ESMERALDA was restless as she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Jeremy was sleeping soundly beside her, and Cynthia Lyn was snoring on the other bed. They were tired from surfing and swimming in the sea. If she had not called his nurse to check his condition, Jeremy would not have left the water. Amadeus had to promise him to take him sailing in the morning so he would shower, and before dinner, he drifted to sleep.
Esmeralda was also tired, but her mind would not let herself. She was flowing with ideas for clothes design, and her fingers were itching to sketch them. In the end, she got up and retrieved her drawing that contained her sketches. She did not want to open the lights and disturbed Cynthia Lyn and Jeremy's sleep, so she went out of the room instead. She could stay in the lobby since the lights were on in there.
There was no one around in the lobby except for the receptionist. She sat down on the couch, facing the sea. She lifted her legs and put her sketchpad on her lap. Her hands were quick to draw. She first drew a wrap-around skirt that had ruffles on the side made of cotton. She imagined it as the wave of the sea and cold breeze. It will go with a halter blouse. Perfect for the beach.
She was almost done when she noticed a shadow over her sketchpad, and a pair of eyes were watching her from behind. When she glanced up, she jumped at the sight of Amadeus standing behind her and looking at her sketch.
“What are you doing? Why didn’t you tell me you were standing there?” she snarled and caught her chest. She almost had a heart attack.
“You’re too engrossed with your work. What are you sketching?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said and brought the drawing pad to her chest.
“What ‘nothing?’ Let me see it.” Amadeus opened his hand. She shook her head. He leaned on the couch until their faces were only a few inches apart. “If you don’t show me that…” He purposely hung up his words and stared at her lips.
He looked like the prince of darkness with a sparkle of mischief in his eyes. Esmeralda swallowed. He was threatening to kiss her. And he did not care if other people could see. I can’t let him kiss me.
“Here you go. You did not have to threaten to kiss me,” she said and shoved the drawing pad to his chest.
He arched an eyebrow. "I was about to say I want to treat you for a cup of coffee as a bribe so that you will show me this. But thanks, anyway."
She shut her eyes and tight and felt like hitting herself. Why did she say that? It was her who turned out to be the dirty-minded.
He walked away whistling.
“Hey! Where are you taking my drawing?”
“At the café. The lighting is better there. A cup of coffee or tea would be perfect while we discuss your work. Let’s go.”
She followed him. She could not do anything about it anyway since he held her drawing pad hostage, and she could not take it back easily. After ordering steamed milk and chocolate chip for her and hot Morrocan mint tea for him, he studied her drawings.
“So, you don’t only sew. You also make designs,” he uttered with pure interest.
“Those are just drawings. There’s nothing extraordinary with my work. It’s nothing compared to the works of famous fashion designers.” As if he knew anything about the design of female clothing. She supposed he was better than removing their clothes.
“Did you design your wedding dress, too?”
She frowned. "I did not. Lexie said it would be better to leave it up to a famous fashion designer. My style does not fit rich people's tastes, after all. But that gown's a waste now because my wedding got canceled. Thanks to you."
“You’re welcome,” he said with a grin and returned her drawing pad.
And he had the nerve to tease her. Esmeralda drowned herself in the hot milk and cookies. She wanted to finish it so she could leave already.
"Why don't you sew again? Or put up your own shop. Your designs are simple, but they're wearable," Amadeus suggested and sipped his coffee.
“I don’t have a capital. My sewing machine is old and not functioning.” She gulped the milk. “I’m going back to my room now. Good night.”
“I’ll walk you there,” he said and held her elbow.
"By the way, thank you for making my brother happy. He had fun surfing. But please don't promise him anything. I don't want him to get used to the life I could not give."
“Jeremy is an intelligent kid. He was not demanding. But if I could do something to make him happy, I’ll give it to him. And I also want to see you happy.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “You want to see me happy?”
“Yes. What is it that you want that does not have something to do with Jeremy’s happiness?”
“Nothing. Because the last time I answered that question, my life turned upside down. I’m careful with my wishes now.”
Amadeus sighed. “Until when are you treating me as an enemy?”
"As long as you're in my life," she said. "So, if you want to make me pay, please make it quick."
“Don’t be excited, Esmeralda. We’re not starting yet.” He took the keycard from her and pressed it on the electronic knob. He returned it to her and caressed her cheek lightly. “Good night.”
Esmeralda was confused. Amadeus was not forcing himself on her. Even when she offered herself to him, he refused it. He was kind to her, acting like a gentleman. Could it be that another woman had got his attention, so he did not care about her anymore?
Esmeralda closed her eyes in resentment. If he wanted another woman, why was he still torturing her? Why was he still seducing her with his kindness?
No matter what strategy he would use, he should know that she would never fall him.