Dangerous Lunch

Juliana decided to play along. “Bad in other ways?" Juliana teased, raising an eyebrow.

Davis leaned in, his smile turning mischievous. "Let's just say," he murmured, "I'm not always the model of corporate composure you might think."

It seemed her father’s wishes would come to pass easily at this rate. Davis Montgomery was trying to flirt with her and he wasn't hiding it too.

“Oh really?" she challenged, leaning in slightly. "Do tell, Mr. Montgomery, what kind of bad boy lurks beneath that suit?"

She hated to do this. If she ever wanted to flirt along with Davis, she’d want to do it genuinely. Not under the command or wishes of her father. Poor Davis – he seemed so genuine.

Clueless he squinted his eyes and leaned in even closer, almost whispering. "I may have a penchant for spontaneous adventures," he confessed, his breath tickling her ear. "A weakness for late-night drives with the windows down and music blasting. Perhaps even a tendency to break a few rules just for the thrill."

Okay, he really was doing his best to be casual around her. Her heart nearly skipped a beat. This was a stark contrast to her usual life, dominated by responsibility and burdens. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to imagine them speeding down a moonlit highway, the wind whipping through her hair, music pulsating through the night.

“That's cool, actually. So while we are on the topic…” She shrugged. “My team happened to be at the art gala you hosted for your girlfriend. That was so sweet, I must say. She's beautiful too.”

A startled laugh escaped Davis' lips. "Girlfriend? No, no, Juliana," he chuckled, regaining his composure. "Evelina’s just a neighbor, actually. Did something nice for me a while back, wanted to make her feel special."

She hinted at something in his eyes. He was surprised that she knew about this. Also, it seemed like he didn't want to share or talk about it.

Juliana's smile remained fixed, but her mind buzzed with suspicion. That ‘Evelina’ seemed genuinely clueless about Davis at the fitting just the other day when she mentioned him to her.

Yet, Davis was saying the truth about one thing; they were neighbors indeed. She swallowed the urge to call him out and instead forced a light laugh of her own.

“That's very gentlemanly of you, Davis. To go extra to repay someone for their good deeds,” she replied, her voice laced with sweetness.

She meant it too. He really was exceptional I'd he was speaking the truth about repaying her for doing him good. He had no reason to lie to her about his girlfriend anyway.

Davis shrugged. “Since it's coming from you, I’d believe I am then. I'm sure your brother will become an even better gentleman when he grows up. Child looks so relaxed.”

Theodore?

Why was he diverting the course of the conversation to Theodore? If one thing she’d come to learn from dwelling in the business world, it was that some questions were meant to interrogate you. This sounded like one.

Was Davis Montgomery trying to learn something?

His casual shrug did little to ease her doubts. "No doubt," She replied, her gaze momentarily flickering away from him.

“Speaking of your brother, what was his name again?" He asked.

She answered, "Liam," still confused by the sudden topic shift.

“Liam, right," Davis nodded, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Heard he's a bit delicate. Medical condition?"

What the?!

This definitely was suspicious.

Before Juliana could stammer a hesitant reply, the entrance door swung open with a crash. Donovan and his burly entourage strode in and Juliana's eyes went round.

What was Donovan doing barging in like that? Did he think he still had leverage on her? Hell, nah.

"There you are," he growled, eyes fixed on her with undisguised fury. “You think you can dump me and come have a cheesy lunch date with another man?”

Ignoring the bewildered patrons and every other person in the restaurant who was staring daggers at them, Donovan marched straight to their table. Uninvited, he slammed into the chair opposite Juliana. His scowl deepened as he surveyed the scene.

Juliana felt bad that she had to put Davis through this all the time. But Donovan was just sick in the end to keep surveillance on her everywhere. She left him already and he still hadn't desisted!

"You left me for this douchebag?" he spat, gesturing disdainfully at Davis. "I saw you two together before, but I never thought it was actually the popular Davis Montgomery."

Juliana clenched her fists, anger simmering inside of her. This was so embarrassing. What was she thinking?

That Donovan would let go of her that easily even after the debt was settled?

Of course not, he was a mafia boss. He was ruthless and persistent. He did seem too obsessed with her. She could still remember those nights…

Those nights where she’d have no choice but to give in to him. How he’d tie her up and take every corner of her body in his mouth. How he’d suck her feet like a fetish-crazed person and do all sorts of weird things to her.

Thinking of it now, she felt like the most victimized person in the world. Everyone on the outside thought she was this tough and ruthless business guru.

Nobody knew what made her this tough. Nobody knew how she’d climb the ladder and grow her parents and her own business. Her father had made her date, sleep with, and do all sorts of things with men of the high rank just to boost their profile.

Her father was the first man to break her heart. She’d never be able to trust or tolerate men ever again.

Before Donovan could escalate further, Davis spoke, his voice surprisingly calm. “Mr. Donovan," he began, his words measured yet firm. “Perhaps, you forgot that sitting on a table where one wasn't invited isn't so cool.”

Juliana’s eyes widened. She had expected his words to be nice like last time when Donovan did this but they weren't. He was challenging Donovan Thornfield. She did hope it wasn't because of her.

She wasn't worth Davis's going through trouble for.

Donovan scoffed. "I like how you just lived up to everything that has been reported to me concerning you, Montgomery. You've been meddling in affairs that don't concern you, and it ends now."

Oh, no. She didn't like where all of this was leading. It wouldn't end anywhere good.

Davis rose slowly, his posture radiating quiet confidence. "With all due respect, Mr. Donovan, your ex-girlfriend is not property to be controlled. She deserves to make her own choices."

A vein throbbed on Donovan's temple. “She's not my ex-girlfriend, you fool…” He lunged forward, hand raised to strike. But before he could connect, Davis moved with lightning speed, deflecting the blow and twisting Donovan's arm behind his back. A surprised grunt escaped the other man.

Juliana’s mouth dropped at the sight. What had Davis done?

Donovan wasn't to be messed with. Hell, she didn't want these two men fighting because of her. She wasn't worth it.

Violence solves nothing. Trust me, Thornfield, you’d just be the one to get scared.” Davis said, his voice low and dangerous. "But I will defend myself, and anyone else, from your aggression. I am not…” He pointed at Juliana. “She is not to be messed with.”

She wasn't supposed to feel this way but she felt all the butterflies in her stomach spurring to life. This was the first time a man would stand up for her. The only person she’d known to stand up for her all her life was her mother. Yet, the woman didn't have enough power – she was the most helpless woman Juliana knew and could only do so little.

The bistro patrons gasped, their murmurs rising in a wave. All of Donovan’s thugs rushed forward, ready to defend their master but Donovan surprisedly raised a hand to stop them.

“This is a fight between two men. Don’t meddle.”

Abruptly, they all halted, leaving Donovan pathetically cornered by Davis.

Juliana watched, a mix of fear and admiration washing over her. This wasn't the charming, playful Davis she'd met earlier. This was a man who wouldn't back down, who stood up for himself and for her.

A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by Donovan's ragged breaths. Finally, Davis released him and he let out a defeated sigh.

"You've grown wings, Juliana," he muttered, his voice gruff. "More than I realized."

And then, he turned to Davis. “You’ve crossed the line, Montgomery. I hope you have the balls to finish it. I didn't a move to defend myself today as compensation for all the times you wouldn't have the chance to defend yourself by the time I'm done with you.” He icily wanted and Juliana swallowed.

She knew Donovan. This wasn't just a threat. He’d do it as he’d said. Davis was in danger and it was all because of her. She feared that Donovan might kill him.