Dangerously Mine (English Version)

Crown 2 ♛ ABDUCTED

LOURAINE silently stared at her coffee that has cooled down after sitting on the table for half an hour. Even with her eyes fixed on somewhere else, she could still feel the gaze of the man she was facing. The man she never thought she would see again after ten years. The man she was about to marry.

Philip has already left them alone together but there was still no word from Duke. Only the noise of the tableware and their sighs filled the silence surrounding them.

From where they’re seated, Louraine could spot three cameras lurking outside the building and probably taking a closer shot of her and Duke. It wouldn’t be long before some juicy articles about them will leak in public, giving the public something to feast.

It would be fun… she thought dully.

“Excuse me, ma’am, sir.” A waiter came to their table, breaking their silence. “Are you ready to order?” he politely asked.

"I’d like to have a refill of this,” Duke told the man. “What would you like to have?"

Louraine looked up at the waiter, who was standing beside her. “I’m fine, thank you.”

The waiter smiled at her and nodded at Duke while taking his empty cup. She watched him walked away before turning to Duke and wished she hadn't when she immediately clashed with his probing stare. Her eyes helplessly wandered around that beautiful face, strong jaw, high cheek bones, and sculpted lips.

Now that he’s closer, she could see some changes besides his height and his messy, devil-may-care hair that she’s achingly familiar with. He’s all muscles, stark angles, and commanding power. Nothing she’s familiar with. Any hint of his boyishness was gone. But he’s still as captivating as he had been since they were young.

His simple buttoned-up shirt hugged his body like a second skin, giving emphasis to those muscles that weren’t there before. But there’s something else, too. A dark brooding energy that surrounded him like a shield and it made him look mysteriously dangerous.

All the more reason to stay away from him.

She couldn’t even believe she’s having this conversation with the man whom she thought she had got rid of ten years ago. Nor did she think of the possibility that he’ll be her fiancé. Fate must’ve been laughing at her right now.

“You’re against this engagement,” she said when he stayed quiet. There was no reason to stall and to prolong their agony. She heard his opinion and clearly, he was not in favor of it. “I heard what you said earlier and I share your sentiments. Even I didn’t expect it was you. It’s quite… disappointing, actually.”

Duke still held that impassive look, but Louraine saw that he didn’t like what she said from the way he clenched his jaw. Still, he kept his cool.

"But I won’t force you if you don’t really want this,” Louraine continued calmly, even though her chest felt like bursting inside her. “I can see you're not ready to settle down yet, so we can call it off." She shrugged. “That wouldn’t be a problem, right?”

He stared at her for an uncomfortable moment, his eyes turned brooding as his face grew grimmer and darker. Slowly, he raised his elbows and rested them on the table, leaning closer. "Are you really?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion and smiled threateningly. "I know we didn't share a lovely history, but the fact will always be there―that you once fell in love with me."

Her hands clenched from exasperation. How dare he say that to her face? Was he really provoking her?

But you provoked him, first, Louraine.

Closing her eyes, she unclenched and flexed her fingers and breathed out. I wouldn’t take the bait, Duke.

Louraine would address him with proper decorum as best as she could. It would be bad if the media captured them throwing cups at each other. But she’s not that violent.

She slowly let go of her anger and leaned back away from him. "Reminiscing, are we? Well, I don't see any reason why we're still having this kind of conversation when it’s clear that you're against this marriage as I am.”

"You’re right. But you forgot your aunt needs help."

That felt like a cold water that woke her up.

"If there’s no engagement, then I'm afraid your business will sink down," he said in complete certainty that made her feel even worse that what she felt already. And she loathed that he was right. The company will be at risk if their engagement does not happen. And damn, if he didn’t know about that!

She kept her face blank as her head looked for a solution. The last thing she wanted was to show him how that stirred her resolve. And she would not allow this man to fool her again. She wouldn’t let the same fire burn her twice.

"Don’t worry,” she said sarcastically. “I can still help my aunt even if I turn this one down. I could always change the groom if I want to.” She just has to find the right one.

“Do you really think Georgina will want that?” he countered, keeping his probing eyes on her. “For one, I know she only trusts my father to manage your business and no one else."

She ground her teeth from annoyance. He’s taunting her deliberately and he’s finding amusement in trapping her into a corner. He liked the idea that no matter where she turned, she will still go back to him for help. And he made sure of that.

Well, that would be a statement of the year!

Louraine will prove him wrong. No matter what happens, she would never trust a man who once robbed her happiness and crushed her life. She won’t go back there again.

“And so?” She squared her shoulders and kept her self-confidence in check. “We both know there won't be any marriage happening and you said it yourself. You don't want this and you don't care enough, considering that you knew the situation. That’s all she needs to know to change her mind—the truth."

His jaw clenched and his eyes spat fire while hers could freeze an ocean. In the end, it was him who looked away first. Her lips lifted triumphantly. 

"I’m going to talk to my aunt and try to change her mind," she said. "She will understand, so you don’t have to worry. She’s not so cruel to force me to marry someone I don’t like. She’d rather lose the company than lose me.” Because she only has me and I only have her. If she’s gone… then I'd be completely alone.

That thought brought that familiar pang at the back of her throat. She quickly stood up to hide the pain that would be all over her face. She couldn’t risk spilling any emotions in front of this man.

"I should go." She hurled her bag on her shoulder and turned away fast.

"Louraine…" She heard Duke's voice when she’s already waiting for the lift to open.

He stood a few meters away from her. He wasn’t even saying what he was about to say but she could already tell what it was. The sorrow and the grief in his eyes gave it away and the telltale of pain immediately closed around her like an armor.

"I heard about your parents. I'm sorry," he said as sorry as his voice yet his face was still a mask of iron.

She couldn’t speak, just stared back at him while her chest was tightening, piling more blocks of ice around her heart. Did he have any idea how irritated she gets when people apologize to her at the mention of her parents? Probably not. He had no idea because he wasn’t there when she lost them.

Those strangers don't even know how her parents died. They have no idea what she'd been through when she lost them. And yet they tell her they're sorry? Why? It’s not like they caused the accident.

She doesn’t need their pity nor their apology, because it wouldn’t bring back her parents. Especially if it’s from the man who left her. Especially not from him.

The lift opened and Louraine went in, pushed the close button, and looked him in the eye while he stayed where he was, still looking at her. "You're ten years too late," she told him before the lift slowly closed.

"SOMETIMES, I’ll show you around the real estate that my dad bought. It’s actually great and very relaxing..."

Louraine stifled a yawn as she looked boringly at Loui Dimitri, her 14th date that week. It’s only lunch time and she already felt sleepy. But he still kept showing off his father’s wealth. She would’ve been impressed if he was boasting his own success and achievements, but all she could hear from him was his dad.

If boredom could kill, maybe she’s already dead.

She stared at him and wondered what could she gain from Loui Dimiti? He's known as the chic magnet who hides under his mother's skirt. She didn’t really want to waste her time for someone who’s not qualified to fulfill the responsibility, but she had to put him on the list because he’s the only son of Xavier Dimitri, who owned the Silver Incorporation, and also Georgina’s closest friend and James Cuertas old friend. Louraine thought Georgina could probably trust him as much as she trusts Duke.

Silver incorporation is the leading quality steel supplier inside and outside the country and one of the top businesses in the industry. His mother, Louissa Verona Mendez, was also a veteran actress who was known for her fund-raising charities.

Louraine could only shake her head thinking how desperate she’s looks. She wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing anymore. But she’s this desperate.

"Am I talking too much?" he suddenly asked her when she absently looked at her wrist watch. "Sorry. I was just trying not be nervous." He smiled apologetically.

Her brows knotted in curiosity. “Why would you be nervous?”

"It’s just that, you know...” He scratched his nape and looked absolutely awkward. “The things people say about you."

Louraine couldn’t stop rolling her eyes. Oh, yes. How could she forget about that? Being called an ice queen was almost normal for her. But after ‘ditching’ and ‘dumping’ her soon-to-be fiancé, her status elevated to “cold bitch”.   

Her instinct was right. Pictures of her and Duke inside that restaurant filled the internet and news magazines quicker than what she expected. People were even scandalized that she—an orphan—had the guts to turn down an heir to a Stanfield throne.

Women would die to be on her shoes, but she, who had the chance to fill that shoes and be a wife of Duke Steele, had the nerve to reject him.

She couldn’t help but smile with bitterness. What do they know? What right do these strangers have to judge her decisions?

People could be so judgmental, but they're all ignorant. And that ignorance was making her despise the world even more.

It’s a good thing she told Georgina about it before it blew up. She couldn't afford losing her aunt’s confidence and trust.  

"Things like I'm an ice queen?" she urged. "I think you shouldn't believe everything you read."

"I know," Loui said and put his glass down. "You don’t look that bad. In fact, you're very beautiful in person. Those lousy photographers didn't give you any justice..." he trailed when she raised one eyebrow. She didn’t actually come to listen to his pick-up lines.

She took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes. "I'm sure you know why we're having this... conversation." She couldn’t even say it was a date. Because it was hardly a date. She felt like she was conducting a job interview, except she was looking for a husband and not an employee.

Loui nodded and he suddenly looked serious and sober. "You're looking for a suitable husband, right?"

She slightly flinched for how pathetic it sounded. But since she ‘ditched’ the only man who could help them, she needed to find a replacement as soon as possible. And it wasn’t easy looking for someone competent as Duke.

She wanted to prove Georgina that they don't need a Steele to secure their business and she will keep her promise. She will find a solution to help their situation.

Loui’s reputation precedes him well. He took after her mother’s look and possessed a handsome face, and had a good built that he took after his father.

But not as dazzling as Duke…

Louraine quickly dispelled that awful image that suddenly popped inside her head. She wouldn’t dare make him a benchmark. He's the epitome of failure—that’s all she needed to remember and nothing more.

"Are you really interested in handling our business? If you have any other interest, confess now," she told him straightforwardly. She didn’t have the time to waste for idle talk. This was about business and they will talk like how businessmen do.

He’s quiet for a moment as if in deep thought. Was he going to lie like the others or will he be frank?

Loui cleared his throat and boldly met her eyes. “To be honest, I’m interested in you."

That made her frown because she didn’t expect his answer.

"We’ve actually met 5 years ago. On Georgina’s birthday. I guess, you couldn’t remember me. Since then, I took interest in you and that’s why I’m here." He’s saying it coolly but the twin flush on his cheeks were betraying him. Louraine found it endearing and innocent. In fact, he’s the only one who’s brave enough to say that. The last 13 candidates all lied to her.

But she still needed to ask him one question. "Can we trust you?"

She watched him leaned closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "You can trust me completely, Louraine."

They said that eyes are the window of the soul. As she looked at his, she could see the sincerity of his words.

Was he the answer to her problem? Would this be the end of her search?

Many have approached her. Some of them run their own successful businesses, some were lawyers, even bankers. Could she really pick him among them?

But he was the only one she can trust. Was her instinct enough?

"YOU’RE so beautiful!"

Louraine grimaced as soon as she saw her face on the mirror. "You sure you’re not making fun of me?" she asked Saab, her model best friend. She’s been her friend since they were in high school and Louraine couldn’t be even more glad that she’s here on her engagement day.  

"Since when did I lie to you?" Saab countered while fixing her hair.

Louraine stared at her face once again. She was not born with a slight vanity on her vein. But as she looked at herself, she could see traces of her mother’s fair skin and classic look on her that’s why she didn't need much makeup to enhance her features.

But she still needed some concealer to hide the purple streaks under her eyes. Her insomnia kept her awake all night.

Really? Isn’t it because you were nervous?

Louraine crushed that hideous voice inside her head. She doesn’t want to evaluate herself nor did she need it. All that mattered to her was she will finally lay her aunt’s worry. 

"For someone who’s getting married, you sure look like someone who’s about to die,” Saab said as she fussed over her hair. "You should smile! Today's your engagement, you brat! Do you know how many cameras swarming outside your door?"

Her shoulders sagged. She’s least worried about the media and all the havoc they would be creating today. All she could think about was her conscience. Was this the right thing to do? Could they really trust Loui?

She sighed. He already gave her his word and Georgina had given her approval. Everything’s been settled. So, there's nothing she should worry about. They no longer have to worry about the company’s future.

Damn! She really doesn’t need the nerves right now. She’s perfectly calm yesterday, so, why was she thinking twice about this?

"Are you… reconsidering?” Saab looked at her with concern.

“I’m just confused… but there’s no reason to cancel this day.”

“I always tell you this, that I’m all for your happiness. If this will make you happy and feel settled, I will support you on this. Just be sure that your fiancé will not give me any reason to kick his balls.”

That earned Saab a laugh from her and it surprised her that she could still laugh. It was actually her first since she had met Duke again.

That man never gave me anything good to feel about. 

She looked down and stared at her naked fingers. A few more hours and a diamond ring will settle on it, but it will be a stranger’s hand who will be slipping it on her.

A stranger’s hand. Wasn’t it what she wanted? To marry a stranger and marry in convenience? So why does she feel like she’s replacing something?

Don’t be silly, Louraine.

Now that she’s reminded of it, Louraine opened her drawer and reached for the velvet box that she has hidden there for years. Abandoned just how the man who gave it did to her.   

She never wore it, not once, after that tragic day and eventually forgotten about it. But now... she should probably lose it. Because after this day, she wouldn’t be wearing it. She would never wear it.

Tucking it inside her clutch, she gave herself a final check on the mirror. The shade of her dress only made her eyes more glacier. Colder. Just the way an ice queen should be. Now, she could fool the world that she’s the real ice queen.

"You’re a stunning bride-to-be, my friend! And I'm proud of myself!" Saab said, grinning from ear to ear. "Shall we?"

Media and journalists were pouring outside her house they’re almost blocking their drive way, waiting for her to come out. Fortunately, the car was heavily tinted and Louraine felt assured they wouldn’t be getting a shot of her.

She only let out a heavy sigh of relief when they disappeared from her sight. She already felt so stressed and the media wanted to harass her even more. She wished Georgina was less famous and private. Then Louraine wouldn’t have to deal with this dirty hide and seek game that the media loved to play. 

Her phone buzzed and saw Saab was calling her. She had taken the other car after taking her to the limo. "Where are you? Why aren’t you behind us?" Saab’s voice was full of worry and concern.

Louraine looked outside the window and noticed they were no longer in the highway. She lowered down the privacy window to talk to the driver. "Are you sure this is the way? We’re no longer in the main highway."

"What? Are you lost?” She heard Saab shouting from the phone.

"I’ll call you later, okay? I’ll be there soon. Just don't tell my aunt." And turned off the call. "Sir, can you hear me? This is not the way to the―"

She lost her word and she felt like her heart stopped beating for a short moment when her door yanked opened and two men covered in black mask entered and quickly restrained her hands. 

"Who― who are you? What are you doing?!" she screamed. Fear crept through her body as she struggled from them. But they were two big men and compared to her, her strength didn’t even match. It was a futile fight.

She's being kidnapped, dammit!

"Stop shouting! We’re not going to hurt you," the man on her left told her while the man on her right kept her hand tied.

"What do you want? Who are you?!" Her whole body felt cold out of fear but she wouldn’t let it win and take hold of her. She had to think fast and escape!

She continued to fight and tried to dislodge her arms free from the tight grasp of the man on her. She bared her teeth, used her feet to kick and hurt them. But the more she struggled, the tighter they held her. They’re too strong and she’s alone.

"I told you to sit still! We’re not gonna hurt you!" the man on her left shouted and hissed in pain from the bite on his arm. He tapped the driver’s shoulder and told him where to go.

Heavily heaving, Louraine looked at the driver and the kidnappers with accusing eyes. 

What the hell?! Was the driver a part of this scheme?!

"Where are you taking me?" she asked when the driver started the engine. She loathed that she couldn’t even hide the tremble of fear in her voice. 

Oh, God! Would she die? What would happen to Georgina if she’s gone?

Cold hands squeezed her stomach from the thought of leaving her aunt alone. She regretted that she didn’t listen to Georgina and insisted on going without a bodyguard. What would she do if something happens to her?

"Don’t ask too much," the man she bit told her while checking the bite mark on his hand.

“Just stop struggling. We promise not to hurt you.”

Louraine stared at the other man unconvinced. How could she trust these kidnappers?  

But she did as she was told and stopped fighting back and kicking them, and just as they said, they let her hands go. They were right. She only hurt herself when she struggles. But she couldn’t be at ease. Just because they say they won’t hurt her doesn’t mean she’s completely safe. She’s still being kidnapped.

Someone was behind this kidnapping, and it only meant one thing. Money. These filthy bastards wanted to rob her and Georgina.

With her aunt’s immense wealth, she’s bound to attract bad people. Wasn’t it that money is the source of all evil? And being branded as the sole heiress of the multimillion-dollar inheritance of Allegra Cuertas, it only made herself a target to the public's eye. She should’ve known that it would put her life at risk. It wasn’t just the media who was obsessed with her and wants to chase after her, but even kidnappers wanted a piece of her.

"Who’s your boss?”

“You will know soon,” the man on her right replied without even glancing at her. They’re too relaxed for a kidnapper, she observed. And their audible accents… 

Her eyes ran from their clothes up to their ridiculous head mask and she noticed how it didn’t match the luxurious brand of their leather shoes.

“What does he want? Money?”

The man he bit chuckled. "He’s already filthy rich."

Then why kidnap her?!

Louraine felt even more perplexed by what’s happening, especially when they were approaching where the kidnappers were taking her. She expected an abandoned building or a place worse than a dungeon but she was surprised to see that it was nothing like an abandoned building but a magnificent hundred-floor building that seemed to be sparkling against the sun’s glaring brightness.

"Where are we…?" she asked as they reached the dark parking lot basement. The two climbed out and escorted her to the elevator.

"To our boss."

As the lift takes them to the pent house, Louraine asked again, "Who’s your boss?”

“Someone who’s eager to meet you.”

Feeling a little more irritated rather than frightened and ridiculous, she glared at the kidnapper she’s been kicking. Here she was wearing a gown and her hair that Saab fussed over for an hour now looked worse that bird’s nest. It’s her engagement day of all days but look where she was, held hostage by an anonymous rich kidnapper.

Inside the lift, the kidnappers didn’t do anything like constraining her arms. In fact, they didn’t do anything but converse, in French to keep her from eavesdropping. But that was useless because she could understand them perfectly. She didn’t study in Milan without learning French. And she understood they were talking about a business deal like two businessmen.

Who are these people? Are they even real kidnappers?

What does it matter? They kidnapped her so they’re qualified as one.

As soon as the lift opened, the two escorted her out and gestured for her to walk ahead of them like perfect gentlemen. How ironic was that, when they’re kidnapping her?

She walked ahead and saw a woman sitting behind a desk. She looked up and blood drained from her face when she saw them.

"Hi, Beautiful Cassie. Where’s boss?" one of her kidnappers asked.

"He... he's inside," the woman replied, a frown forming between her flawless forehead. Louraine could understand her confusion. She, too, doesn’t understand a thing, but she’s sure this was not a regular scene in this office. 

“Don’t bother informing him,” one of them told the confused woman. “This is a surprise.” He winked and directed Louraine to go in.

The taller one suddenly stopped her. "Wait, shouldn't we knock first?"

"It’s a surprise, remember?"

"Right."

Her eyes swung back and forth between them as she watched them in total bafflement. Seriously, were they really paid kidnappers or plain idiots?

She just shook her head and opened the door. Her eyes were greeted by a spacious office with a floor to ceiling glass panels and a remarkable interior. She thought it was empty, at first, until she laid eyes on the man standing at the far corner of the room. But Louraine could already tell who he was right away even before he turned to face them. Even with his back turned, he still exudes commanding power, demanding attention.

"What took you so long?" he gnarled, his baritone voice rumbling. "You're half an hour late."

Louraine couldn't believe her eyes as she looked poisonously at the man standing broad and tall few feet from her.

It’s Duke Steele―her ex-fiancé—who kidnapped her!