The Handsome Devil

Chapter 8 - Introductions

Deya let out few deep breaths.

"Don't worry," Dylan tried to calm her down "we still have around 10 minutes left, and most of the guys come in the last minute."

Oh, but were his words proven wrong as soon as the dining room door opened and four tough faces looked up to them from the table. Paralyzing fear struck the girl at the sight. She immediately recognised Max at the head of the table, but didn't feel courageous enough to meet his gaze.

"Sit down" she heard him growl and instantly knew that now wasn't the time for defiance.

Taking few unsure steps towards the table, she looked around for an empty seat, trying hard not to stare at any of the guys too long.

"Over here, Angel." She heard Dylan's voice and snapped her head in the direction.

Great.

Seeing he saved her a spot right between him and Max, she couldn't help but shiver lightly from fear. Her mind desperately tried to come up with some excuse to leave the room, but she found herself slowly walking over there instead. There was no way Max was letting her get out of it. Not without a price. She reminded herself and shuddered from the image of what that might be.

Once she stood in front of the chair, she sneaked a quick glance towards the door. Maybe if I was fast enough.. But a low, growl-like sound coming from Max made her abandon the idea.

"You can always sit on my lap, sweetheart, you know?" One of the men commented on her hesitant behaviour.

She was just about to send him a death glare, when other voice added:  "Or on my face", and the room erupted in laughter. That is, except two people, one being Deya whose face was radiatively red, and Max who just seemed genuinely disinterested as he took out his phone.

Considering a comeback but deciding it would only make matters worse, the girl quickly sat down and started to stare into the empty plate in front of her. This was not going well.

"Aww, got a shy one, I see?" The first man teased again, aiming the question at Max, who did not bother to reply.

Deya could feel the rage bubbling deep inside her and under the table, her hands clutched into fists.

Trying to destroy some of their ammunition, she forced herself to look up. Max was still indifferently observing the commotion in front of him, one of the man - who was yet to speak - was just starring daggers at her, and the rest - including Dylan, to her deep disappointment - were laughing on her account.

"You know what they say about the shy ones.." Dylan chuckled and sent her a wink.

And that's what did it. The girl was now shaking in anger, not able to understand what else was said at the table over palpitations. For a moment, all she could see were their gleeful smiles and then everything went completely black.

"Shut the f*ck up!" she heard a voice shout.

As her vision cleared, she realised everyone was looking at her now, their faces those of surprise. Even the man who did not participate in their shenanigans was observing her rather curiously.

Looking down again, she realised she must have slammed her tiny fists into the table. Judging by the growing pain, it was also rather heavily. What have you done? The plan was to nail the introductions and gain their trust, not getting out of control and act like a madwoman.

"Let me introduce our newest member, guys" Max's deep voice cut through the silence making the girl's head snap.

"Deya Parker" he turned his head towards her and she felt her body shiver under his intense gaze.