chapter 2

Brandon turns to look at me, anger flashing in his eyes. He clenches his jaw and forces a smile.

"Dani, is it true?" He asks. "My boss is your boyfriend?"

"Yes." I smile. "Your boss is my boyfriend."

The night has actually turned out better than I thought. Thanks to Damien. I slowly look up at him, a little smirk on his face. His grip on my hand tightens. I never knew revenge could taste this good. The Rage and Resentment in Brandon's eyes fills me up with evil excitement.

"For how long has this been going on?" He asks through gritted teeth.

"I think you should mind the business that pays you, Brandon." Damien says. "Which is my business."

He swallows hard and nods reluctantly.

"Noted, sir."

Brandon turns around and takes the black heels on the floor. The heels that I threw at him and hurt his lip. He raises them, smiling at me.

"I'll give them to Wendy." Brandon says. "Have a nice life, Dani."

"She sure will." Damien smiles, pecking my hand. Brandon storms away, carrying the heels. Taking them to Wendy. The thought of it stings.

My teeth are chattering as I watch Brandon disappear into the building. Damien turns to me and hangs his black coat around my shoulders casually.

"He's a dìck." Damien says.

"Sorry I kissed you."

"Don't apologise for that." He says. "It was the best part of the night for me."

That's obviously a lie. He's saying that to make me feel better.

This was the worst night of my life. I just broke up with my boyfriend and I don't think it feels as good as I thought it would. It doesn't glue back the pieces of my heart.

"Are you okay?" Damien asks softly. "Sorry I heard everything that dickhead just said to you."

My throat is blocked. I can't utter a single word. Every single word that Brandon said a few minutes ago still echoes in my head. That I'm boring and lifeless and useless. That Wendy is a better woman than me. A lump is stuck in my throat. Tears well up in my eyes.

Feeling overwhelmed, I crush into Damien's chest and break down in his arms. He doesn't wrap his arms around me. He just stands there like a stiff cold rock. I pull back from his arms feeling embarrassed. The tension is heavy and the silence is awkward.

"I'm sorry..." I mutter, wiping away the tears. "Sorry I'm a mess."

"I should take you home."

That statement makes me freeze. It hits me that I don't have a home anymore. Brandon bought the apartment that we've been living in for the past two years. It belongs to him. Not me. A float of fear creeps up on me when I realise that I don't have anywhere else to go or anyone to turn to. I'm all alone.

I only have this sweet stranger standing infront of me. I feel pathetic for what I'm about to ask of him.

"Can I crash your place tonight?" I ask. "I... I lived with my boyfriend and he clearly never wants to see me again."

Damien studies me for a moment, a blank look on his face. I wonder what's going through his mind. He must think I'm pathetic. And desperate. And needy. All I've done for the few seconds that I've known him is being a big burden. And he's tired of me. I'm pretty sure he never wants to see my face ever again after this crazy night.

He sighs and quirks an eyebrow.

"Don't you have friends?"

"I have one friend." I sigh. "She's away."

"And your parents?"

"Long story."

"Any siblings? Cousins? Relatives?"

"Forget it." I sigh. "I'll figure it out."

"How?"

"Don't worry about me." I fake a smile. "I'm a big girl. I'll be fine. Thanks for everything, Damien. It was lovely to meet you."

I start walking away when he grabs my hand and stops me.

"Where do you think you're going, Dani?" He asks. "You look like a mess. And you're drunk. And barefoot."

"Because that piece of shìt took my heels!" I laugh. "And he's going to give them to Wendy! He's going to give everything to Wendy! Can you imagine! And now they are going to live together! In the apartment that I decorated! On the couch that I bought! Wendy gets everything! And I'm left with nothing! I have nothing! I'm fùcking homeless!"

I'm laughing so hard that tears burst out of my eyes. Tears of bitterness and pain and resentment. Damien rubs the tears from my eyes, looking down at me with his warm eyes. His hand feels big and rough on my skin.

"This is probably the worst time to ask you this but do you still want to play that childish game?" He scratches his head. "What do you kids call it again?"

"Truth or Dare." I roll my eyes, chuckling.

"Yeah, that one." He laughs. "I think it was my turn before your little boyfriend spoiled the fun. So... Dani, Truth or Dare?"

"Truth."

"What's your favourite food?"

"Chicken." My mouth waters at the mere thought. "Spicy chicken."

"Good." He says. "Because I'm taking you home with me and I like to dine with my guests. Plus, you look like you're starving."

"Is it that obvious?" I giggle. "Truth or Dare, Damien."

"Dare."

"I Dare you to sweep me off my feet and carry me to your car."

"Sweep you off your feet?" He chuckles. "Is this some Cinderella story?"

"Yeah." I frown. "Except Cinderella had one shoe. And the Prince was actually charming. I can't say the same about you."

"Ouch." Damien sweeps me off my feet. "No chicken for you tonight. And you are definitely going to sleep in the basement."

"In the basement?" I gasp in his arms. "Are you some serial killer? Should I scream for help? Should I call the cops?"

A laugh bursts out of his throat. A laugh that echoes in the air as he carries me to the car. A lovely laugh that shows off his lovely teeth.

When we get to the parking lot, Damien stops infront of a big black jeep. It looks new and shiny and expensive. He holds the door for me and I sit next to him.

Damien starts the engine. His hands on the steering wheel. Veins protruding through his arms. He turns to look at me with a small smile.

"What's with the creepy stare?" He smirks. "Planning how you're going to kill me in my own basement?"

"Maybe..." I giggle before turning to look outside the window, the wind sweeping through my hair.

This is definitely not how I expected the night to end.

Yes, I was planning to kiss Brandon's boss as revenge. But I didn't know I would end up in Damien's car. Wearing his coat. Eat chicken with him. Spend the night at his house.

He's a sweet stranger.

**