Him & I

DAMIEN

A familiar throb at the back of my skull brings back flashes from last night.

I had some dealings at Club Luminous with the insufferable Marcus Filton. But honestly, after a few rounds of scotch on the rocks, I couldn’t recall what we were discussing.

I’m a dedicated man when it comes to my work, but guys like Filton push my patience to the edge.

He’s cocky, thinking his wealth can fix everything. But his arrogance is going to come back and bite him in the ass.

People get so caught up in the power that money brings. But when that power and luck run out, they’re left defenseless, like a lamb abandoned among wolves.

I was lounging in my usual VIP booth, watching the drunken antics around the club, when I felt a new weight on my thighs.

I glanced up at the mystery woman who’d made herself comfortable on my lap. I wasn’t exactly impressed.

She looked like your typical party girl: bleached blond hair and blue eyes, which were probably contacts if I looked closely.

Her figure was average, similar to at least four other women in the room. But who was I to deny a young woman her desires?

Now it’s seven in the morning on a Tuesday, and I’m sharing my bed with a woman half-draped over my back. This isn’t new for me, but it’s always a pain when it comes to sending them on their way.

Some think they’re more than a one-night stand and try to stick around for breakfast. Others are just plain crazy and refuse to believe it was a one-time thing.

I pushed her off me as gently as I could, probably rougher than I should have, and headed to the attached bathroom in the guest room for a quick shower and to prepare for the long day ahead.

After my shower, washing off the scent of alcohol and sex, and brushing my teeth to get rid of the last taste of last night, I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed for the closet.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I realized I wasn’t alone. Why can’t women just make my morning easier by listening to me?

“What are you still doing here?” Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. Yes, I do respect women, but only those who respect themselves.

Women like these, who willingly go home with a stranger just because he stands out, shouldn’t be offended when they’re asked to leave the next morning.

I’m all for women wanting to have a good time, but at least let the guy buy you a drink first instead of jumping into his bed at the first chance.

“Hey, baby, last night was really good. Want me to cook you breakfast?” Rolling my eyes, I knew what I had to do and the hassle it would cause.

“No offense, Abbie, but I don’t even remember last night. You were just a one-night thing, and I’d prefer if you didn’t make breakfast and left before I come back out of the closet.”

Without giving her a second glance, I turned around and quickly dressed in black jeans and a white shirt, adding some decent shoes to look like I’d made an effort this morning.

When I returned to the room, there was no sign of her, so I took that as my cue to leave and head to the busy day at work waiting for me.

Walking to my four-car garage, I chose my all-time favorite ride, a matte black Audi R8 Spyder—the only love in my life.

The engine purred in response, and I savored the soft hum before pulling out onto the road to start my day.

Not even ten minutes into the drive, an annoying ring from my phone broke my concentration.

A quick glance at the screen showed a message from Sophie.

I knew it was going to be about the woman she probably saw leaving the guest room this morning. I can’t complain though. I love how she looks out for me and wants the best for me, but I’m a grown man. I can make my own choices.

Ten minutes later, I was parking my car at the side of the road, bracing myself for the lecture Sophie was about to deliver.

It’s not that I’m scared to talk to her about it, it’s just that she always says the same thing.

“Damien, when are you going to stop sleeping around and find a nice young lady to settle down with? I can introduce you to someone if you like. I think you would really like this one. Plus, I want some babies crawling around the house before my time is up!”

Sophie was always a bit dramatic, but I loved her regardless. As the café door opened, a bell rang through the building, alerting the staff to a new customer.

“Would you mind serving these people while I finish up out back, sweetie?” I heard my aunt yell from what I assumed was the kitchen.

She was always back there, either rearranging the shelves or perfecting a new recipe.

“Of course, Sophie, already on it.” That voice was like a melody; it wasn’t harsh, but soft and airy, filling me with a warmth deep in my chest.

As soon as the angelic voice faded, a woman emerged from the storage room, looking as heavenly as she sounded.

She was breathtaking. I’ve seen plenty of women, but none of them compared to the vision before me. She radiated innocence and kindness.

I couldn’t describe the feeling coursing through me; it was like a thousand sparks of electricity were flowing in my veins, and I couldn’t stop it. But in a strange, messed-up way, I knew I didn’t want to.

The slight shift in her left leg told me she was about to approach me.

I shook myself out of my trance, my gaze fixed on the green-eyed beauty as she moved toward me. Her steps were so graceful, it was as if she was floating rather than walking, adding to the captivating aura she exuded.

As she drew closer, I took in her petite stature. She couldn’t have been more than five-four, but her curves were in all the right places.

I hadn’t even exchanged words with her yet, but I was already completely captivated.

The closer she got, the more I noticed a slight wince every time she moved her torso.

I scanned her for any other signs of injury but found none, apart from the faint bruising around her wrist, peeking out from under her apron.

“How may I assist you this morning, sir?”

I realized I’d been caught in her spell again. Shaking my head slightly, I pushed aside thoughts of the enchanting woman in front of me and focused on why I was here.

“I’m here to see Sophie. Could you please fetch her for me?” She nodded quickly and I watched as the brunette sauntered toward the kitchen, disappearing around the back.

A strange sense of loss washed over me, but I shrugged it off.

Not even five seconds later, Sophie came bustling out of the back, looking like a whirlwind of chaos.

“Sophie, you’ve got a little something right here.” I gestured to my face, indicating that she wasn’t looking her best.

“Hush, boy, you’re going to be the death of me with all these floozies you bring home from your club escapades. Seriously, Damien, I don’t want to see a half-dressed woman traipsing down the stairs first thing in the morning while I’m trying to eat my breakfast. It’s sickening.”

I knew she was right, but it’s just who I am. In my line of work, it’s incredibly difficult to find and commit to one woman who will stand by my side while I run my “business.”

It’s not that I don’t want to find a loving woman to proudly show off to the world and shower with all the love and affection I have to give.

It’s just hard to bring someone into this life because once they know, they must sign a contract of silence. Breaking this contract means immediate death for betraying the Mafia and me. How could I ever expect a woman to make that kind of commitment?

“Yes, Sophie, I’ll try to make sure you don’t see them in the mornings, but I can’t promise you’ll never have to see one. Anyway, who was that woman I was talking to earlier?”

Her expression softened into a smile, a stark contrast to the frown she wore while lecturing me.

“That’s Sienna-Rose Watson. She’s been working here for a while now, but she also has another part-time job. She’s a bit shy but very hardworking. Why? See something you like, Damien?”

Indeed, I had, but I knew I needed to learn more about her before I even considered getting involved.

Maybe her injuries had something to do with her shyness and the fact that she works two jobs. This girl was a mystery, and I wanted to be the one to unlock her heart.

I didn’t bother answering my aunt and started to walk away, shouting a quick goodbye before leaving the building.

I got back into my car and started my drive to the gang house, deciding that Cole, my best friend since childhood, would be the best person to get me the information I needed.

I dialed his number and he picked up on the second ring. “Diablo.” Even though he’s my best friend, during work hours he’s expected to call me by my work name.

“Find everything you can on Sienna-Rose Watson, and bring it to my office ASAP.”

I ended the call and focused on getting to work on time to finish my paperwork before heading back to the club tonight to wrap up any unfinished business from last night’s meeting.

As I pulled up to the building where most of my responsibilities lay, my thoughts drifted back to Sienna-Rose. What could she possibly be hiding?

I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor, which was reserved for me and my future other half. I walked to the last door on the right and entered the all-too-familiar office.

“Diablo, we got the information you requested.” I was surprised that Cole had already found the information and was waiting for me; it seemed a bit strange.

“There wasn’t much. We dug up all we could, but her profile seemed to be locked and we couldn’t hack it. She’s either extremely private or she’s involved with some dangerous people.”

I knew he was right, but from our brief encounter, she didn’t seem like the type to be in trouble. But then again, appearances can be deceiving.

“Thanks, Cole.” I opened the file, which contained basic information: Sienna-Rose Watson, nineteen years old, five foot four inches, lives on Dretton Avenue, daughter of Wilson Watson and Alexandra Watson.

He was right; this wasn’t the usual amount of background information our servers would have pulled up. Sienna was an even bigger mystery now, and part of me was even more determined to solve it. I knew I wanted her, but I couldn’t figure out why.

“Cole, gather the guys. We’re going to Club Luminous. I need to wrap up some business and then unwind. Be ready by six.”

He left my office, presumably to inform the boys about tonight. As I sat there in the silence, I couldn’t help but stare at the case file in front of me.

I knew something was missing; no one is this well guarded without a reason, and I’m determined to figure it out.

She’s stunning and she’s perfect for me. I know this feeling isn’t normal, but she’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman; she’s hardworking and reserved. I need to know more about her.

She will be mine.

Eventually.