Dollface

Part 12

Just as I got out of the car, Simon closed the door on his side with a hard slam, the man driving us hadn't heard our conversation the whole time, which I'm thankful for.

Simon walked behind me into the building where the event was taking place, guiding my body with his hands on my waist. To my father, who rarely looked in our direction, this seemed like a protective gesture, but to my eyes, it seemed like a reminder of what had just happened in the car. This was obvious to me as I felt his fingertips dig through my dress, meaning that was exactly what he intended.

He was the most stunning man there, dressed all in black, but he still managed to put every man there in the most expensive suits to shame, every woman had her eyes on Simon as soon as we entered the hall.

I look around the large room I was in, admiring all the luxurious artwork hanging on the walls. Compared to our new home, this seemed more like a museum aesthetic.

I: This place is beautiful.

I commented quietly before noticing his hands still on my waist.

I: You can let go now.
S: I'm aware.
I: Then let me go.

I recommended. He looked around at all the people enjoying themselves and took a breath, shaking his head.

S: I'm protecting you.
I: From what? Conversation?

Finally, his eyes land on me and he stares at me for a while.

S: Don't be a smartass.

I grinned and leaned into him, knowing the more he irritated him, the faster his patience would wear thin. My back was now against his front, a loud snort escaping his mouth.

S: Isabell.

He started to warn me.

I: You're protecting me.
S: Unbelievable.

He mutters to himself.

S: Curiosity killed the cat.
I: Well, I'm not a cat, Simon.

I laughed softly and let my eyes watch the party again.

S: I'm sure you have one now.

He replied stiffly. I frowned, not understanding him at first.

I: I don't have a cat.

I turn and look at him confused.

S: That's not the kind of cat I was talking about.

My eyes widened along with an overwhelming heat consuming my face, the corners of his mouth curving in utterly devious amusement for my clear state of discomfort and embarrassment.

I felt his hands being removed from my waist and he folded his arms over his chest, his eyes wandering over the numerous guests. The look on his face was so emotionless, it made me feel like he had nothing on his mind. Nothing bothered this beautiful man in front of me. Maybe that's what made me curious.

He was beautiful, I stare at him as he stood there trying to pretend not to look at him, even though he really knows I was. Then he turns his head and looks me in the eyes.

S: Would you fucking stop that?
I: Stop what?
S: Staring at me. I hate it. You're staring at me like you want something from me.

He explains frustrated.

I: I want to get to know you.
S: Well, give up, this is just professional, until whatever is going on, I'm just a colleague.
I: You are a very confusing man, you know.

Again he scoffed and chuckled bitterly.

S: No, actually it's very simple. I do what I want and everything becomes extraordinary.
I: Okay, so our relationship is professional, with the exception that I'm not allowed to talk to other men?

I replied, being the little smartass that I am.

S: You like to provoke me just because of your little nosy tricks. You are a very predictable girl.

He said quietly, his eyes boring into mine. I take a step closer to him and start to frown.

I: Oh really?
S: Yes, you are sexually attracted to me. It doesn't take a genius to know you long for me.

My face burned hot, my chest heaving at his words.

I: As you do for me.

He looked behind me before returning his gaze to mine.

S: Unfortunately, yes, but I've said that before, and I don't like repeating myself, so listen carefully. I'm not weak. Try as you may, but you're just a childish girl, one who wants me to sleep with her so badly.

I burst out laughing. My reaction was surprising. I suppose, considering the way his jaw slackened.

I: Oh, so you're not the hungry wolf in that little riding hood story?

I teased, before getting even angrier.

I: You admitted you wanted me.
S: Don't flatter yourself, you just have a pretty face.
I: You think you're pushing me away with your little insults? You don't scare me anymore, Simon. When I'm predictable, you're clear as water.

I lied that he was clear, God, he's frustrating me. He growled a little, now completely pissed off at my words, not a second later I was in a hallway, an empty one, I could only pray that my father didn't seem to see all this.

S: I'm not scaring you, huh? Is that what you're saying?

His hands angrily grabbed my wrists and slammed them against the wall behind me above my head.

I: No, you're an emotionless asshole who has a horrible past that contributes to his little mysterious act.

I spat, starting to feel a little fear at the consequences I might face.

I: Now I want to know why you're so fixated on this number, that you have emotions, not a person on the planet feels nothing.
S: Oh, I feel fine.
I: Stop that. Stop acting like all you can do is bark at me like a damn dog!
S: Listen, little miss smartass!!

He screamed in my face, making my breath catch in my throat.

S: I have no past. I've always been like this. You're testing my patience! And I don't like it. So stop this shit Isabell, you're wasting your time. I'm not a scared, scarred guy, I'm not the guy you read about in your little romance novels, I kill people for a living, there's nothing nice about me.
I: And that's why.

I whispered to him without hesitation.

I: Because you're not like the next guy. I'm not asking you to betray my father and have a romantic relationship with me, Simon, that's the last thing I'm ever asking you to do. I just want to know... I just want to know what Simon Riley is hiding.

He stared at me for the longest time.

S: It's going to kill you... your need to understand me, you shouldn't want anything to do with me. I'm just Simon. No subtitles. No description.

I looked him in the eyes, still not believing a word he said, even though he sounded very confident through his voice.

I: I want-
S: No. From now on, we stop this shit before it even happens. I'm sorry. I should have never admitted those things I said on the plane, not even...

He said quietly, staring at my lips.

S: ...even if you're so tempting to have it.
I: Then what do you want?
S: I want you to stop asking me questions about myself, I'm not important to you. Ignore me, only call me when you need my help, I don't care about talking to you, okay? Asking you not to talk to other men when it's clearly beyond my job instructions is ridiculous, don't ask me to kiss you, don't seduce me.

My disappointment was certainly surprising, for reasons unknown to me.

I: So... we're back to simple silence.
S: It was never supposed to be any more than that.