Chapter 40 GRUMPY MAN.
\~~~SERENA.
I walked downstairs, my heels clicking softly on the polished wood steps. The dress hugged my body like a second skin. The deep red silk dipped low in the back and flared just enough at the hips to sway with me. I tugged at the tiny strap slipping off my shoulder, feeling a bit exposed.
Damien was waiting at the bottom, arms crossed, looking every bit the powerful man he was in his tailored black suit. His eyes locked on me, intense, like he was drinking me in and I couldn't tell if he was amazed by me or just the dress.
“But…“ I pouted, crossing the space between us. My cheeks warmed under his gaze. “Is this not too much for just a dinner gathering?'
He tilted his head, scratching his beard lightly, that salt-and-pepper scruff I secretly loved. Then, without warning, he bent down, his face inches from mine. I gasped, my heart racing as his breath brushed my skin.
“If you'd ask me,” he said, voice low and rough, “I’d say you're so underdressed.”
“What?” My eyes widened, and a hiccup slipped out, embarrassing me more. “Should I have worn something regal then, and maybe a crown?”
“Maybe that,” he murmured, his lips curving into a smirk, and his eyes darkening as they traced my lips, my neck, and down to where the dress clung to my curves. “But it still wouldn't be enough. Because, you, Serena, in that dress, you're not just beautiful, you're the kind of temptation that makes a man forget his name, and I plan to spend the night reminding you exactly why you're mine.”
I froze, words dying in my throat. Heat flooded my face, my body tingling from his words. He was so close, so commanding, and that line... it hit me like a wave, leaving me speechless, my mind blank except for the image of his hands on me again.
How did he become like this overnight?!
“W… whatever, let's go,” I stuttered, pulling back and pressing the back of my hand to my burning cheeks.
God, I couldn't look at him.
“Are you feeling sick?” He straightened, concern flickering in his eyes as he turned after me.
This man is so clueless as hell.
Am I feeling sick?
Oh, please.
“Don't say anything, let's just go,” I hurried outside, clutching my purse like a lifeline, the cool evening air hitting my flushed skin.
The driver was already waiting by the sleek black car, door open. I slid in gracefully… No, I tried to as my legs were still feeling wobbly from Damien's words. The leather seat felt cool against my thighs, and I smoothed my dress, my heart still pounding.
Not long after, Damien joined me, settling beside me with that calm confidence. The door clicked shut, and the driver got in front, igniting the engine with a low purr. As the car pulled out of the compound, the gates swinging open to the winding driveway, I needed something to distract myself.
I opened my bag and pulled out a packet of chocolate, the crinkle of the wrapper loud in the quiet car.
“What is that?” Damien asked, turning his head to look at me, one eyebrow raised.
I chuckled softly, ripping open the nylon and popping a piece into my mouth. The sweet, melty goodness exploded on my tongue, easing some tension. “Chocolate.”
“Chocolate? Why?” He sounded genuinely puzzled, like I'd pulled out a grenade.
I glanced at his serious expression, and pressed my lips in that health-nut way and swallowed my bite. “What do you mean by why?”
“Chocolate? Why are you eating it?”
“Because… I want to. Is anything wrong with chocolate?” I tilted my head, teasing already bubbling up.
“It's too sweet, isn't it? You should take fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and the like if you have a sweet tooth.” He leaned back, crossing his arms, like he was lecturing a kid.
I parted my lips, fighting a grin. “What is your favorite fruit?”
“Avocado,” he answered without hesitation, like it was the most normal thing.
Without meaning to, I burst into laughter, throwing my head back against the seat. The sound echoed in the car, and I clutched my stomach, tears pricking my eyes.
Avocado? Of all fruits?
“What?” Damien asked, confused, his brow furrowing deeper.
“You're truly forty,” I managed between giggles, wiping my cheek.
“I don't understand you.
“Why avocado, though?” I asked, struggling to keep a straight face, but another laugh escaped.
“Because it's high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and has virtually no sugar.” He said it so innocently, like he was reading from a nutrition book, and not riding to a family dinner that could explode.
I nodded, laughing harder, my shoulders shaking. “You're truly an old man, are you not?”
“Because I don't take chocolates?” He shifted, a hint of annoyance in his voice, but his eyes softened, watching me with that mix of amusement and exasperation.
“Yes! Old man vibes all the way. Who picks avocado as their favorite fruit? It's like... green butter. Do you eat it with a spoon while reading the newspaper?” I popped another chocolate, exaggerating the munch, my eyes sparkling as I teased him.
He was so mature, so put-together, and poking at it made me feel light, like the fifteen years between us were just a fun game.
“Moonlight,” he warned, but a small smile tugged at his lips. '
“It is practical. Keeps you energized without the crash.”
“Crash? From chocolate? Pfft, that is what young people do. We live a little dangerously,” I leaned closer, waving the packet under his nose.
“Want one? It will loosen you up before we face your nephew.”
He waved it away gently. “No, thanks. Sugar's a trap.”
I gasped dramatically, hand to my chest. “A trap? Oh no, the big bad sugar monster! Save me, Grandpa Damien!” I dissolved into giggles again, kicking my feet lightly against the floor mat, feeling childish and free. He just stared, shaking his head.
“You are so impossible,” he muttered, but there was warmth there.
“Impossible? Or just too young for your avocado world?' I winked, tossing another piece in my mouth. “Bet you don't even know what fun flavors are. Like chocolate with chili… spicy and sweet!”
“Serena…” His voice trailed off, and he stopped responding, just giving me that side-eye, lips twitching.
I kept laughing, the sound filling the car as we sped toward the mansion. The teasing made the nerves fade, turning the dread into something almost exciting. With Damien beside me, even if he was the old man I joked about, I felt braver.
The age gap? Somehow, it just made our relationship more fun.
Me, the playful kid, and him, the grumpy man.
The car slowed as we approached the grand gates of the Hale mansion, lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky. I tucked the chocolate away, straightening my dress.
Damien glanced at me and then chuckled slightly.
“And now, someone is serious.”
“Whatever.”
I smacked my lips and then watched the smile that lingered on his face for a few seconds.
Oh, what a fine man.