The Prince of Darkness (Undying #2)

Chapter V

"What do you do for a living?" Leila inquired as she chomp on a waffle she fixed for the house owner. Much to Daimon's chagrin, she had made it a habit to pay him a visit occasionally. He would opt to pretend he's out but she would pick the lock anyway. Pretending to be asleep is risky, on the other hand.

Daimon pretended to hear nothing as he read a physics book. Leila's lips pressed together. "Hey, do you have DVD's? Don't you get bored here?"

"If you are so bored, you could return to Gadarette or go elsewhere but here," he finally responds, his gaze not breaking away from the crisp pages.

"Being all enigmatic won't drive me away, you know. Quite the contrary, you're a mystery I seek to uncover." He made for a clap, closing the book effectively, eyebrows furrowed at the uninvited guest.

"I'm no mystery as I am Pandora's box. Mysteries desire to be found out while I am something you wouldn't wish to learn." He rose to his feet, long legs traversing from the living room to his study where a number of shelves stand, filled with different sorts of books. Leila followed, leaving crumbs all over her path, which Daimon did not fail to notice, annoying him to no end.

He stretched his arms on the archway to the study, blocking Leila's way. "Leave me alone," he demanded seriously.

A mischievous smirk played on Leila's lips as she reach for his bare arm. Shocked, Daimon made way for the girl. He gritted his teeth in frustration. He hates how her playfulness reminds him of a certain princess. He hates how she uses his avoidance for touch to get her way with him when he only has bad memories from it.

"If you won't leave, I will."

"What?" Daimon grabbed a newly bought leather jacket before he leaves his own house. She was so annoying, constantly tailing him like a lost pup. "Wait!"

"Speak of the devil."

"What is your problem?" She spun him, grabbing his wrist.

"I don't like your presence. Haven't you picked that up yet?" he snarled, giving in to emotions, towering over her.

"Oh? So you could come and go at the circus anytime you please but I can't do the same to you?"

"Those are two different matters."

"How is that different, Daimon?" He didn't answer. "Some people don't ask for help but that doesn't mean they don't need it!"

"Well, I don't." His voice had significantly lowered. "I'm not like you people from the circus. I don't expect you to understand."

"Then make me." He was at a loss for words. He knows he is still aggravated but he also knows when to surrender. Someone as strong-willed as Leila, he wonders what she's been through. Is she like him? Driven away by the people she cares about? "Tomorrow. I will personally give you a tour at Gadarette. Consider it a date."