The lost mate
Chapter 26: Reluctant date

Chapter 26: Reluctant date

Annie was still trying to make sense of everything when the door chimed behind her, and the café filled with an all-too-familiar presence. Damien.

He strode in confidently, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he surveyed the room. His eyes locked onto Annie, and she felt her pulse quicken, the tension between them crackling like electricity in the air.

"Do you like the flowers?" Damien asked, his voice smooth and charming. "I thought they might brighten your day."

Annie clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. "Damien, what are you doing? You can’t just—"

He held up a hand, cutting her off with a disarming smile. "I can, and I did. But I didn’t come here just to shower you with flowers. I came to ask you something."

Annie’s heart thudded in her chest as Damien took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt the café shrink around them, the walls closing in as the distance between them disappeared.

"I want to take you out, Annie," Damien said, his voice low and earnest. "No games, no pressure. Just dinner, just us."

Annie felt her breath catch. She had been preparing for this, for the moment when Damien would push for more and demand more from her. But she hadn’t expected it to come so soon, and not like this, not with flowers and charm and a soft tone that made it difficult to push him away.

Damien watched her intently, waiting for her response. Annie’s mind raced. She knew what she had to do—turn him down, keep her distance, protect herself and Ryan. But as she stood there, the scent of flowers heavy in the air and Damien’s gaze piercing through her defences, she found it hard to form the words.

"I... I don’t think that’s a good idea," she finally said, forcing the words out.

Damien’s smile faltered slightly, but he didn’t back down. "Just one evening, Annie. Let’s talk; no distractions. I’m not asking for anything more than a chance to understand each other."

Annie hesitated, her resolve wavering. She knew what she should do, but the sincerity in Damien’s voice, the determination in his eyes—it was making it hard to say no.

Before she could overthink it, she nodded, the decision slipping out before she could stop herself.

"Alright."

Damien’s smile returned, full of relief and hope. "That’s all I’m asking for."

He reached out as if to take her hand, but Annie pulled back, her eyes narrowing.

"Just tell me the place and time; I will meet you there."

Damien chuckled softly, lowering his hand. "Fair enough. I’ll pick a place and let you know."

With that, he turned to leave, the bell above the door chiming as he exited, leaving Annie standing in a sea of flowers, her mind whirling with the implications of what she had just agreed to.

As the door swung shut behind him, Heather leant over the counter.

"Annie, are you sure about this ?"

Annie shook her head, trying to steady her breathing. "It’s not a date, Heather. He will soon get bored of me and leave."

"Sure, sure. But I’d still wear something nice if I were you."

Annie sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of what lay ahead.

Annie stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the hem of her dress. It was a plain navy-blue number that fell just below her knees, with sleeves that covered her arms and a neckline that barely hinted at her collarbone.

When Emily had seen her outfit, she had raised an eyebrow and said, "You know you’re going on a date, right? Not to church?"

Annie had just rolled her eyes. "It’s not a date. It’s a conversation. And I don’t want him getting any ideas."

Emily had sighed, but she didn’t push further. "That dress is practically screaming, ’I’m boring.’"

"That’s the point," Annie had muttered under her breath as she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

When she reached the restaurant, her heart skipped a beat. Through the large windows, she could see Damien already seated at a corner table. The restaurant was cosy, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. It was the kind of place people came to for special occasions, not awkward reunions with the man they were trying to avoid.

Taking a deep breath, Annie pushed open the door and stepped inside. The maître d’ greeted her with a polite nod and led her to Damien’s table. As she approached, Damien stood up, a warm smile on his face. He looked effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt, the top button casually undone, and a dark blazer that fit him perfectly. Annie felt a pang of frustration at how easy he made everything look.

"Annie," Damien said, his voice rich and smooth as he pulled out her chair. "I’m glad you came."

Annie forced a polite smile, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. "Thanks," she replied, sitting down as he pushed the chair in for her. "Let’s get this over with."

He took his seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. "You look lovely," he said, his tone sincere.

Annie bit back a retort and simply nodded. "Thanks."

For a moment, they sat in silence, the soft clinking of silverware and the murmur of other diners filling the air. Annie’s fingers toyed with the edge of her napkin, and she wished she had thought of an excuse to cancel.

But Damien, it seemed, had no intention of letting the conversation stall. "So," he began, his voice casual, "how did you end up in Wolf River? I never expected to find you in a place like this."

Annie’s heart pound in her chest. This was the moment she had been dreading—the part where she had to share just enough to satisfy his curiosity without giving too much away.

"Well," she started, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I met Heather and Emily accidentally. They saved my life. Gave me a fresh start."

Damien’s expression softened, genuine interest in his eyes. "Saved you? How?"

Annie looked straight into his eyes and replied. "They found me in the forest after your warriors had left me for dead."