To Give And Take

CHAPTER 5

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Leaning on his dazzling black SUV, Austin cassually played with his phone when he heard movements that shifted his attention. Lifting his head, he caught sight of the slender figure who was elegantly walking towards him. The girl in front of him was dressed in blue high waist pleat skirt that barely touched her knee, the blue skirt exposed her fair white leg, accentuating her long legs and slender legs, a white oversized notch collar shirt that was stucked in her skirt and made her look more petite, but healthy. As shoes she wore white pair of slightly heeled sandals that exposed her red neat toes that were void of nail polish, it would probably have been a waist to polish her toe nails, as it might have ruined her beautiful toe nails, it was clear that she has taken good care of it.

Her long light golden hair was carefully tied into a pony tail, still it was still long enough and fell behind her like a bundled wave, while her sight swept fringe was meticulousely held back with a pretty blue claw crystal hair clip. Her exquisite baby face had a healthy blush, perharps due to the slight cold morning her already fair skin was even fairer, almost glowing. Her blue eyes were as deep as the blue sea, so enchanting that one found themselves unable to extricate themselves from them. Her beauty was cold, yet a gentle type of closeness that made others feel comfortable with her. Just like a fairy who had descended the mortal world by mistake, cold and gentle.

"We meet again Mr Kingston."

Austin soon snapped out of his thoughts as soon as he had heard her soft mellow voice that reminded him of the gentle melody of a harp. Her lively eyes stared at him with a curiouse scrutiny, but her enchanting voice could cause men's heart to heart to tremble, but he wasn't an ordinary man.

He had no doubt that such a voice could definitely produce a wonderful melody that would stir the entertainment industry. Infortunately for the directors and managers she didn't chose to major neither in music nor singing. But for him he didn't think it unfortunate, it was just fortunate.

Austin gazed calmly at the lady who didn't seem surprised by his presence at all. She had an inquisitive gaze that was locked on him with no other meaning to it.

"Miss Grey doesn't seem to be surprise by my sudden appearance."

Austin suddenly said and looked calmly at Lucy whom he hadn't seen for two days. Compared to two days ago, her complexion seemed to be rosier.

Lucy didn't shy away from his gaze, as for the question he mentioned just now. She seriously thought about it and it would be a lie to say she wasn't taken by surprise by his sudden visit, anyone would react like that, which was natural in human's reaction.

"No, I'm surprised, I wasn't expecting Mr Kingston's early visit two days later after our encounter."

Austin nodded in understanding, it was normal, he hadn't informed her about his arrival and suddenly called to inform of his presence in front of her appartment. He knew that it wasn't proper either, but he had just come back from an appointment and happened to passed by her appartment. If Lambert hadn't reminded him he wouldn't have recognized the building to her appartment. At that moment he had a sudden impulse to stop here. After looking at the tall building for a while, he decided to make a call and that's how Lucy found herself walking towards him.

"It won't happen again."

He appologized sincerely, which made it impossible for Lucy to find any fault with him. He was gentle and polite, with a gentlemanly aura, which matched Jane's description of Austin Kingston. At the beginning Lucy had thought Jane might have exagerated her description of her brother, but from her short observations, she didn't seem to have exagerated.

"Alright, then I accept Mr Kingston's sincere appology."

Anyway, she had nothing against this gentleman, she would seem petty if she held this triviality at heart or against him.

"Alright, why did Mr Kingston suddenly come here?"

"I need to have a talk with you concerning the file my sister left behind, do you have time?"

After saying it, Austin lifted his hand and exposed his wrist, revealing a Luxery Patek Phillipe watch that dazzled with an almost blinding light.

Lucy had seen a fair share of these Luxery watches, so she could tell that it was a very costly watch with at least five figures of zeros. From his dress to his shoes screamed luxery. Black windreaker above a black turtle neck pull-over. Black pants with black hightop shoes. His dressing might look cassual but she knew that everything on his body would probably amount to a few hundred thousands of dollars or more.

"It's still quite early, does Miss Grey mind accompanying me for breakfast, my treat."

Lucy thought about it and hesitated before nodding. It was indeed quite early and Jesse wouldn't wake up after a while, besides she wasn't worried about leaving him behind with Catherine arround.

"After you.", Austin opened the door in a gentlemanly way and let Lucy in before he followed behind her in the backsit, while Lambert sat on the driver's sit.

"Hello Lambert, how have you been ?"

"I'm fine, thanks Miss Grey."

Lucy nodded and continued.

"That's good, you should take care of yourself."

"Thank you for the concern Miss Grey, I'll remember your words."

Lucy nodded without saying any further, she wasn't familiar with Lambert, but she felt that he was more friendly, compared to the cold and aloof Austin Kingston. At least, she didn't think that she'll be bored with a person like Lambert, but it was contrary to Austin Kingston. It wasn't unlikely for two contradictory people to accompany each other, but it some how piqued her curiosity

Meanwhile, Austin who sat beside her felt that their interaction was quite unexpected but weird as well, he just couldn't understand it. He didn't know that these two could interact, because Lambert didn't interacting with others, but it didn't seem to be a problem with Lucy Grey. Any how, he didn't probe any further.

The journey took a quarter of an hour and they finally stopped in front of the restaurant. While Lambert drove to the parking lot, Austin led Lucy inside the restaurant.

It was a famouse restaurant in province C, she had come here once during a gathering. It could be considered a restaurant for the rich to flaunt their wealth, yet worth a visit.Their meals were quite pleasing and deliciouse, however, each meal was quite costly, with cheapest meal costing two thousand dollars. If she had to eat here everyday, her savings might deplet at a fast speed.Though, the price of food was astronomical,the quality of services and food deserved a five star rating. She was surprised that Austin Kingston actually knew about this restaurant, after all, it had only been in province C for only less than three days.

Thinking of Jane's words about her brother, Lucy didn't think much of it anymore. Her eyes wandered to find a comfortable sit, when a shadow suddenly close in, causing her to stiffen. But before she could react, she heard a low baritone voice mixed with a hint of cold gentleness.

"Would mind waiting a while, I'll get the staff to prepare a private room for us."

Hearing Austin's voice, Lucy was stunned and her first reaction was to refuse, but she suddenly thought of something and swallowed back her words. Taking a step back she smiled amiably at Austin Kingston.

"Alright Mr Kingston, I'll stand at the side, you go ahead."

Austin nodded expressionessly and walked towards the staff to get a room. Lucy could only stand at the side and play with her phone, she didn't know how long it would take to reserve a private room, but she guessed it might be very complicated. She didn't think it was necessary to go through so much just for a meal, but thinking that Austin was a germaphobe, she didn't deny it either. Though she wasn't as picky as Austin, she was also quite particular about cleanliness.

Standing at the corner, she thought about Catherine, she looked at the time and realised that Catherine should have woken by now, so she decided to send her message. She had initially thought of going out to buy some daily necessities while Jesse was still asleep, but she suddenly received Austin Kingston's call, so her plans were suddenly changed. However, she never had any plans of going out to accompany him for breakfast, neither did she reject him, just a slight hesitation.

"Hi miss fairy."

Being suddenly approached, Lucy frowned and took a step back before raising her head from her phone. The one who had just interrupted her seemed to be in his early twenties, he was dressed in t-shirt, a pair of jeans, together with a pair of wedge sneakers. His spiky chestnut hair gave off the aura of a university student, playful and unruly, yet he didn't give off an unpleasant air. His appearance couldn't be considered average, she could tell he was the type of boys who made maiden hearts flutter with his smile. His smile was probably an advantage to his appearance, but Lucy was unmoved.

"Excuse me." Her tone was cold and indifferent, yet it couldn't hide the gentleness that seemed to be carved in her bone.

The young man who had interrupted her couldn't help be stare at her in daze, he had met and dated countless girls, but this was the first time he had met a girl as beautiful as the one in front of him. Her beauty was natural and refreshing, with a natural gentleness. She looked pure and innocent, despite her coldness. Her make up free face was exquisite with an etheral beauty, her face was so smooth that not a single pore could be seen, she looked like a doll. He couldn't help but be attracted to her even more, he was at lost for words to describe such a beauty.

On the other hand, Lucy was annoyed by the look in the man's eyes, she hated it the most when others gave her a n***d scrutiny and she was even most disgusted by the sight of him. Taking another step behind, Lucy responded with a cold tone.

"Please, if you have nothing to say, then please step aside."

He really had nothing to say, but he kept staring at her in daze without saying a word, Lucy was utterly annoyed.

The young man finally realised that he might have been rude, so he retracted his gaze and regained a gentle and polite composure.

"Sorry miss, it was my fault for being enchanted by your beauty. It's just that I've never Seen such a gorgeouse lady as you, so I was dazzled for a few seconds and got lost in your beauty."

His words had no problem, coupled with his appreciative tone, he was quite eloquent. Most girls would be trapped by his eloquence, jumping into a conversation with him, but Lucy wasn't moved.

"Thank you."

Without looking at him, Lucy gave a perfunctory reply and lowered her head to continue playing with her phone, leaving the other party awkward.

In normal cases, any girl would be caught in a discussion with him before they could even realise it, it had always worked this way, but the girl in front of him made him speechless. He didn't know whether to retreat or advance in this situation. However, thinking of the reason why he approached her, he decided to be bold once again. He guessed a girl like her should be a straightforward type who didn't like to beat arround the bush.

"That...miss, may I bother you?"

"You already did.", Lucy replied without even lifting her head, her tone became impatient, yet her voice was still gentle and pleasing to the ear. However, her reply once again rendered the other party awkward and speechless.

He had to c***k his brain to think of a way to proceed.

"Then, please do me a favour, it's absolutely urgent and important to me, I beg you to help me out."

Lucy who hadn't been paying attention to the person in front of her finally raised her head and looked at him for a split of second, then diverted her attention behind him but her gaze didn't linger for long before she looked spoke with her ussual gentle tone.

"I'm not sure I can be of great help. But if it's within my ability, then I'll help as much as I can."

After listening to Lucy speak, the young man finally gave a sigh of relief, with an averting gaze, he smiled confidently at Lucy.

"I'm sure you can definitely help." After saying it, Lucy realised that he seemed to be averting his gaze slyly.

"Alright, as long as you can afford it."

Lucy added, smiling warmly, yet her smile despite causing one's heart to throb, gave off a strange feeling of innocence and oppression.

The young man couldn't explain why, but when he saw Lucy's innocent smile, he felt guilty despite his throbbing heart, but after thinking about it, he didn't hesitate and suddenly approached Lucy.

However, before he could close in, he felt an intense pain on his shoulder. A chill ran down his spine, causing his heart to tremble in fear.

His shoulder seemed to be bearing a heavy weight that made it difficult for him to move and he didn't even have the guts to scold anyone until he was pushed aside by the strong hand.

Once the pain on his shoulder had subsided he finally regained his freedom and was ready to scold the person who had grabbed him just now, but the moment he opened his mouth, he met a cold gaze, suffocating him and causing him to forcefully swallow his curses.

The man in front of him was handsome and elegant with a bewitching appearance, the aura arround him was noble, but at this moment the young man felt that a mountain was pressing on his chest. The look in his eyes wasn't different from that of a god looking at an ant.

"I..."

The young man didn't know why, but he was unable to utter a word.

"Do you need me to help you find your way?"

His cold comment caused the young man's leg to weaken. At that moment, he didn't dare stay any longer, lest he offended someone.

"Sorry !", He rushed away without looking back, while Lucy watched this with great interest.

"Is it interesting ?", He didn't know why he suddenly asked this question, but when he saw Lucy's looking at the other party with great interest he couldn't help but distract her and draw away her attention.

"Very interesting.", Lucy didn't blink when she spoke, she found the scene just now very interesting. She had often heard Jane tatle tale about Austin Kingston's imposing aura, little had she expected to experience it today. The kind of aura wasn't just imposing and it would be unfair to just call oppressive, it was what she called a majestic aura of a king. Just standing there without uttering a word, but making other cower at his majestic aura. Coupled with his blue electric eyes that seemed to freez souls, she wasn't surprise that he was able to subdue that young man. Jane didn't possess such blue electric pupils, but she revealed to her that Austin obtained it from his mother, including his peerless beauty. As for his majestic aura, it was perharps a cultivated gift, according to Jane.

"Jane was indeed right about you in that aspect."

It was that type of inquisitive comment, he hadn't encountered many who made use of it like Lucy Grey. Austin looked at the innocent blue eyes that stared at him with interest. That gaze was neither deep nor shallow, with a touch of innocence to it.

"Are you curiouse ?"

Without further thought, he guessed why she had asked him that question, but he had no interest in asking any further, nor did he wish to satisfy her vanity.

Lucy wasn't dissapointed that he didn't reply, she had been prepared to receive his aloof gesture, but just when she thought of giving up, Austin finally spoke.

Meanwhile Austin Kingston deepened his gaze as he stared at Lucy with scrutiny, wishing he could open her brain to examine it. She didn't even realise the danger when in stood in front of her, he didn't know if she was unware that her beauty could topple cities. The moment they had stepped into the restaurant, almost every man had turned their gaze on her, regardless of whether they had a partner or not. The young man chased by him was one of them.

He had heard him betting with his friends on leaving a kiss on Lucy's lips. After listening to the whole bet, he felt utterly disgusted, but the person involved didn't seem to be aware of the danger arround her.

"Miss Grey, you have an impressively high IQ but you EQ appears to be less desired."

Lucy was stunned at his comment, but she replied with a gentle smile.

"Thank you!"

" It wasn't a compliment."

Of course she didn't consider it as a compliment, she didn't believe that Austin Kingston had become so impressed by her.

" I know, but I still have to thank Mr Kingston's compliments on my IQ.

Austin was speechless, it looked like this girl had a habit of making others speechless. He had seen her use that ability on others, but he didn't expect to fall victim as well.

"Besides, I'm not a clueless fool Mr Kingston, I appreciate your earlier intervention. But if you were attentive, you would realise that words had traps, I still left a choice for myself."

Lucy added and Austin realised that he couldn't refute her, it was he who was too meddlesome and impulsive, which rarely happened.

"How confident were you against accidents and flaws."

Lucy chuckled at his comment and added with a smile.

"Am I so weak in Mr Kingston's eyes?"

Austin thought about it and realised that it indeed wasn't the case, After all she had almost killed him during their first. He would have been crippled if he hadn't been alert, so to say the girl wasn't easily taken advantage of, she was smart and alert.

"Sir, your private room is ready."

A waiter respectfully diverted their attention before leading them to a private room. This wasn't Lucy's first time entering the restaurant's private room, yet she still gasped in amazement when she walked it. The private room didn't look ordinary, the designs were exquisite and meticulousely arranged with chandeliers hanging above, with its personal washroom. It could accomodate half a dozen or more individuals. she guessed it was probably a VIP room without any doubt.

"Please order what you wish, no need to stand on ceremony."

Austin passed the menu to Lucy who was still marvelling at the exquisite architecture of the private.

"Thank you Mr Kingston, then I really won't stand on ceremony, hope you won't despise me "

Lucy said playfully with an amiable smile, while Austin didn't seem to mind. He didn't think much about what she said and lowered his head to look at the menu, the waiter stood at the side and waited to receive their order. For a few minutes, the private room was extremely quiet, only the beautiful melody could be heard in the background.

After going through the menu, Lucy finally made her choice.

"I'll have an egg fried rice, croissant, a bowl of oatmeal porridge, classic waffles and finally a glass of apple milk. I think that should be all for now, thank you."

Lucy then passed the menu to the waiter who was stunned on the spot, while Austin who had been looking at his menu raised his brows with a fascinanted expression.

He had gone to several dates in his life, but most of the girls were interested in ordering plain food like vegetables and low callorie drinks in order to control their weight. However, the girl in front of him didn't seem to modest, nor did she eat with the thought of controlling her weight.

Looking at her petite body who could be blown by a gust of wind, he wondered if her body didn't absorb nutrients. He had only thought about it when his gaze unconsciously looked down at her voluptuouse figure. Austin's expression stiffened, but he immediately regain his composure and looked down at his menu to give an order.

"I'll take a plate of omelette, bread, butter and a cup of coffee."

"Noted."

After joting down their order, the waiter retreated, leaving them alone in the private room. Lucy lowered her head and looked at her phone for a short moment of two seconds, before turning her gaze towards Austin.

"We might have to wait for atleast a quarter of an hour , does Mr Kingston think that it's enough to talk about the reason of your sudden visit?"

She didn't flatter herself to think that she had suddenly been invited her out for a date.

Austin didn't give a reply but turned to his watch, confirming her words he raised his head and looked at Lucy with a seriouse expression.

"Let's talk about Jesse."

.....