The Promise

37) Aurora

Today is my first meeting as a presenter and this is because I am hosting an event I don't know when.

I'm already halfway through the next goal's points, and already getting better this month.

I asses myself in the mirror tucking the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. I was in the mood for wearing a dress today; it's a hot pink one that reaches my knees with matching hot pink heels because I'm just a girl.

I've been preparing for weeks for this meeting so, I'm somehow confident aside from the normal nervousness that comes with every 'first time' as he says.

Speaking of him, I didn't get to encounter him on the weekend at all; or let me say I've been locking myself in the apartment inside my room aside from my shift at the bookstore; 'studying and preparing for my presentation' right?

"Are you ready, Ro?" Elio asks as I enter Dionne's office; I've been tutoring him for the past two days at the bookstore during my shift when there are no customers or no rearrangement for the books.

I nod and smile, "I think, yeah" he squeezes my shoulder, "You'll be fine I'm sure of that," he says and I nod again awkwardly.

"Ro! Elio! Let's go the meeting will start in five" Dionne interrupts saving me, I tell them "You guys go, I need a moment here" She nods and they both leave me to recollect myself.

I take a deep breath when my phone pings with a notification, I decide to ignore it and head for the meeting, but what if it's important? I pull out my phone to check and I widen my eyes at the message sent.

Unknown number: good luck today, dove.

I smile, a tiny simple message can't calm me down, but this message coming from him can do.

I itch to reply back,

Me: How did you get my phone number?

Unknown number: Told you I can get it without asking for it, dove.

I tuck it in my purse releasing a frustrated sigh then head for the meeting room.

I enter the meeting room to find everyone in place, my eyes find his sitting at the beginning of the table; in an all-black suit and shirt. His attire gives me déjà vu for that night. He gives me a small smile and nods encouragingly.

I smile to the room, I mean there are no new people here that I'm seeing for the first time, but I'm somehow not used to the owners of the other companies being there.

Everyone starts to take their seat as I rearrange my papers as I fidget with my rings when I see him approaching at the corner of my eye. He leans in before I look up keeping his distance, thankfully "You'll be the best" he murmurs then stands at the other side of the room.

I look at him questioningly, won't he be sitting? He leans against the door and raises a brow nodding at the screen behind me with a small smile. He'll be standing at the door; to be next to me and not sit in front of me at the table like the others.

I take one more breath and start.

"So, are there any questions concerning the campaign or the details of the project?" I ask wrapping up.

They either shake their heads or give me smiles that tell me I did great and yes! I think I nailed it. the whole room was engaged and they were interacting also, asking questions which I answered all. Some owners nodded their heads in awe and some smiled so big; I felt good, but there was only one person who feel like looking for his approval, today.

"Thank you for listening and being engaged today." I end the presentation as some start talking and some stand up.

I finally let my eyes look his way, I didn't look at him at all, but his presence next to me was a great help. I find him looking at me with awe tilting his head to the side then his lips stretch into a smile that wrinkles the sides of his eyes. That's when I knew I really did well.

People start to approach me, my friends hug and congratulate me and some CEOs compliment my presentation and one of them talked with me about shooting for her modelling agency.

"Sweetie! You totally slay today1 I'm so fucking proud" Dionne cheers as she hugs me tightly. "Thank you, Didi. You helped a lot!"

"No way, it's all you" I smile as I chat with them for a while about the event when I search the room with my eyes and I don't find him.

I excuse myself and exit the room, heading for his office. I knock and enter to find him standing at his desk, he already took of his jacket. He smiles, "I haven't seen something more beautiful, - he stops midsentence as I wrap my arms around his shoulders in a crushing hug. He wraps his arms around me soothing my back in circular motions as I take in his scent.

"I'm proud of you, dove," he says softly, I pull away smiling, "Thank you, really" We search each other's eyes, and I step back awkwardly.

"So, points of strength and weakness?" I ask.

He leans against his desk, "I guess the only weakness is that the presentation came to an end."

I smile, "I got an offer; from a modeling agency".

"Ah, Elena," he says nodding his head, "Is that acceptable?" I ask confused.

"It is of course, if you want",

"You won't forbid me?"

"No, why would I?"

I take a step towards him, "Because of your obsession; of blocking anything that comes for me", he raises a brow, "Dove, yes I am obsessed with you, I admitted it, but not blocking anything that comes your way."

"Then why reject my tutoring for Elio?"

His face hardens and I see his jaw clench, "because you already have enough stuff to do and this guy's intentions aren't good."

I cross my arms, "And from where do you know his intentions?"

"Dove, I'm a man and I know how men think"

I take another step, "So, you tell me you think the same?"

His jaw ticks, "The same about what?"

Another step, "As Elio; with bad intentions"

"Don't put me in the same sentence as him, dove"

Another step, and now I'm standing between his legs, "Why though, aren't you a man? and Elio is too?"

"I suggest your beautiful mouth stop saying his name, dove"

I reach for the collar of his shirt; gripping it, "Answer me, Omer"

His eyes search mine and my face goes up to my eyes again, "I do".

"You do what exactly?"

"I do think the same."

I tug on the fabric in my hands urging him closer, "Then this is unfair, give the man a shot, Mr. Omer" I say innocently; teasing him.

He closes his eyes taking a breath, "Dove, don't get me to lose my cool".

I breathe out a laugh, "Please! You never lose it and I told you before you're not my father or brother or someone."

"I do when it comes to you and yes, I'm not one of those."

"Then, let the guy try; maybe he'll earn his shot" This makes him snap.

His hands suddenly grip my hips; he squeezes on my flesh, "No man gets to have a shot with you, dove. You hear me?" he rasps.

"Why not? I mean I'm single." His grip tightens, I'm sure his fingers are leaving a mark now, "You can be single all you want, but you're mine" he tugs on my waist "All mine".

I take a step back, but he tightens his grip on my hips "No, dove. You don't get to tease me and get away with it."

"What do you want, Omer?" "You."

"You won't."

He straightens standing with his full height making me look so small, "I will have you, dove. That's a promise"