Chapter 13

Under His Protection::::

Laura scoffed focusing her glittering eyes in his direction. Seeing her like this close under the soft lightening of a posh restaurant makes him wanting to do something he had promised himself never to do again just like that fateful night, he stopped himself ncrom remembering but here he goes again touring himself with those memories.

"If I did not know better my father has just found the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on me now that iam away from home, he likes to know everything" she lamented.

"Call it fatherly love" Michael said while trying so hard not to focus on her exquisite lip, those same lips he had tasted before when he gave in into the temptation one night, long time ago.

She snorted pushing her hair at the back of her shoulder " my father is a stick-in-the-mud kind of guy who cannot accept the fact that iam no longer a little girl that needs to be in his care"

"You cannot blame his Excellency for doing that since you are his daughter after all, he just wants to protect you" they both looked at the man who had been silent but recently spoke up.

Laura shook her head " japhet is that supposed to make me feel better about his autocratic behavior towards me? She asked with a displeasure in her pretty face.

Japhet smiled and gave her a light squeeze on her arm " I think let's call this a night?" He spoke after a long silence enveloped the dinner table. He gestured for the waiter for the bill and they waited in silence when he placed his black card on the machine the waiter gave him, finally when everything was settled they stood up with Michael waking behind them.

Once they were outside, they waited for the valet to get japhet's car, " Are you sure you don't want me to take you home?" Japhet asked.

From the corner of his eyes Michael saw Laura  shook her head and smile, " No, thank you. It is late already and I know you must be Early to office tomorrow, that is for the offer japhet maybe next time"

As expected japhet's car was flashy as him, when the valet drove it in front of the restaurant, he dipped his head to kiss Laura on the cheek. Michael felt his fist balled in his side as he remained stoic.

Japhet slid in his car and gave Laura a final goodbye wave before driving away in the street, once their car pulled up in front of them Michael slid into the driver seat with Laura by his side.

Silence enfolded the car ride on their way to her apartment, he was now sure her annoyance was directed to him, she stl hasn't accepted the fact that he is her new bodyguard or maybe he ruined her date with that rich guy, either ways he did not care since this was nothing personal just pure business.

After few minutes of silent drive they finally arrived at her apartment, he silently followed her into the surprising modest looking apartment lobby, he was half expecting she was residing to somewhat opulent looking residence. They rode the empty elevator and still no word spoken since dinner.

"Aren't you going to invite me in for coffee?" He asked brightly when she unlocked her door.

"No" she rasped turning the door knob and pushing the door open, " it is already late Michael and you should get going, goodnight"

Michael placed his foot in the side of the door to prevent it from closing in his face, " At least allow me study the layout of your apartment for future reference" he tried to peek inside the dark room but she stopped him by pushing him out further in the hallway.

"The heck would I allow you do that?" She said disapprovingly " what are you? A building inspector? Get going Michael!'

"Are you sure?" He asked, hoping she would change her mind.

"Yes" she replied opening the light of her apartment, Michael eyes were alerted  when he saw a shadow passed her varenda from her french window, it seemed he did not just imagine it since Laura suddenly tensed and grasp his shirt like a little child who was scared.

The look of horror in her eyes were enough for him, he immediately wrapped her in the secure of his arm.

"Michael....." She whispered softly.

He gently placed a finger on her lips as he placed her gently behind him, still securing her while also looking at his back he carefully walked to the window.