Daniel's POV
Goddamit.
Nothing is making sense to me anymore.
I have never felt like this before. Ever since I had dinner with Annabel I have not been myself. I just wanted to see her again. I only wanted to take in her scent once more.
This is so unlike me. I have never had the same woman twice in a month.
But with Annabel, it's totally different.
After I had gotten an urgent call from Brenda, my PA, that morning. I had convinced myself that leaving Annabel without waking her was for the best. I felt the need not to disturb her sleep, thinking that I would come back even before she woke up.
Unfortunately, the investor arrived significantly later than scheduled, causing the meeting to be delayed from the agreed time.
Never for once did I grab a word from whatsoever they discussed there. All I wanted was for them to end the damn meeting so I could go see Annabel. But on reaching home, Lady Jane informed me she had left.
Normally, I shouldn't be bothered. I have had all types of women flicking around my house and when they leave. I simply change them.
But with Annabel.
Something in me still wants to be around her. And I'm so scared to admit that feeling. I'm not ready to start up a relationship with any woman and get them to leave one day just the way my father left my mom.
There's a part of me I've kept caged, and Annabel's trying to set it free. That alone shakes me to my core.
I had to even call Brenda yesterday to send the approval email to Annabel just so I could see her face again, since she blocked me on every platform I had access to reach her.
It's another day to go to the office. But I barely slept well last night. The thought of how she left me without even saying a word was not even ready to fade.
I sluggishly pulled myself off the bed.
Funnily, I had invited another woman last night. Convincing myself that all I needed was a replacement. Someone who could make me forget her.
I had to call for Jess. She's the only one that understands my body when I just need a night to forget my frustration.
She came just as I had ordered. I gave her the opportunity, curious if I could feel that same heat again. But my body was silent, unaroused, untouched by the moment.
And just like that, I dismissed her even before she started.
"Shit". I ran my hand on my head in frustration, before stepping in the bathroom. Took a warm bath. And stepped out.
Drying my hair. My phone vibrated for the third time this morning. But I showed no interest in picking it. Of course, I know who it was.
My mother.
She is never quitting. She had called me yesterday to inform me that my step sister was coming over. And I'm sure she's calling right now to know how it went.
But I don't give a bloody damn about anyone from my new family.
I knew arguing with my mother would never change anything so I agreed to the meeting with my supposed step-sister yesterday.
My plan was to see her and state everything clearly to her. I just wanted to tell her to stay clear of my business.
She and her father can deceive my mother for all I care, but I will never fall for their trap.
But she never showed up.
Then the fourth call pushed forward. Persistent. The sound grew louder. As if it had been controlled.
I went for the phone. Flipped the screen. It said, My first love. I pressed the red button.
Then typed a message. 'Mom, I'm in the middle of something now, I will call you after work'
I stared at the message longer than usual. Not reading though. My mind was somewhere else.
Annabel.
Her innocent face still lingers in my head. Her succulent lips on mine and how responsive she was to my touch.
I clicked send and exhaled. Tossed the phone back onto the bed.
I went to my clothing collection. Picked out a designer gray suit. Gucci shoes and my Rolex Daytona watch.
Put them on. Went to the mirror and took a better glance. Brushed my hair, and gently with my hands I relaxed my hair accordingly, allowing them to lap neatly.
I button up my white shirt. Took my tie to knot it. The first attempt was a failure. The second, the same thing. The fury must be making me lose my mind, that I couldn't knot my own tie again.
I picked up my suitcase, my phone and my jacket. Leaving my tie a mess like that.
When I got to the company, the only face I was hoping to meet was Annabel. But it seems she was actually avoiding me.
Not even a sight of her.
I was tempted to go and pull her from what I think is supposed to be her office, but that would speak low of me.
My employees have never seen me in the staff room. Not like I actually care what they will think about me, I just don't want others to have the narrative that she's receiving special treatment.
Just when the meeting with the board had ended and I was going to leave for lunch, that was when I saw her.
Annabel.
With a man that I could hardly remember his name. Engrossed in a deep conversation that they never noticed that I was watching them.
I could remember I had seen him somewhere.
The way he placed his hand on her lap while whispering something only Annabel could understand made the whole moment unintentionally funny
My throat tightened.
How could she?
She's out there laughing with someone else, while I was up all night, tormented by thoughts of her.
My hand curled into a furious fist heading to go and confront her but something inside me stopped me.
No, I need to control myself.
I will still deal with her but not now. Not this way. Nobody dares step on my ego and escapes the consequences.
We both have unfinished business, she had dozed off the night I was going to have her.
I won't forget what she did. I'll make her crave me, whisper my name like a prayer, and beg for what only I can give.
I left and went to my office pacing around like that alone was going to solve my problem.
Buzzed my intercom and called Brenda. "Send Annabel to my office now" I commanded and ended the call without waiting for her response.
She knows better than to disobey me.