Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 1

H E R A

I glanced at my watch as I entered the restaurant where Damon awaited me. He invited me to dinner and I accepted the invitation because I wanted to discuss a news case with him. The restaurant had private dining rooms, and Damon was in one of them. This is one of his favourite restaurants, Mon Cherie — a French restaurant.

I straightened my black blouse and pencil skirt before going in. I also tucked in the loose strands of hair that escaped my low ponytail. Damon in his dazzling and gorgeous self sat in there. He has dressed casually in his navy blue long sleeves and charcoal grey slacks. Even his usually styled hair is a bit dishevelled tonight. He stood up and kissed my cheek so I caught a whiff of his musky scent. We don't do this at work of course. We are formal in the law firm but we interact casually outside. He has been my boss for years and I have been happy working with him.

After ordering, I put out my tablet where I saved my article when he stopped me as if he knew I'd use it again as a shield. "Hera..."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I looked at his eyes and I knew exactly what this dinner was about. Shit. Damon has invited me numerous times out for dinner just like this and so far, I successfully bring anything up to avoid discussing his feelings for me. I am not blind. I am not oblivious. I was not born yesterday either. People regarded me as a smart woman but cold and unfeeling too. But Damon is a close friend and my boss which made it difficult for me to turn him down as I usually do with other men.

My eyes dropped to the hand that he clasped. His hand was calloused but warm and comforting. Whenever I think of Damon, warmth and comfort come into mind. That's also why it wasn't difficult for him to earn my trust. Clients love working with him because he is empathetic and thoughtful. He looked after them closely and made sure everything was going well.

My eyes went up to his but I just...can't feel anything. There's just no spark. I never had a boyfriend but I know you should feel something like that right? That feeling of having butterflies in their stomach? Maybe the butterflies are there but they're dead. Or maybe I have cicadas instead of butterflies that emerge every seventeen years or so and they have missed their cue so they'll come back in another seventeen years?

"Hera, I know we have known each other for years. I also know that you might be worrying about our working relationship if we decide to...date."

I felt my cheeks heat up — which doesn't happen usually by the way. I felt embarrassed because I never thought someone like Damon would take an interest in me. Pakiramdam ko, ito iyung taong bagay sa mga babaeng kayang manamit ng maganda at mag-alaga. Or, he's better off with women as beautiful as models or celebrities.

"I like you, Hera. You are a beautiful and smart woman. We work well together, like partners. I am attracted to you from the first time I laid my eyes on you." He continued as he looked at me with those heart eyes.

Two years after I passed the bar, the firm I got in crumbled down after losing a high-profile case. I met Damon in one of the courtroom hearings we both attended. He gave me an offer then and we've been working together since. I was with him when he was building up his firm and now that his firm is handling bigger and high-profile lawsuits. Another reason I am avoiding this complication is because it might affect my relationship with his nephew-slash-son, Jeremiah. I love the kid. I instantly become human again whenever he visits the law firm. I say that because the people around me are scared of me. Parang kakain daw ako ng tao minsan. They go as far as believing I can pin someone down with a stare and extract their soul while I at it. If you're a weakshit, that is.

I exhaled slowly to gather my thoughts. "Damon, I am flattered that you think of me like that." I gave him a tight smile. "I...just don't see you like that. You are my boss, yes. But that's not the primary reason. You are right when you say that we work well together. Kaya ayoko sanang mawala iyon. I want us to be partners at work. To be friends who have each others' backs. I don't have much friends, Damon. I don't want to lose the few that I have."