DOMINIC’S POV.
I walked up to the man whom Saraya had just walked out on, staring at him dangerously.
I had followed her to the restaurant and my heart broke when I saw she was having a date. Imagine how elated I become when the date ended on a bad note.
But I wasn’t one to let things to end that way. “I should rub in some salt in the injury before leaving.” I had thought to myself.
“Who are you?” He asked, adjusting his glasses.
“You see the lady that just walked out on you right now, I’ll advice you stop all communications with her.” I declared.
“And how dare you tell me what to do?” He stuttered while trying to put on a strong font.
I seized his collar. “I dare to do whatever I want, Saraya is mine and mine alone. You don’t stand a chance anyways.”
He swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the exit. He wasn’t going to argue, not with the deadly look on my face.
Satisfied, I released him with a shove, watching as he stumbled back. He didn’t say another word as he turned and practically bolted from the restaurant.
I smirked to myself. “That should make things clear.” I looked around and saw eyes on me. “I’m sorry about that.” I apologized. “Time to go after my princess.” I smiled at a job well done.
I followed Saraya at a safe distance, my headlights dimmed so she wouldn’t notice me trailing her.
“Where is my princess heading tonight?” I asked after observing she has been driving in circles. “Shouldn’t she be heading home by now?”
My curiosity piqued. “Well, it’s a good thing for me,” I thought. “I get to spend some extra time with her, even if she doesn’t know it.”
Minutes later, her car began to slow down, the taillights flickering as she pulled over to the side of the road. I slowed down as well to watch her.
Her hazard lights came on, and she stepped out, visibly frustrated.
“Her car had broken down.” I told myself and took it as my cue and parked right in front of her, stepping out of my car grinning.
“You again?” Saraya’s voice was full of irritation as she crossed her arms.
“Isn’t fate funny?” I said, leaning against my car. “Seems like we are fated to meet.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe in coincidences, Dominic.”
A smile spread on my lips. “Wow, I’m flattered. You still remember my name!” Walking towards her. “Seems like I made an unforgettable impression in the morning.”
“The exact reason I don’t believe this is a coincidence.” She told me while looking me in the eyes. The fierce look in her made my heart beat faster.
“Believe what you want,” I shrugged, “but it’s late, and this road isn’t safe. You’re lucky I’m here.”
“Yeah, right,” she muttered. “Can you please help check my car? Or are you only here to gloat?”
“Anything for you, princess,” I teased, walking over to her car.
She let out a loud groan. “Stop calling me that.”
I lifted the hood and stared at the engine, pretending to know what I was doing. After a few moments, I straightened up. “Well, it’s bad news. Your car’s not getting fixed tonight.”
Saraya frowned. “Seriously?”
“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “But don’t worry. I can take you home.”
She stepped back. “No, thanks. I’ll call my dad.”
“Sure,” I said, crossing my arms. “Go ahead.”
She dialed, pacing back and forth. “Come on, pick up…” she muttered. After a while, she sighed and ended the call. Then she tried again.
“Still no answer?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She glared at me. “Don’t look so smug. I’ll try Mary.”
I leaned against her car, watching as she tried again. No luck. She let out a frustrated breath.
“Stuck, huh?” I said, grinning.
“Don’t start,” she snapped.
“Look, saraya,” I said, stepping closer. “It’s late. You don’t have many options. Let me take you home.”
“How do you know my name?” She asked, looking straight into my eyes. “I don’t remember telling you that when we met in the morning.”
I gasped but quickly masked it. “Well, who doesn’t know you?”
“So, you’re saying you know who I am before approaching me?” She asked.
I nodded. “Let’s say a bit, at least from what I’ve read from the papers. I’m interested in knowing you beyond that, Saraya. ”
She hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t trust you, Dominic.”
“Come on,” I said, my voice softening. “I know I sound off right now but trust me, I just want to be your friend.”
“Why do I find that hard to believe?” She asked.
“Because you don’t know me, what about you get to know me too?” I told her. “Trust me when I say I’m totally harmless and I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
She looked at the dark road, then back at me. “Fine,” she finally said. “But if you try anything-”
“I won’t,” I cut in, raising my hands in mock surrender. “Scout’s honor.”
She sighed, walking to my car. “This doesn’t mean I trust you.”
“Noted,” I said, opening the door for her.
“Stop being so smug,” she said as she climbed in.
I chuckled, getting into the driver’s seat. “I’m not smug. I’m being helpful.”
“Just drive, Dominic,” she muttered, staring out the window.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said with a grin, pulling onto the road.
For now, she was here with me, and I just couldn’t believe this miracle.
The drive to the Newman’s mansion was quiet and I wished I could delay it a little more longer to spend some more time with her.
I pulled in front of the Newman’s mansion and saw Isla, the Newman’s matron waiting outside.
I opened the door for Saraya just as Isla walked toward us, her eyes focused on me.
“Who’s this?” Isla asked, her eyes travelling between the both of us.
Saraya quickly stepped out. “His name is Dominic and he is a friend,” she said, cutting me off before I could answer.
“A friend?” I repeated, a wide grin spreading across my face. “So, you admit it now? We’re friends?”
Saraya glared at me. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Dominic. And behave.”
“Always,” I said with a playful shrug.
Isla looked between us, clearly unimpressed. “Why did he bring you home? Where’s your car?”
“My car broke down,” Saraya said with a sigh. “I tried calling Dad and Mary, but neither of them picked up. He offered to help.”
Isla frowned slightly. “At this hour? Lucky you had someone nearby.”
“Yeah, lucky,” Saraya muttered, glancing at me with a small frown.
“Don’t mention it,” I said, smiling at her. “I guess fate bought her my way.”
Isla looked at me for some seconds. “Was he with you on your date with Toby?” She asked turning to Saraya.
Saraya sighed, “No, he wasn’t.” She told Isla. “We only meet when my car broke down.” She explained.
“I see.” Isla said returning her gaze back to me. “Thank you for bringing my granddaughter back home.” Walking back to the door. “Come inside, Saraya. It’s late.”
“Thanks for the ride,” Saraya said quietly, looking at me briefly before turning away.
“Anytime,” I said, leaning against my car. “Goodnight, princess.”
She shot me one last look, half-annoyed, half-amused, before walking inside with Isla.
I stood there for a moment, watching the door close, then climbed back into my car. “Not bad for one night,” I muttered, starting the engine and driving off.