Doubt

Chapter 8 - Let's Talk

Author's note:

So I figured I'd tell you a little about myself here but I'm really not sure what to say. I'm 18, I was emancipated at 17 (divorced my parents). I currently live with my boyfriend and I start college in a month. I work 2 jobs and actively go to the gym. My life is what I make it and I'm really happy with how it's going. I started writing around the age of 9 and fell in love with it. I had stopped for a while as I was head underwater in depression and was in a toxic relationship for too long. I got back into it and realized I shouldn't have given up something I love so much. I really hope you like my story and if not, talk to me! I'm pretty active on here and would love feedback! Progress only comes when you learn to accept what is. Enjoy! Xoxo

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"Follow me." Damien whispers in my ear as everyone is getting up. I walk behind him, ignoring the stares of the people in the room. We walk through his house and up a set of stairs. We walk down a long hallway and enter an office like room. I look in awe around the room with a bookcase for walls and black leather seating. The desk towards the back wall is made of polished mahogany wood. "Like it?" He asks. I nod with a smile etched across my face. "My father had this room renovated when we started talking about me taking over the business."

"You're taking over? I thought you wanted a football scholarship?" I ask really surprised. If he hadn't told me, I'd never believe that Damien Crawford wanted to take over a business, let alone his father's multibillion-dollar company. The only thing Damien has ever cared about is football and how many women he can get in his bed in a single night. He smirks slightly and shakes his head.

"I do. I mean I did. Being the oldest and only son means that it's my job to take over when my father thinks I'm ready." He says a slight frown resting upon his face. For once, I think I actually feel sorry for him.

"But you don't want to?" I know I'm prying but I can't help but feel curious and maybe some sympathy towards him. He shakes his head while looking down. I walk towards him until I'm standing directly in front of him. He looks up slightly and raises an eyebrow at me. I don't know why but I put my hand gently on his cheek and give him a smile. To my surprise he gives a genuine smile back. "Why do it then?" I ask quietly, staring into his piercing eyes.

"The company is my father's pride and passion. He'd be crushed if I didn't take over. He wants the company in good hands. To stay in the family. Hopefully one day I can learn to love it as much as he does." He says softly. We stare at eachother for a few seconds before I pull away and walk towards a bookshelf. I take a book from the shelf and turn to looks at Damien.

"Les Misérables? Really?" I ask with a raised eyebrow and smirk. He shrugs and half smiles.

"It's a classic novel. I'm sure you've read at least once." He says with a witty attitude. He snatches the book from my hands and places it back in the spot I took it from. I cross my arms over my chest and walk towards the desk. I sit in his chair and spin myself around. I laugh a little and the chair suddenly stops. His arms cage me in the chair and his face is mere centimeters from mine. I swallow hard, avoiding his gaze. "Are you always this childish?" He asks seriously. I feign hurt and gasp.

"I am not childish! I am very mature, actually." I say with a pout. He laughs and I find myself wanting to hear his laugh all night. I shake my head and push him out of my way. He doesn't move but gets closer to me. My eyes widen and I think he senses my panic because he keeps moving closer. His eyes dart to my lips and he's so close, our lips are almost touching. My breathing hitches and then suddenly, he pulls away and starts laughing like a hyena.

"You should've seen your face." He says in between laughs. "I can't believe you actually thought I'd kiss you" His face turns red and he struggles to breathe with all the laughing. I hit his shoulder and he seems to laugh even harder. I start to leave when I hear his laughing stop and then I'm whipped around and pushed against the door. My breathing staggers and he looks confused.

"What's with-" I start but I'm stopped by his lips on mine. My eyes widen for a split second and I try to push him away but my body doesn't move at all. I feel myself give in and to both of our surprise, I kiss him back. My eyes close and I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. I feel his arms tighten around my waist and suddenly there's no space between us. He moves one arm and taps at the back of knees. I jump up and wrap my legs around his waist as his hands hold me by my ass.

He walks us through the door and down the hallway. We still kiss and he makes his way through another door, one that I don't recognize. I stop kissing him and look around. I think we're in a guest bedroom. He throws me on the very plush bed and I laugh, my mind too clouded to understand. He pulls his shirt off with one hand and is on top of me in seconds.

He kisses me again, this time, more heatedly. One hand rests beside my head, holding himself up and the other slowly slides up and down my side. I get chills and he smirks against the kiss. His tongue runs along my bottom lips and I stubbornly don't allow him access. He does it again and I still don't let him in. He grasps my boob in his hand and I gasp. He takes the opportunity and shoves his tongue in my mouth. Our tongues fight for dominance and I'm too stubborn to give up. He notices this and tries harder.

I pull away and he rests his head on mine. Suddenly my mind clears and I shove him off the bed. I get up and quickly rush out of the room. I run down the hall as fast as my heels will allow. I hear his thudding behind me and kick my heels off. I quickly grab them and sprint through the house. I get to the front door and go to open it but it's slammed shut. I'm pinned against the wall and he senses my anger.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asks still breathless. I cross my arms.

"I don't have to answer you." I tell him with a determined look.

"Why'd you run?" I hesitate on an answer.

"Because I hate you." I say as my eyes dart everywhere but his face. He stares blankly at me.

"That didn't look like hatred to me." He says with a smirk.

"Guess I'm better at playing than you are." I say as his smirk fades. His smirk is replaced with a grimace and he stares at me for a few more seconds before walking away.

"I'll have my driver take you home." He says as he walks up the stairs. A small part of me wants to reach out and tell him I didn't mean it but I shove it aside.

"I'd rather walk." I say stubbornly as I walk out the front door, heels in hand. I start walking down the driveway and I get to the gate. I open the side gate and walk out, slamming it shut behind me. I get five minutes down the road before a familiar stark black lamborghini pulls up beside me.

"Get in." He says rather rudely. I say nothing and keep walking. "Would you just get in?" Again I say nothing. "Why do you have to be such a bitch?" He says as he stops the car and gets out. I keep walking and he jogs to me. I feel his hand grab my wrist. I whip around and slap him in the face.

"I'm only a bitch because you're an asshole." I say as I cross my arms around my chest.

"Excuse me miss, is that man bothering you?" I look to my left and a little old lady stands on a porch.

"Actually he is." I say looking at a very livid Damien.

"No I'm not. I'm her boyfriend, we're having our first fight. Babe, come on, just get in the car." He says as he gently grabs my hand.

"No." I say stubbornly. I turn around and start walking away again.

"I'm sorry." Those two words have me frozen in place. I turn around slowly. I stare at his solemn expression and the storm brooding in his blue eyes.

"What?" I ask quietly. He steps closer to me.

"I'm sorry for being an ass. I shouldn't have taken it that far." He says again, this time a little slower. "Please just let me take you home." He says softly. I nod my head reluctantly and let him walk me back to his car.

I wave to the lady and she's smilling down at me. I smile back and look at Damien. He looks deep in thought. He opens the car door for me and I get in. He gets in his seat and the engine roars to life. I think about asking him what he's thinking about but ignore it and watch outside the window as we drive through the traffic.