Damian
I was in my office, reading the information I asked for. I had a call from one of my men, Bob, telling me he had sent the file I requested. I told Charlotte I'd join her soon. I'm known to be emotionless, but I can't fathom all the things she had to go through at the hands of her father. Her mom hasn't been in the picture since she was a child. There was also a report about her disappearance, which was later dismissed.
Her father is known in the area for running a brothel, where Charlotte was sexually abused. I know why a teardrop slipped down her cheek when I kissed her. Some of my men confirmed it, also informing me that he runs a secret s*x trafficking operation. I closed the file. I'll figure out what to do later. Maybe when she feels it's the right time to talk, she'll shed more light on it. Right now, I need to be with her, and as I said, nothing will change what I have for her.
I left my office, walking down the corridor. "Is there anything I can get for you, Mr. Johnson?" Mrs. Jones asked as I met her on my way.
"No, not at all. Where's Charlotte, by the way?" "She's in the library, sir." I thanked her, then headed straight to the library. I saw her, in all her beauty and elegance, sitting with a book in hand. She was so engrossed in the book, with smiles plastered on her pretty face, that she didn't know I was around.
I involuntarily smiled when she laughed. Such a sweet melody fills the room.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were here." She said this between her laughter. She placed the book down, then walked into my arms for a warm hug. I sniffed her; I couldn't get enough of her.
"What does my lovely cupcake want to do today?" "I don't really know. Maybe we can just stay indoors and chat, if you don't mind."
"Your wish is my command, cupcake."
I got to know everything I needed to know about her. Her dad was kind enough to put her through college and university, but that doesn't make him a good person. She ran away from home as soon as she graduated and had to work double shifts to be able to afford her basic needs. At some point, she had to go out in disguise, wearing wigs, coloring her hair, and wearing contacts, to avoid being tracked down by her abusive father and his hitman/Charlotte's by-force lover. I've already started planning how I'm going to torture him for putting Charlotte through all that abuse. As I said, I don't have a problem doing bad things to bad, crazy people. "I'm just scared of what would happen when they finally find me, and worst case, what they'll do to you if they realize I was here." Her sweet voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
Oh, sweetheart, you don't know that no one can do anything to me, not even her pathetic abusive father and his so-called hitman. "Cupcake, don't worry about me." I wanted to add that I'm untouchable, but I didn’t want her to be scared of me. I know I have to come out to her somehow, but not when she's having trust issues and people want her.
"I have to; they're very dangerous. I don't want to put you in danger." I placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Trust me, cupcake. I'll be safe." I hugged her. "I forgot to tell you we didn't find any marks left by the intruder, but don't worry, I'll protect you."
"Okay." She snuggled closer, making me bury my face in the crook of her neck. I pulled her closer, snaking my arms around her waist. Lifting her and placing her on my lap—a much better position to put my face in her bosom. Her face was hovering a few inches above mine as I lifted my head.
"May I?" I whispered. She nodded before placing her lips on mine. Such sweet, soft lips Damn, she'll be the end of me. "Let me know when I'm going too far."
"Okay. Now that you know everything about me, I don't know how...." but I cut her off with a kiss.
I don't want her talking about her past. I need her to be happy, and I think I should pay Maurice or her father a surprise visit, or maybe not. I'll just patiently wait for them to step on my toes.
"Mr. Johnson, you have a visitor waiting in your office." Mrs. Jones alerted me. I thanked her. "I'll be right back, cupcake." I kissed her forehead, placing her down on the sofa. I headed to my office. "Any progress?" I asked Bob as soon as I got seated. I trust Bob, and his being here means there's something at stake.
"We found a fingerprint at the last expected place. It matched Maurice McAdam, second man to Walter Smith, Charlotte Smith's father. Upon further digging, we've found out they're secretly searching for her." He updated me.
"Nice..." I spoke.
Already, Walter can't stand my presence; let's see what he'll do to get Charlotte for his sick affairs. "Thank you, Bob."
"No problem, boss. I'll keep you updated if anything pops up."
"Sure." He left after a curt nod.
It's time for a little outing.
"Cupcake, get ready. I'm you out." I announced when I entered the library.
"Umm, okay. Should I change into something formal or semi-formal?"
"If you're comfortable in what you're wearing, that’s okay."
"Okay, then I'm ready."
"Great." I placed another kiss on her forehead.
"Where are we going?"
"We'll pass by the restaurant first, then go wherever you want us to go."
"Okay." She hugged me. I feel so alive whenever she hugs me.
"I should have convinced you that we should stay at home." She said this as my chauffeur pulled up at a fancy restaurant.
"Why not?" I asked because I wanted to confirm if that's what I had in mind.
"II should have worn a wig or some contacts for a disguise. I don't want to put us in danger."
"Don't worry, cupcake, I'll protect you, even if it costs my life."
"No..." but I cut her off with a quick peck. She melted at the gesture. Her answer did confirm my thoughts. Don't worry, cupcake, no one will ever lay a finger on you unless they have a death wish.
After our meal, we went shopping. "I don't think I can do this," Charlotte said after checking the prices. I don't want you to spend too much on me. I...."
"Cupcake, I don't want you thinking like that. I'm going to erase whatever mindset you have about yourself from those f*****g assholes."
"I'm not used to anyone caring about me, she said, her voice now a whisper, staring down at her feet.
"Cupcake." She lifted her head, staring at me with those beautiful eyes. "I was serious when I said I wanted you. Nothing, not even your past, can change what I feel down here." I said, placing her hand on my chest. She just embraced me, sniffling a sob.
"I just don't know what to say," she whispered.
"You don't need to say anything, cupcake." I hugged her tighter. "Let's go pick up something then, even if it's just a dress."
Okay," she smiled.
We finally left the mall after picking out a few outfits, some jewelry, and some shoes. Who do you think we met on our way to the parking lot, Maurice McAdam, with a bimbo I feel sorry for? It seems like he's the one stalking and keeping tabs on Charlotte. He looked up, looking between Charlotte and me, frightened. I felt Charlotte's grip tighten. I gave her a gentle squeeze, letting her know she shouldn't be afraid.
"Mr. Johnson, what a pleasant surprise seeing you here!" he stuttered, his bimbo busily gawking at me. I nodded, enjoying how he was unable to remain composed.
"Do you mind if I have a few words with Charlotte?"
"Do you want to talk to him?" I turned to face her, searching her eyes.
"I don't want to," she whispered, loud enough for us to hear.
His face flushed, clenching his fist, but he quickly masked it, which was good because he was beginning to scare my cupcake, which wasn't settling down well with me.
"Please, it's important and private," he pleaded, his eyes darting between Charlotte and me.
"Anything you want to say can be said here; we'll be listening," she said, embracing me from the side.
I love the way she makes him restless and stand up for herself.
"You don't really know the severity of the issue. It's about your dear father."
"What about him?"
Did I just see a smirk on her pretty face? I like it. I love how she doesn't seem intimidated by him.
"I don't think the conversation can be heard with a lot of ears."
"Well, I don't care. It's now or never."
"But...."
"You heard her; it's now or never," I commanded.
If you ask me, I have a fair idea of what he wants to say.
"All I wanted to say is that your father's health has declined and he misses you," he sighed.
She chuckled, surprising him.
"I'm so sorry for him. He should consider me dead, because he's dead to me. Can we leave, please?"
"As you wish, cupcake." I placed a kiss on her forehead. "If you may excuse us,' I said, looking at his shocked expression.
We brushed past him, heading to my car. I opened the door for Charlotte, then followed right after. I gave my chauffeur the go-ahead to take us home.
Charlotte
"I'm in a deep mess," I said, pacing about in my room. Damian sat on my bed, just staring at me. I honestly don't know why he is so calm at this crucial moment. "I don't even know what to do. I shouldn't have spoken back when he said that. I think I should leave the city." I continued pacing about. I turned and bumped into Damian.
"I'm so sorry..." but he just kissed me.
"I'm so sorry, cupcake. I got carried away." I smiled and kissed him back.
"Why are you so calm?" I asked after the kiss, because I realized Maurice was being careful when addressing Damian. It seemed Damian had power and authority.
"Because I'm untouchable, and no one can harm you unless they have a death wish."
"Does it mean you're a boss in an undercover society?"
"If you're referring to the mafia, I'm afraid so."
"Okay," I shrugged, because I knew he wouldn't hurt me—maybe not yet.
"I'm sorry for keeping it a secret from you."
"It's fine. You don't need to apologize."
"Are you okay with it?"
"Yeah, as long as you don't hurt me," I said, raising my head and looking straight into his eyes.
"I won't hurt you, cupcake," he replied.
I hugged him as a teardrop slipped down my cheek.
"What's wrong, cupcake?"
"I don't know. I feel so safe around you. I haven't felt like this before. I don't even know if I'm making sense." I hid my face in his chest.
"Cupcake," he chuckled. "Don't hesitate to let me know how you feel." He continued.
I smiled. There is indeed happiness and love out there.