01.
LUCAS POV.
"Mr. Moore, where is your fiancée?"
"Sir, will your wedding be globalized?"
"When will your bride be known to the world?"
"Who is the mysterious bride?"
I walk past the paparazzi, ignoring the tone of the questions they asked. My bodyguards assisted in making sure they had kept their distance.
The formal setting of the venue complimented the aloofness of the guests. I roam my eyes around in search of the host.
"Lucas" voice, I knew exactly who it belonged to—my least favorite person. Anything that had to do with him was irksome. He and I are business rivals, and no matter how much he tried to be ahead of me, I was always a step ahead.
Jason Rodriguez.
My jaw hardened. I twirled to meet his odious self, yet I was struck by the most beautiful of his eyes, Hazel. The lady reminds you of a wild animal with luxu hiiin rious wavy chestnut hair and is worn in a style that reminds you of the rays of the sun. And slender yet hygienic and healthy, her skin is pale, and she has a pointed chin that suits her sass. Her wad rope is complicated and risqué, with a mostly white scheme.
My heart leaped at the sight, my stare devouring more of her. I didn't miss the slight move she made, clutching a little too much on Jason's hands.
Giving her a lad look, I tore my gaze off, sneering.
"It's Mr. Moore for you." My tone was harsh and precise.
He laughed. "Apologize. So I heard your wedding is in a month," his lips twitching to a smicker.
The lady beside him is the one person stopping me from willing off that look on his face.
She seems too familiar, as though I've seen her somewhere, or was it just a striking resemblance?
"Oh, pardon me. Meet Evelyn, my secretary," he introduced.
I extend my hand forward for a shake. She kept me hanging for a sec or so before she slipped her hands into mine. I froze, as though splendor wasn't enough; she had to be oozy.
Our hands fit perfectly, and I held dense, never wanting to let go. Was I infatuated with her? I could feel her hands slipping away, which urged me to hold on a little bit tighter. My d**k hardened as I bore my eyes into her hazel ones.
I could stare into her eyes all day and never get tired. They are bewitching and fiery; they fit superbly to their spot.
"Pleasure," I say as I let go, to which she nods, averting her gaze from mine. She excused herself, leaving the floor.
Shit! I may have made her excruciate.
"She's gorgeous, isn't she?"
He cut through my train of thought, and I shared that look that made his face smudge. Jason has bad records with women; it's infuriating that she had to be in the middle of him. The urge to protect her brewed inside of me.
Whoever she is, she didn't deserve him one bit.
"Excuse me," I say, brushing past him as he walks to attend to the rest of my business associates.
I met with the host and exchanged two or a few words, and then it was my turn to leave. I've already had enough of this party, after all.
I followed through the back, dismissing the guards so as not to draw any attention. It's been a long day.
A don by the side had my steps come to a halt, my stare roaming around in search of the source. I traced the direction in which the sound was coming from, marching towards it, and to my utmost surprise, it was hazel.
"Hazel?" The word slipped, urging a quiver from her as she hurriedly wiped off her tears, turning to face me, her lips spreading into a tight-lipped smile.
"Mr. Moore"
Fuck! Was everything ideal about her; even her hoarse voice sent a wave of desire crawling through my system?
"Is everything okay?"
She nods, avoiding my eyes. "Y-yes." She stutters.
I moved an inch closer as she took a step back. I took another step, and so did she until there was no more space to move. I level my face towards her, getting a hold of her chin, wanting her eyes to be lost in mine.
Her emotions were haywire: sadness mixed with guilt and resentment. So much for what, though?
Jason? My teeth gritted at the mere thought of him hurting her. I don't get it; why am I bothered? Indulging in other people's business wasn't my thing, but what was it about Hazel that had me intrigued?
"What did he do?"
"Huh?"
"Jason. Did he hurt you?"
"-I, well-" She couldn't form a coherent sentence; she was definitely trying to cook up something.
"Don't lie to me." My tune is hard and intimidating.
I was consumed by her scent—lavender—soft and soothing. I had to refrain from nuzzling into her neck and inhaling more of it.
Damn it! This woman is going to be the end of me.
"Speak"
She placed a hand on my chest, trying to push me off as her lips trembled. Those eyes—I'm sure I've seen them somewhere; just where?
Who is this woman?
Her touch was misery, knowing I couldn't erase the list I had for her. I've learned to keep my package intact in every situation I find myself in, yet this woman was messing with that.
"Please." Visible tears accumulated at the brim of her eyes.
That got me back to my senses. I recline back, clearing my throat to fight back the edginess.
She steps away instantly, making a move to leave, yet I hold onto her wrist, stopping her from waking any further. "Do I know you?" I couldn't help but ask.
She twisted her wrist out, biting on her lips as she shared a look, pondering whether to answer or not before her lips parted. "No. I must leave now." With that, she strolled away, my eyes glued to her till she left sight before I tore my gaze away, heading for the car I had the driver park in for me.
I got into the car, and the thought of the lady still rambling around my head as I ignited the engine scorched off.
Who was this mystery woman?
Hazel.
