Don 3: Heart's Desire

Chapter 27

They returned to the penthouse apartment and Don went missing as soon as they entered. Roma resolved to inspect the house more attentively as soon as she'd get the chance again. She was curious to find more things that could turn out insightful about Don. Like the guitar she hadn't even noticed the night before sitting in that corner. Or was it that she'd seen it but didn't even strike her that he could actually play it, and just dismissed it as a decorative piece of furniture?

She realized she was still holding the keys to the Mercedes. It was outstanding the level of trust Don had in her. She could so easily go out the door, and be gone. But this time it wasn't like this. He had asked her to come to Berlin, he had given her a chance. Although, she was aware of the fact that it had been most likely just a façade, as Don always got what he wanted, and her say in it probably didn't really matter. She furrowed her brows contemplating this. Was this "freedom" he apparently gave her really there? Or was it just an impression, a delusion. She soon realized that not only did Don make her do as he pleased, he actually convinced her that she was doing what she desired, this false liberty actually caging her in more securely. He was playing with her mind. Making her believe she had a choice, when in fact, she really didn't.

Roma was surprised she could clear her thoughts and come to this realization. It was like a moment of clarity that appeared out of nowhere.

Don stepped out of what appeared to be his study, his sleeves rolled up and barefoot. Suddenly all her theory dissipated. Such was the effect he had on her. His presence was like a drug she craved. The more he stood away, she could bring herself to realize she was addicted, and she needed to escape this addiction, she needed to break free. But the second he'd be near her again she was hooked again. The feeling was so euphoric and unique, it was like nothing she had experienced. The more she got to be with him, the more she needed of him, this feeling he gave her which was so alluring and promising.

'Is something the matter?' he leaned onto the doorframe of his study after gazing at her for a while sitting on the sofa

She almost flinched out of her train of thoughts 'No'

He frowned and paced his way towards her. She glanced over at his bare feet, and the way they sunk into the carpet of the living area, very similar to a panther's paws while approaching its prey. He had the gait of a feline on the hunt. The mere comparison sent chills down Roma's spine.

'You're pale' he said as he reached her, stroking her cheek tenderly with his index finger then tilting her chin upwards to meet his eyes

'I'm getting used to the place, I guess'

He furrowed his brows and crunched in front of her 'You don't like it here?' he placed a strand of her hair behind her ear gently

'I do, it's lovely' she tried to smile

'Then what's wrong?' he placed his palms over her knees

After a long pause she said 'I just don't know where this is heading and the unknown is overwhelming, I guess'

He frowned 'What do you mean? It's heading wherever you want it to. I brought you here so that we can spend more time together and not worry about Malik and all the security issues' his voice was particularly soft and calm

'Wherever I want it to?' the incredulous tone in her voice made him frown deeper

'Roma, have I ever pushed you into doing something you didn't want to?' he was still calm and patient

'Not apparently, but in a very subtle way you've always made me come around. I'm just wondering how much of what has happened has really been left to my choice'

He searched her eyes for a while and then said 'You're the only person I've ever given a choice. Don't doubt that'

She was completely taken aback by his statement and couldn't hide her surprise

'Roma, I know you. I know how driven and determined you are. You've always had a choice, even when I made it seem like you didn't. I know you took money from me back in Paris so that you could run away'

She gasped but he continued 'I know you could have gotten away, neither Sameer nor I could've stopped you if you really wanted to run. I know how your mind works, I know just how fast and intuitive it is. You can get yourself to do anything, I admire that about you immensely'

She was in shock, hearing all this from Don was really surprising

'So why are you questioning your intuition now, Roma? You're here with me because you want it this way, just as much as I do' he got closer as he crossed his arms, his elbows resting on her knees.

'Maybe you don't trust me yet, but you need to trust yourself' he added as he gazed down at her lips

Suddenly the energy between them shifted to what she recognized to be a very sexual tension between them.

'I've never waited for something for so long' he whispered not removing his eyes from her lips 'I've never wanted anything as much as I want you'

That was it. Roma felt like fainting just hearing Don say those words. But somehow she kept still.

'Surely you're aware of the power you have over me' he looked her in the eye intensely, he was almost panting

He shut his eyes tight and sighed as he straightened 'It's almost dinner time. I'll be waiting, whenever you're ready'

He turned to his study again leaving her to wonder what he had really been referring to.