CHAPTER 106: TRUE COLORS

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously as I wondered what Daniel could possibly want from me because I honestly did not have much to offer.

"I was hoping to discuss this with you when our relationship has progressed further, but I guess we might as well talk about it. You see, I’ve been interested in Bennett’s and Raphael’s business for a while, and I thought that it would be great if you could put in a word for me," Daniel said before showing me a hopeful smile.

"Business? If that is the case, why don’t you just talk directly with Raphael?" I asked, without hiding my confusion.

"It’s not like I haven’t tried, but Raphael didn’t seem to like the idea of collaborating with me. Then Bennett reached out to me about setting up a date with you..." Daniel explained before trailing off with a look that sought my understanding.

"So you thought it was a convenient opportunity to help you pursue your business goals?" I asked the first thing that came to mind. I guess that would explain why he was overly nice to me. I should have known that it was all because Daniel thought he was doing Bennett a favor to get on Bennett’s good side.

"Yes, admittedly that is part of it, but I was not lying when I said that I have truly fallen for you," Daniel replied quite convincingly.

"Actually, it doesn’t matter. I don’t think I’m in the position to help you with anything. If this is all that you want to talk about, I suggest that we head back," I quickly replied before trying once again to head towards the door.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Daniel asked, and this time, his tone was cold.

All my instincts told me to run for it, but it was already too late because Daniel had already grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him once again. I could feel my body shivering as fear took over when I realized the unveiled lust and threat shining in his eyes as he glared down at me as if I was his prey.

"You better not do anything that you will regret," I warned him, although I couldn’t stop my voice from shaking.

"It’s not uncommon for us to enjoy a little passionate tryst when we’re supposed to be on a date, right?" Daniel asked suggestively.

"Stop this nonsense right now. Are you out of your mind?" I cried out as I tried to push him away from me.

My words did nothing to deter Daniel as he leaned in closer. My body recoiled in disgust just at the thought that he would kiss me. My hand moved before I could stop myself, and I ended up slapping him across the face. The slapping sound that rang throughout the room felt explosively loud in the silence that hung between us. I did not waste any more time before sprinting towards the door as fast as I could.

"Abigail!" Daniel called my name, and I knew that I was running out of time. I prayed that I would make it out of there safely as I finally gripped the door handle in my hands.

However, when I turned the handle, the door wouldn’t budge. That was when I realized that the door must have been locked from the outside and that there was no way out.

“Help! Please open the door!” I yelled at the top of my lungs as I began beating my fists against the door, hoping that someone would hear me from the other side and offer help.

“It’s no use. I suggest that you agree to help me with my business proposal and talk to Bennett and Raphael for me. Also, we should enjoy our time together here,” Daniel said from close behind me.

I felt raw fear enslave me completely as my mind struggled to figure out how I was supposed to get away from Daniel. Before I could let out another scream, Daniel turned my body around to face him. I felt the hardness of the door against my back as he trapped me between his large frame and the door behind me.

"You better not do anything that you will regret. Bennett isn’t going to like this," I warned him sternly with the only reasoning that I could come up with. I wondered if it would change anything if I offered to help him out now with the business deal he had in mind. I truly doubted that my words would sway either Bennett or Raphael into making a business deal with Daniel, but it seemed like the only way out for me at that moment.

“Listen,” I began to say, but Daniel’s hand on my chest had my words stuck in my throat. My eyes widened in shock as my entire body seemed to recoil in disgust from his unwelcomed touch.

"Stop right now. What do you think you’re doing?" I asked as I tried to swat his hand away.

Daniel stared at me with clear lust swimming in the depths of his eyes as his body moved closer to mine. I wished that I could get away, but there was, unfortunately, nowhere for me to run.

"You’re going to regret it if you do anything to me. I’ll tell Bennett and Raphael about what you’ve done, and then you can kiss your business deal goodbye for good," I threatened him, but I could not stop my voice from shaking slightly.

“Why do you sound as if I’m about to hurt you? All I’m trying to do is make you feel good. Don’t forget that you’re supposed to be my date,” Daniel replied calmly as if my words had no impact on him at all.

“Please don’t do this. You’re going to regret this,” I said through gritted teeth.

I wasn’t sure if it was my warning or something else that made Daniel hesitate for a moment and distance his face slightly from mine. When our eyes met, I could see an array of emotions swimming in the depths of his eyes; however, I had a real problem understanding them.

–To be continued...