EXCEPTION

Chapter 15. Rebel heart

"Of course. You don't need to worry about that," I finally answered after a minute of silence until the server arrived and placed our order. My mind was still in deep thought and confusion over what had just been said to me.

Why did he say those words? Why he needed to remind me of that?

Before my mind could go down even more rabbit hole, I reached out the glass with red tea and took a sip to quell the sudden wave of questions threatening to spill out of my mouth. The warmth of it consoled me a bit.

He gave me a short smile in response and didn't say a word. As he organized his plate, I couldn't help but stare at him for a couple more seconds before snapping out of it and eating my food.

Our casual conversation continued over dinner as he listened to every word from my mouth. I'm actually more cautious now with him, acting cool as if no thoughts are running through my head. My heart felt something bizarre— a kind of heavy emotion. But I have to conceal it.

Perhaps it's my fault for thinking his actions toward me were romantic. After all, I've never been close like this to anyone before. Perhaps I'm too overwhelmed because someone saved me from danger without thinking twice and without even worrying about the consequences. I must keep reminding myself that he only wants to protect me. Nothing more.

*****

Forty-five minutes passed by, and we were still here, having a chill conversation about random things. How he listened and how much attention he gave made me feel relaxed. He's the kind of man who holds an intimidating and powerful aura at first sight but is so calm. However, he barely tells a story about his life, not even mentioning his family or friends.

"So, yeah. That's all I can tell you." I gave him a half smile, but his reaction didn't change.

"Why?" The corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "Is there any limit on how much you can tell me?"

"No. It's just... you haven't said anything about yourself. Well, except for your job and goals, which pretty much summed up everything I already know about you," I confessed sheepishly. A part of me hoped the conversation would stop there as soon as I finished speaking, but unfortunately, my mouth wouldn't listen to reason. "I mean, I don't want to be nosy, but you're not really the person I'd usually expect to talk to. I should have come back to my hell life, but... look, I'm here. I'm entertaining you without being forced to do so."

"So what are you trying to say?" He asked, watching me closely. A small smile crept up his lips again.

"That I want to know more about you."

He glanced at me for a moment and didn't respond. Instead, he called out one of the servers. They spoke in an Italian language. I didn't understand a single word of it, but Courtney's way of speaking sounded very refined.

I stayed in my seat, surveying every corner while Courtney talked to the server. I still couldn't move on from the beautiful sight I was seeing. I wish I could go back to this place.

"Well."

I heard him speak, compelling me to focus on him. The server was already gone, and I didn't even notice a bottle of champagne on our table.

"The only reason why I don't want to get too personal is because of the risks. If I tell you everything about myself, you might run away. And, well, you might end up loathing me. So we don't have a choice other than getting into a professional relationship," He whispered seriously, looking deadly serious. He then grabbed the bottle and refilled our glasses. "Here, take it."

"But you accepted me. You let me in your life. Is it not enough to... you know. To get to know you. You can tell me your history, something about your family, friends, or hobbies." I grabbed mine and took a sip. It tasted nice, although it seemed a bit strong. It made my throat burn a bit.