farewell to Bruce, Damien's driver, before heading towards her building.

Lost in her thoughts, she fails to notice the figure looming in the shadows until it's too late.

"Olivia?"

The voice sends a shiver down her spine, and she turns to find a stranger standing before her. His eyes gleam with an intensity that sends a ripple of unease through her. "Do I know you?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.

The stranger steps closer, his features obscured by the dim light. "Not yet," he replies cryptically. "But you will."

Olivia's heart races as she struggles to make sense of the encounter. “Who is this man, and what does he want with me?” “And why does his presence fill her with a sense of dread?”

"I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else," she says, her voice wavering.

The stranger's gaze lingers on her for a moment longer before he nods, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps," he says, his tone enigmatic. "But be careful, Olivia. Not everything is as it seems."

With that, he disappears into the night, leaving Olivia standing alone at the foot of her stairs. Her mind races with questions, her pulse pounding in her ears.

“What was that all about? And why now? Does it have anything to do with Damien?” She thought as she slammed her apartment door behind her.