16. Close Call, Dangerous Business

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The rain only seemed to get heavier as we approached the estate, which was only a shimmering blur in the distance. The sky wasn't visible through the thick sheets of rainfall, but the frequent flickers of light indicated that the storm hadn't even started yet.

Meliodas parked under a nearby port, which barely shielded us from the rain, and killed the ignition. I peeled myself from his back and pulled the hem of my dress to stop it from clinging to my body.

I ripped the helmet off and stuffed it back inside the trunk before I offered Meliodas a long look. I could feel the wet hair stuck to my face, and my makeup would have been running.

Meliodas looked defeated as he returned my gaze.

"Hopefully this goes well, but I'm sorry," he apologized, propping his helmet on the seat of the bike. I slowly nodded my head and looked toward the estate, noticing the front light was glittering beyond the rain. I sighed.

"Yeah, hopefully."

We braced ourselves under the carport before we made a run for it. Despite the fear and anxiety that was settled in my stomach, a loud shriek of laughter escaped my lips as Meliodas's shoes splashed me with water from the puddles. I could barely see his wide smile as he began running faster, leaving me to hobble close behind in my soaked flats.

These were definitely not running shoes.

Finally, we reached the front door, and Meliodas chuckled as I hunched over and took large gasps of air. A smile was prominent on my face as I peered up at him and watched his shoulders shake.

Our mood dropped slightly when the door creaked open and behind it stood one of my father's associates.

I believe his name was Dreyfus.

My gaze flowed from his brown hair which was neatly combed, down his arched eyebrows, and finally to his purple eyes.

My heart raced at the memory of the purple eyes I saw all those nights ago. I squinted up at him and rubbed the water from my eyes, my brows furrowing.

No, these were different purple eyes. They didn't sport the same evil glint as the man who attacked me.

I let out a breath of relief.

"Excuse me," his words came out smoothly but impatiently, and he didn't wait before he pushed through us. I scowled at him and watched him walk into the rain without hesitation.

"Weirdo," I muttered, turning around to face Meliodas. His smile was completely gone as he watched the man leave.

"Good Evening, Miss Liones and Meliodas. I believe Sir Liones is expecting you," a familiar voice greeted, and I cast my gaze to Vivian - one of the maids. Her orange hair was pinned back at the fringe and she smiled gently at us.

"Yes, thank you, could we please have some towels," Meliodas asked, his polite demeanor drifting slightly as he indicated at our soaked bodies. Vivian nodded and grabbed the towels from one of the butlers who joined her side.

We each took one and wrapped them around us before we hurried inside and separated with worried expressions.

Without a second thought, I ran to my bathroom and stripped from my sticky dress, and turned on the water. A shiver fell down my spine as I stood there naked in the mirror, quickly removing my makeup.

I looked atrocious. My hair was frizzy and pointed in all different directions. My makeup was smeared down and around my eyes, which were still lit up from the fun I had with Meliodas. Even if it did end badly, it was still one of the best days I'd ever had.

I stepped into the shower and allowed the hot water to roll down my body.

Meliodas's POV:

I hurriedly changed into a black long-sleeved shirt and some fleece track pants before combing through my hair and applying some more cologne. If I had more time, I would have showered and found another suit, but I knew Bartra wasn't one for waiting.

After making myself as presentable as possible, I left my room in a haste and descended the stairs to his office, where an orange light illuminated from under the door.

Despite being before 6 pm, it was black outside now from the storm and heavy rain dulled the outside world. I knocked on the doors and entered in a professional matter.

"Ah, Meliodas," I heard him say in a gruff tone, and when I turned around to see him after shutting the door, I tried to wear my business expression. He was seated behind his desk with his shoes propped on the dark wood while a handheld a glass cup, swirling the almost black substance.

Great, he was drinking.

"I have noticed you have taken an interest in my dear Y/N, is that true?" His drooping eyes glared at me over the rim of his cup as he sipped at it. I straightened my back.

This was an interrogation.

"I don't know what you're talking about, sir, I have simply followed your orders of making her acquaintance in order to make my job easier," I said as I took a seat in front of him.

"Are you saying my eyes have deceived me?" He questioned, an eyebrow raised.

I had a feeling his little servants had been talking. Typical.

"No sir, I am saying that the interest I have taken in Miss Liones has been purely professional and in your best interest, I had to build some kind of bond in order for her to listen to me," I lied.

Of course, I was interested in her. The more I got to know her, the more I wanted to be with her. Touch her. It was risky, but it was simply out of my control.

I wanted her.

Bartra watched me for several moments before he sighed and removed his feet from his desk. He groaned as he sat forward and pressed his forearms flat against the table. I didn't falter. I was not intimidated by this man. I would have his daughter, even if it meant losing my job. In all honesty, this would probably be easier if I wasn't working for him.

"And is it working? Is she listening to you?"

"Yes, she hasn't resisted my company when we leave the house and I now know her hangout areas and friends. None seem to be a threat to her. I believe what happened with the attack was a one-off thing." I quickly added, "but I think we should still keep her safe until we find the attacker, they may strike again."

Bartra nodded and leaned back, clearly tired from his day. That made me think of Dreyfus's visit.

"I saw Dreyfus visited," I stated as I leaned forward and poured myself a drink of rum into a crystal glass. I was thankful he didn't notice the subject change. I knew he would be keeping a closer eye on me now, but at least I can still see her.

"Yes, that piece of shit came here to try and force me to sell the casino. Apparently, there had been a series of bids placed, but I have no interest in selling. This casino is worth more than their bids and makes more than they're offering in six months. Dreyfus wants us out of the game, but we are only just getting started," he smirked and titled his glass at me, indicating a toast. I raised my glass and downed the warm liquor.

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