Protect Me Not

Chapter 22

When she walked into the lounge, Camden could physically feel his legs quivering. He was almost sure to fall when he stood up but his unwavering grip on the bar top kept his legs from giving out. Camden wasn't sure if it was Mary's pure beauty that had his wavering legs giving out on him or if it was the fact that he knew what his evening's intentions consisted of. Camden knew all along that he was mastering his end objective solely to create ill intentions; something he was unfamiliar with but planned nonetheless. Arianna would want justice just as he promised her that dreadful night she lay dead in the hospital room. Unable to say good-bye, Camden vowed to seek revenge on the person responsible for taking his true love from him. The evening of the accident was the worst night of his life. The constant heartache that never seemed to go away like Gwen said it would. The love he shared with her could never be erased from his mind. Someone had to be held accountable. As much as he adored Mary, he was sure her pain would be nothing compared to the pain he felt when he lost his wife.

"Hello," Mary greeted with a joyful red lipped smile.

"Hello back. I'm so glad you could make it," Camden offered in return.

"I was surprised to have a car service pick me up and bring me here but I am pleased nonetheless," she told him.

"Was the car up to your standards?" he asked.

"My standards?" Mary laughed. "Do you get the impression that I ride around in stretch limousines back home?"

"Is that what they sent you?" Camden laughed back.

"Yes, but really it's all very good," Mary assured him.

"Phew that's good to know. Next time I'll clearly state that you request a Honda Civic preferably one that is full of rust and squeaks loudly when the brakes are applied," he joked. "Our table is ready just over there."

Camden extended his arm out as if to guide her in the proper direction to their table without directly pointing to it. Mary could see a bouquet of fresh seasonal flowers flawlessly placed in the centre of the table. The soft glowing candles added elegance to the arrangement as well as helped emit the floral scent around the dining area. As they reach the table, Camden pulled Mary's chair out offering nothing more than pure manners as any gentleman would.

"I've arranged for the chef to prepare a special taste menu for us so we shall have no interruptions this evening," Camden declared.

"That is very thoughtful and lovely of you," she said unsure as to why they would need an interruption free evening.

"Before we get on with our night, can we have a quick photo together? It's not very often I'm in the company of such great beauty," Camden said in his first attempt to loosen her up.

"Absolutely," she agreed offering a smile to accompany her blushing cheeks.

"Might I add that you look absolutely radiant tonight? Truthfully, you nearly had me on my knees at the lounge bar when you walked in," Camden admitted omitting his secondary thought.

He waved the waitress over and asked them to take their picture. Camden carefully posed himself close enough to Mary to have it appear they are a couple but casual enough to not provoke any wrongful accusations. He wanted the picture to be perfect before he sent a copy to Victor. Camden wanted to capture Mary's glow, proof she was happy and out of harm's way.

They both reviewed the multiple pictures the waitress took and settle on the one they both agreed was the best. Camden quickly offered to send a copy to Mary in which she gracefully accepted. Keeping his cell phone close to his body, Camden sent the picture to Victor with a quick caption indicating all was good. Then with the push of a few more buttons he sent another copy to Mary.