Chapter four

If Damien Kesley could make a wish, he would wish that the clock spin backwards to when he met her. A shiver rolled through him, rattling the spikes along his spine as he pictured her face. She is a natural beauty, with her shiny jet black hair and killer figure, her softly upturned nose and stunning hazel eyes. But it’s not just her looks. She has a sharp wit too, beauty and brain.

Damien shook his head in disbelief as he sat by a tree just by the same spot he had met her yesterday. If he had ever been told that he would be this anxious just to meet a woman again, he would have doubted it.

Under normal circumstances, this shouldn't bother him, he was the one who usually had such effect on people and not the other way round. This time though it was different, she was different.

Tall, dark and handsome, Damien Kesley was the type of man that got ladies drooling. He has never put effort into getting or wooing a woman. They all came to him themselves. But she was different. The beautiful lady he met yesterday, who has done nothing but ruled his thoughts and invaded his dreams, didn't even give him her name. She was nothing like the ladies he was used to.

Since he moved out of his parents house six years ago and relocated to the city, Damien was not too familiar with people living in his hometown. He didn't know anyone. All his childhood friends have all left too just like he did. This was the first time he was visiting since he moved out. He never expected to meet a woman that would get his attention, and make him dream of her in ways he shouldn't be.

Wind blew in his direction, kicking up dust and the smell of damp earth. As Damien used his hands to close his face against the dust, he caught glimpse of the time on his wristwatch. Time has flown by, but there was still no sign of her. He thought still sitting at the same spot since he left his parents house in the morning. He didn't know why he hoped she'll pass the same way just like yesterday when had met her, but there was no other way he could find her. He knew nothing about her, not even her name. The only thing he knew was that she was the most beautiful woman he has ever met and he'll love to meet her again.

Colonel Frederick Smyth sat in his big plash office, his fingers steepled as he spoke to of his two officers. He has tolerated enough insults from Samara. He has been nice, romantic, and has done everything out of his way to please her, but yet she refuses his proposal.

It was definitely time he did things his own way. He always got what he wanted and having Samara as his wife won't be any different. It's time she knew who she was dealing with.

"Go and arrest her brother". He ordered them. The officers saluted and left immediately.

"Rafael!" Samara's mother screamed as some soldiers who had barged into their house dragged him out.

"What has he done wrong? Where are you taking him?" Debrah asked nervously and she joined her mother in pleading with the soldiers.

The soldiers ignored their questions as they dragged a scared Rafael along and pushed him into the truck they had arrived with.

"Don't take my son... please". His mother choked on her words as she cried watching her son being drove away in their truck.

Debrah quickly holds her mother together. "Once Papa is back, he will get Rafael out". She said trying to console her mother.

"Where is Samara?" Her mother suddenly asked.

"She went to the market with Callista. They should be back anytime soon". Debrah answered, pulling her mother back into their house.

Behind them the door of their house opened again, and Samara and Callista walked in. Immediately, they were both stiffened by their mother's appearance.

"What happened?" Samara asked anxiously as Callista rushed toward their mother.

"Rafael was taken". Debrah answered quietly.

"Taken where? By whom?" Samara asked perplexed.

"The Colonel's men where here Samara". Her mother spoke up, "You need to go and meet him and get your brother out".

"Why did he take Rafael?" Samara continued, confused.

"It's because of you". Her mother answered coldly."It's all your fault". She added, tears welled in her eyes.

Samara's eyes grew wide as saucers as she stared at her mother with shock..

Samara slipped through the gates of the barracks and walked her way to the Colonel's office. Some of the soldiers saw her, but none tried to stop her. He was expecting her, she thought within herself. That man was getting on her last nerve. Couldn't he just leave her and her family alone? She was sure going to give him a piece of her mind. He has gone too far this time.

Frederick Smyth straightened in his office as soon as he saw her from his window, marching angrily towards his office. Despite the frown on her face, she was still beautiful. Samara Noel was one of those people for whom beauty was effortless, a privilege not a chore. How could he not fall helplessly in love with such a beautiful creature? He desperately wants her. And desperate needs calls for desperate measures.

”To what do I owe this pleasure?" He said the minute she walked into his office without knocking.

"Where is my brother?" She asked angrily.

"Not even a greeting, Samara?" He asked feigning disappointment.

"Why did your men take my brother?" She demanded, ignoring what he had said.

Frederick smiled at her viciously. "He committed a crime, and must pay the consequences". He told her simply.

"What crime? My brother didn't do anything". She argued, her eyes shooting him daggers

"But he himself admitted to this crime". He replied with a causal coolness to his voice that seemed to rile Samara up.

"What crime exactly?" She asked, trying so hard to control the anger she felt inside of her. She was this close to lashing out at him.

"He assaulted an officer". He told her bluntly.

"Wait what? Samara shakes her head. "That was me".

"That's not what he said". Frederick sends her a devilish smirk, "and believe me when I say he is going to have an excruciating experience in prison". He added coldly, his voice threatening.

She got silent, and gawked at him. "You said you'll let it slide". She finally spoke, her voice quiet and coated with defeat.

He took a few steps towards her, "I also said you'll be my wife" He shrugged, the smirk returning on his face.

Tears burned at the back of Samara's eyes, and she blinked hard to control them. She shuddered, feeling chills down her spine. She thought she could have handled this whole situation differently with the Colonel but she was stunned by his deliberate cruelty. Her mouth parted yet no word left her lips. She gulped.

"Just say Yes to my proposal". Frederick said to her , "and your brother will be released".

Samara's breathing became labored as tears finally rolled down her eyes. She felt utterly defeated.