Chapter 9.

I opened my eyes to an empty bed. The memories of what seemed to be a few hours ago gradually began to cram my mind. I looked out the window and discovered it was nightfall. 'How long did I sleep for?'. I muttered to myself.

"You're awake". Damian said as he entered the room.

There was an instant silence in the room. I was too mortified to speak, and Damian looked at me like he could read my mind.

"Why did you choose to stay back?". He questioned.

I was instantly filled with more hate. Was that any way to start a conversation with a woman you just spent a coupling moment with? I thought.

"I don't know". I replied, rubbing my forehead.

"Did you do it because of the land, Diana?". He asked as he came closer.

I searched for an answer. Saying 'yes' would make me look cheap but saying 'no' would make me look like a whore or like a crazy person. I resolved to go with the first thing answer that came to me.

"No". I replied. As soon as the answer came out of my mouth, I knew that I'd surely have to explain myself. He looked at me and said nothing.

"I have to admit that I was a bit ruffled by the reality that it was your first time. I didn't do anything to be frightened or ashamed of. Not because I particularly care about you, but because I have my dignity and I know how to regale a lady". He paused for a second.

"Take your time to get ready and dressed. I'll be driving you home. It's nightfall". He instructed as he got up.

"I can drive myself. I'm not a child". I objected.

"I'm not asking, I'm telling you to". He shot back as he left the room.

"So bossy". I told myself.

He opened the door again and stuck his head out.

"Oh!, and your Dog seems hungry. I haven't got a clue what to feed wealthy puppies.". He stated as he closed the door behind him.

"Oh Treasure!". I exclaimed and got into the shower.

When I was fully clothed, I walked to the living room and saw Treasure playing with Damian. I wasn't quite sure how to feel about it. Treasure seemed to be enjoying herself. Damian looked up from where he sat with Treasure. I walked up to them.

"Your dog seems to have a better personality than you". He commented. I paid no attention to his words as I angrily watched Treasure snuggle up close to him. She never did that to anyone else. At that point, I was ready to murder him.

I crouched down to carry Treasure from his arms. He held my hand and pulled me close. Our noses were almost touching. "It's time for us to go Diana". He whispered with a smile.

I quickly regained my senses. "You're such a flirt. Let go of me". He released my hand as we stood up. "A few hours ago, you didn't want me to let go of you". He stated with a grin as he stepped out the door.

I was mortified, But I kept my head high as I walked out with him.

"What about my car?". I asked him as I got into his car.

"You'll have it at your hotel at dawn". He replied as he started to drive.

"You're going to do that for me?". I asked in bewilderment.

"Of course not. You easily get ahead of yourself. It's creepy".

'I'm used to hearing things like this, so it doesn't even hurt me'. I muttered to myself.

"What did you say?". He questioned as he looked at me. "Nothing". I replied.

The drive back to the hotel was relatively bland. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the city looked at night. It was inexplicably enchanting. The stars spread wonderfully in the sky and the moon cast its natural light on the city below. I got my phone out.

"Could you stop the car here? I want to take a photo". I requested.

"Whatever you say, Princess". He replied as he stopped the car.

As soon as I was done, I got back into the car. Once again, Treasure was curled up on his lap. "I wonder what's so endearing about him". I scoffed.

"I'm an extremely endowed guy, Diana. I thought you found out already". He stated with his usual sly grin.

Once again, I couldn't speak because he was right.

We finally arrived at the hotel and I felt relieved. I carried Treasure from his lap and got out of his car. He remained in his seat.

"Thank you for driving me home".

He was about to speak when I butted in. "Before you give one of your rude replies, I'm saying thank you because I'm a better person than you are". I stated as I turned, flipping my hair, as I walked towards the hotel. I could still feel his gaze on me as I strutted my way into the hotel.

"What the hell do you think you're doing with your life!!?". Roberto yelled as soon as I walked into the hotel lobby.

"Calm down Roberto. Let's all go upstairs and talk". Fernando stated.

"Fine". Roberto replied as he carried Treasure from my arms and took her upstairs. "Poor girl must have been starving".

As soon as my door was closed, Fernando turned to me. "I'm disappointed".

"You slept with him, didn't you? ". Roberto asked as he poured Treasure's food.

I knew I couldn't possibly lie to them. I at least had to explain myself. "It wasn't because of the land". I replied. They seemed astonished.

"Have you fallen for him, then?". Fernando questioned.

"No. It's not that at all".

"Then what are your reasons, Diana?".

"I....don't know".

"What the heck!". Roberto exclaimed.

They both sat down. "This is quite a pickle". Fernando commented.

"It's not like we did....um.. I mean, we didn't go that far".

They turned to look at me scornfully.

"I have an idea," Roberto said as he stood up.

"What is it?". I asked in anticipation.

"Get him to fall in love with you, so he'll sell the land. You can even invite him to the Formal party your Restaurant's hosting, in Spain".

I had to sit down. "That'll be impossible because he hates me and, I don't wanna do it". I replied to her.

"Hold on Diana. You did say you had no feelings for him. It shouldn't be a problem to get him to fall in love with you. You are a woman after all. All you have to do is to get him to sign the contract and the land will be yours". Fernando stated

"I'm not so sure about this ".

"You don't have all year here, Diana. You have other commitments to attend to. Get the land, and leave Wrightwood". Roberto instructed.

"I'll.....give it a try".