Vindicated

Damsel In Distress

                                                 Derek's POV

Dad had been talking about this meeting with this big shot investor all week. It was all business for him. He wanted to expand. Be the biggest in the company. I don't know why he asked me to come with. But I reluctantly agreed not wanting him to get suckered into a bad deal like he had done in the past. I was protective of my family. We were were important in the investing world.  

"Son if you want this business to be yours some day you have to learn how to deal with certain people. I have done my research on this guy. I know he's an asshole but he's smart. He could open up doors for us. He could make designing our buildings and businesses cheaper, Cutting a deal with him is a must no matter what. "

Little did he know  I had done my own research. Even googled Mr. Wilmer. I looked back at my computer screen and saw her picture. She was beautiful. Absolutely stunning. But I couldn't help but she the sadness in her eyes. Why was she said when she had a man to give her everything she wanted? 

I turned off my computer screen, shoved my hands in my pockets and made my way to my dad.

"Your car is waiting Mr. Sky," Jasmine said to my dad. She was a pretty girl. Strawberry blonde hair. She had been my assistant for about five years. She would do anything I asked her but I am a different man now with different wants. I could have her in every single way possible but it wouldn't please me. Only one thing would. Her

As we approached the restaurant my dad lectured me about being on my best behavior. He knew I was an asshole with no filter. That's what our partners loved about me. I was honest and I didn't give a s**t what they thought. I assured him I would try. 

We got there before Mr. Wilmer did so we sat and down and waited for their arrival. 

"Is there anything I can get you while you wait for your other guests to arrive?" The waitress asked. 

"Yes, your best porter beer," I smiled.

"We'll have the same, thank you," my dad smiled at the waitress giving her a wink. 

Stella Swan walked in along with a few other men. I could not stand her in the least bit. She all but begged on her knees for me to f**k her the last time we met. I knew what she wanted. She wanted my money and my name. I knew women like her. Selfish and so full of themselves. 

"Good afternoon Mr. Sky, Derek," she winked at me.

"Ugh, good afternoon." I said not wanting to even give her the time of day.

My dad bullshited with his business partners about sports while we waited for Mr. Wilmer to arrive. You think he'd be a little bit punctual considering he wants to impress us. 

Then I looked up and I saw her. I cannot believe he brought her with him. Holy f**k is she beautiful. More beautiful in person. Her black wavy hair waves perfectly around the contours of her cheek. She's wearing neutral makeup which enhances her natural beauty. She had luscious, full, pink lips. I bit my bottom. It took everything in me not kiss her right then in there. She was skinny, too skinny honestly. But I could change that. 

"Good evening gentleman and Stella, meet my beautiful girlfriend Mariah Evermore," Mr. Wilmer said. 

Mariah. What a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman. I wanted her to be mine. I wanted to see what was underneath that dress and cardigan. Why was she wearing a cardigan in this hot ass weather?

"Nice to meet you, I'm Derek Sky.," I said casually.  I put my hand out to shake hers, that's when I found out why. Her tiny arm was was covered in bruises. That mother fucker. I wanted to kill him right there and then. I felt my body tensing up. She must've sensed it because she quickly pulled away. She was hurt. She was abused. She needed to be saved. I needed to save her. I will save her.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Sky," she said giving me a small smile before putting her head down. Her smile quickly faded and my heart felt like it was gonna shatter. He didn't deserve her. What did she see in him? I needed answers and I needed them now. 

Before I could ask, I heard that asshole speak.

"Good to see you again Stella," Mitch smirked at her. I looked over at Mariah and she rolled her eyes. I chuckled. She knew what he was and she was just as disgusted as him. Surely he'd make her pay for mocking him but I knew she was a warrior deep down. She had fought an unbelievable war. She must want to get away. God if she was with me, I'd never so much as lay a finger on her. Well, not in a bad way anythings I thought,.

Shaking the thought, I turned to Mitch and asked, "So, Mr. Wilmer, you have been quite successful with your architectural designs. Why do you want to venture to bigger cities?"

"Well as you know I've been pretty successful with cutting down costs using my specific designs and investors. I think this would be a huge deal for me. I'm willing to relocate anywhere if that means I have a chance to be even more successful than I have already been." Mitch said.

"What do you think about that,  Miss Evermore?" I ask. Looking over at Mariah I see her look at him as if she is asking for permission to speak. Is this seriously happening in front of my eyes. I can't believe I am the only seeing this. What the f**k.

 "U-umm, w-well, whatever Mitch wants to do, I'll support him. He's very successful and deserves the best." Mariah replied. I saw her face sadden. I knew she was lying.

"Wow, such a supportive woman you have there Mr. Wilmer," my dad said looking in my direction. I knew what that meant. He was warning me to watch what I was about to say next.  Dammit, if he only saw the bruises on her. Then maybe he would understand. 

"Thank you sir, she really is," Mitch smiled grabbing Mariah's hand and kissing it. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her she was just too much. I couldn't help but notice this beauty turn her head and roll her eyes. I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. What was this beauty doing to me? I am never one to break up a happy  home let alone bring any girl into my life. Maybe that's the point. This wasn't a happy home. She was miserable. She deserved so much better than that piece of s**t. 

The rest of the lunch was basically all business. I was getting so annoyed with Mr. Wilmer's disgusting display of flirtation in from of this Goddess he calls his. Mariah excused herself to freshen up. This was my chance to let her know I could save her. That I would cherish every inch of her body. Treat her like the Goddess she is. 

I make my way towards the bathroom. I'm about to open the door and I feel a small silhouette crash into. Electricty rain down my body. She smelled so f*****g good. 

"Derek, I-"She gasped.  Mmm. The way she said my name made me want to take her right then and there. I let a moan without any control in my body. 

"Mariah, "I whispered smiling back at her.  

"I- I- I am s-so s-s-orry. I should've paid attention to where I was going," She said. My heart fell to my stomach. She would never have to apologize to me. She was perfect. I hate that fact that she blamed herself. I'm the one who willingly walked over here with full intention of getting lost in her.

I gave her a puzzling look as I lifted up the sleeve of her cardigan. I couldn't help but kiss her bruise.I wanted to kiss every each of her body. I was getting hard just thinking about. Her cheeks were bright red. I knew she felt what I felt too.  She quickly turned away and rushed back to the table. I stood there watching her walk. I worshiped the ground she walked upon. What the f**k is happening to me? I'm a hit a quit kind of guy. She was changing after only moments of seeing her in person. f**k. She could be my damsel in distress. I would be her night in shining armor. I need to get her away from that prick!