9

Laura

The dress hung on every curve that resides on my body, portraying an illusion of an hourglass shape which was not so defined without the dress on.

The silver dress stopped mid-thigh, just enough to cover my butt with a little ruffle at the end of the dress. It has a tiny strap and a v-neckline that stopped before my cleavage was revealed. I loved everything about the dress, including the diamond stones that designed the neckline.

I managed to apply a little make up which I usually practice on days that I was meant to freelance. I tied my hair up in a high bun, letting a few strands drop on my face and also grace my shoulders. To be honest, I was proud of myself.

A few minutes after I was done, I got a text from Adlan, telling me to come outside.

I checked myself for the last time in the mirror before hurrying out. His car was already parked outside but this time, it was a different car from his usual one.

As I opened the car door, I was taken aback by the driver as it wasn't Adlan. I was about to shut the door when the driver spoke.

"Mr Roderick had some issues to sort out so, I am your driver for today."

While I was still skeptical about getting in, I got a text from Adlan saying 'I would have crossed the oceans to make sure I was the one over there but I had a situation. I would make it up to you, I promise.'

I looked back up at the driver and he flashed me with a smile before I finally got in the car.

I looked too pretty to be affected by this. After all, I was going to see him.

We drove for about forty minutes before we arrived at our destination.

I could swear I wanted to sit back in the car and wait for Adlan. I wanted to get comfortable with the warmth in the car rather than walk into the hall without Adlan but the driver insisted Adlan would want me inside.

I sighed before getting out of the car and walking inside in a slow and careful stride. Almost getting so conscious of everyone as though they were paying so much attention to my imperfections.

Even though I looked good and a few minutes ago, I felt all the confidence the universe could offer, I still could not bring myself to meet up with the stares I was getting.

"Where is Adlan?" I leaned in a bit to ask the driver.

"He would join you shortly."

I frowned as I had not imagined the dinner to go this way, not after all the lovely things he got me.

I grabbed a cup of red wine by the drink table and the driver excused himself leaving just me against the unfamiliar world.

"You're with no date?"

I was startled by a voice behind me but what startled me most was the feel of his hand around my waist.

I moved to the side, away from his arm, eyeing him and he chuckled lightly.

"My bad. Pardon me. Old habits."

I held the glass of wine with both hands and I nodded gently before attempting to walk away but he stopped me.

"It would be so wrong of me to let such a beautiful lady like you pass me by."

He pressed his lips in a thin line that made my whole body crawl. Aside from his pretty eyes, well-combed hair and perfect nose, I see no reason why he should possess such audacity. Maybe the heights could be the reason.

He looked so tall, around 6'2, 6'3 with a perfect figure. He has deep green eyes that could be compared to grass or something similar. He had the perfect facial harmony to proclaim a gorgeous person but his looks weren't that much to put into words.

"What do you want?" it sounds so stupid to ask him that when it was quite obvious what he wanted.

"I want you!" he said it in a way that made my cheeks flushed and I looked over my shoulders as though people around paid any attention to me.

Where the hell is Adlan?!

"I have a date." I said, attempting to leave again but he held me back.

"No man in his right mind would leave a stunning lady like you behind."

"What's your deal?" I was starting to get pissed.

"Just a few drinks with you or maybe more."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, since you have no date..." he moved closer to me and as I took a few steps backwards, I bumped into a lady who glared at me and I apologized. "We could begin an episode of..." he winked and I scoffed before angrily walking off.

I needed to be somewhere quiet, away from this pervert but I could feel him walk behind me so I chose a place not so deserted but not so filled up like it was inside.

"Listen, young man, I do not appreciate your gestures for whatever reason you think you act on. Just leave me be while I wait for my date!" I rushed the words out and he stared at me with a smile.

A thrill of the cold night breeze quickly brushed my face, blowing the loose strands to my face and if I wasn't with an unwelcomed company, I would be enjoying this alone since Adlan had decided to abandon me.

"I mean no harm. Trust me."

"Trust you?"

"It might seem so hard to do but give it some time."

I couldn't help but chuckle and he smiled.

"You see, my company wouldn't be so bad after all. I might have started off on a bad note but that's just old habits I'm trying to work on."

"I really do not need a company."

"You might not be aware of that yet."

"Being headstrong wouldn't help with me!"

"But will this?" he said before he moved closer to me and while he stood before me under the moonlight, his facial structure seemed to be more prominent and I blinked a few times, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

He moved closer to me so that I was only a few inches away from him and the only man I have been that close with or even more was Adlan.

He cupped my face in his palm with my ear in between his middle finger and his ring finger. I flinched under his touch and was going to lean away when he showed me a rose.

In awe, I smiled broadly at his trick and he handed the rose over to me.

"How did you do that?"

"It's also an old habit." he replied with a smile.

"It's so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you are," he said and I smiled. No, I flushed, feeling the effect of his words. I hadn't had a taste of my wine so I had nothing to blame it on.

He took the flower from me and as he tucked it into my hair, he suddenly dropped to the ground.

I gasped.

Before I could blink and take in his words or maybe give in as much as a reply, a punch landed on his face, causing him to stagger backwards before falling to the ground.

I looked over at what had caused such effect, only to find a raging Adlan. I had never seen him in such a temper.

He had just caused a scene and he didn't mind. He pounced on him, landing heavy punches on his face without minding the background yells and screams.

I stood there, speechless and frozen as the repeated punches had busted his face with a stain of blood.

"Who even flirts with a lady at a dinner?!" were his words before he landed another punch on his face and then got dragged away by the security men.

This makes absolutely no sense!