The air between us was heavy with silence. He gazed and scanned me from my face to my shoulder, down my hip to the leg, and back up. Something about that slow gaze made me shiver. What the hell.
I tore away any thoughts that crossed my mind in that split second, burying them and shredding them into pieces so they wouldn't come into existence.
"Yes, Mr. Regis. Is there something specific you have wanted from me?" I asked, crossing my legs and placing my hand on my knee.
"I have been told that you have been spearheading the project for the bullet train."
"Yes, I have."
"How is it?"
"The work? It's not too bad." I said, wondering if this was what he asked me. I have been with this company for almost a month.
"This is an important project. The winter electrical storm will be upon us by the end of the next few months from now, grounding across the world. We are about 98% complete, with the rail line going from the west coast to the east coast in under six hours, while the north and south will be under twelve hours. Flights will be difficult and dangerous after, when the winter electrical storm hits. Getting it ready for this is imperative."
"Yes, sir. I understand." I said. We all knew, since the weather pattern that had changed the world thirty years ago, that the world was not the same anymore. People called it the end of days; I called it beginning announcing change. What for? I never understood. I wasn't even born, so I did not know what normal was like in the past. All of us grew up with the electrical storm that changed everything.
I knew the bullet train project was a thirty year extensive project that the Regis Family had been lording over, making sure the rail line was at its best. The cost was astronomical as they worked hand-in-hand with the government.
Flying into different countries was difficult. The next big thing was the rail line that cut across the ocean, going under and over water, which was dangerous in its own way. That project was also close to finishing, with a year left, opening up safer trades across the world.
"Though, I know that this project has been around for over thirty years. I'm just a cog in a working machine, sir."
"A cog that is still important. Even if it's the last piece. It is a piece that moves the machine forward." I hadn't offended Daimon with what I had just said. "Every pawn becomes a queen in the right circumstances."
"You're comparing me to chess?" I looked at him in disbelief.
"Is there a preference?"
"No," I replied. "I just didn't expect that."
"Good, our company is riding on this. The marketing company is the last that entices people to move," said Daimon, leaning forward. "I would like to give you a new proposition."
"What would that be?"
"I would like you to be my partner for the party."
"I'm sorry?" I was baffled by his proposal. Didn't he just end his relationship with Ariel? "You have Ariel."
"Ariel and I are no more. You know why." His tone conveyed all necessary information. He wasn't pleased.
"I don't understand, you just jumped out of a relationship, me going with you anywhere multiple times would get another gossip in the media. Why not the others? I'm sure that they would be more pleased to see your decorations in your arms if that was what you were looking for."
"No, this is how I will repay you."
I was so lost. What did he mean by repaying me? I did nothing that needed repayment by this man, especially not being in the spotlight. Does he think I like that? "What are you talking about?"
"The night when I got...drugged." Regis spoke reluctantly. "You being next to me will open up opportunities for you, plus for every party you go with me, you will gain monetary compensation."
"Sir, I'm not in dire need of money like that. I just do this job because I enjoy it." I was offended by what he had said. He acted as if he could buy me with a decoration piece.
Daimon took a good, sharp look at me. He seemed to peer into my soul, crawling under my skin to tear away an unwanted part of me. I felt that he knew I was half-lying, but I couldn't quite tell. "There is something interesting about you, Sarah."
His voice was like a low rumble that shot straight to my core. I shivered. Damn, why does his voice sound so good?
"Are you hitting on me, sir?" I shot back. Damn. I shouldn't have said that.
"No. It's just an observation."
"I'm going to decline."
Daimon examined me, "Most women would have jumped on this opportunity."
"I'm not like them."
"Yes, you are not. You are the opposite, feigning indifference as there are many tactics to get where you need to be."
"No, sir. I'm not interested in hopping into your arms. It would be better to find someone who will help you with your image. Your secretaries, maybe."
Daimon frowned. "It seems I have no choice. I expected you to come with me to this party as part of your job contract. You will be talking with a few of the high-end clients for the collaboration with their media."
"I thought Isaiah was doing all this."
"I informed him to move into a different job that I would need him to do."
"But-"
Daimon raised his hand, stopping me. "It's mandatory."
"That's an abuse of power," I hissed.
Daimon smirks. "I have worse ways to make you do things, Sarah. I am not a man who likes to hear no. You can think of this as extra work for advertisement purposes."
This insufferable man. Was he targeting me? A nagging sense of his inquisitiveness has lingered with me since I fled the hotel room. Ever since then, my guard was up, and I made it my mission not to be around him too much. Why? I glared at him, wondering why he wanted me. There was something going on here; I could smell it.
"I have a new amended contract for you to sign; you will be compensated." Daimon motioned with his hand to the contract that was resting on the coffee table. I glared at it as if I wanted to burn it to the ground, then I reached for it.
I read the amended employment contract. It had additional benefits, a large amount of momentary benefits which made me hitch in shock, each detailing every party that we will be attending and the compensation for damage control. There were clauses of being professional that there would be physical contact during the events.
"We will be attending the Love nest community event."
"When?" I flipped the page as I continued to read.
"Tonight."
I snapped my attention to him. I felt that damnable pull of danger: a task. I had a choice: help him or leave him to his fate. Whatever danger, protection, or a battle was coming, it was coming, and it didn't give a fuck who it would hit.
"Sir, my gut is telling me you shouldn't go to this event." I retorted.
"You don't say?" He looked me over, wondering what I was saying.
"Well, just an instinct."
"No, we'll be going today. Your instinct is not enough of a reason not to go."
"Then, it would be best for another. Why don't you ask others?"
"We are going in circles. I want you to be there. Any other reason is none of your concern. It's business; we both lose nothing. You get to keep some flies away from me, and you gain benefits."
I took a moment to let this ruminate in my mind. Wondering why I was so adamant on not going. I had so many reasons I should go together with him to find any information about my parents' murder.
I shook my head. No, I wanted this. His connection, this was the best thing to do. Digging out the secrets of the Regis daily, this was what I was here for. Still, the thought of entangling with Daimon even further made me hesitant. He exuded a palpable danger I could not grasp, nor wished to explore.
"I'll do it." I grabbed the pen, signing away as if this was the best choice of my life.
"Good, I'll have someone deliver a dress. We will leave in an hour."
"Wait, that's soon?" I wasn't ready; heck, it was too fast. I thought it would be later at night, giving me a chance to reset my mind to play his date.
"It's from 5pm to midnight. We would need to be there at the opening."
I squared my shoulders, realizing this was no time to let my emotions get to me. "Is there anything else?" I handed the contract, which he took.
"Nothing as of right now. I'll see you in a couple of hours."
I nodded, getting up.