006~ THAT IS

Leah,

Friday finally came! 

My mom agreed to the dinner right away as if she had been looking forward to it for a long time. The only time they got to see each other was at social gatherings, so I understand that this was more intimate since it would be only the family present.

"Why don't we plan a date for two of them?" Aria, my second sister who lived in another city, suggested that morning over the phone.

That was a great idea. I know my parents still loved each other despite them denying it. They haven't been in a serious relationship since their divorce, and there is this tension between them whenever they are in the same room. They just needed a push to realize that.

The hairs on my arm and neck prickled like tiny needles as a hand grazed my bare arm. I didn't need to look up to know who it was. The smell of his familiar cologne hit me before he spoke. It was weird that I knew the smell of his cologne when we only met twice.

"Mr. Carter," his rough deep voice greeted, and I shivered the fork falling from my hand into my plate. 

"Are you okay, Leah?" My mom asked, her brows furrowing.

I forced a nervous smile as I nodded and heard him chuckle beside me, his finger grazing the back of my neck, and I nearly jumped.

No one else at the table noticed what he was doing. He was standing so close that no one would have noticed.

I couldn't bring myself to look up at him. I stared at the table where his shadow stretched long across the table. 

"Aiden Kingston," my father greeted, standing and extending his hand for a handshake. 

Aiden took his hand, not leaving my side. I lifted my head. He had a wicked smirk on his face as he spoke to my dad, and I knew that smirk was for me.

He turned his black eyes that always looked amused when he looked at me, catching me off guard, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.

"Leah," he called his hand now shamelessly resting on my shoulder as he smiled. "We meet again."

"Yeah," I managed, my eyes drifting to his lips as I remembered what he had said at the elevator the last time we met.

His lips curved into a knowing smile, shame burning in my cheeks, as I looked away just as my father asked, "Do you two know each other?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but he beat me to it. "Ah yes, this will be our fourth meeting, right Leah?"

I forced a tight smile.

"It seems you were looking forward to it just like me," he purred, brushing his hair back. "My lips have been itching to keep a certain promise."

I felt my skin crawl.

"Mr. Kingston, over here!" A man sitting at a table not far from us waved standing.

"I will leave you to your family dinner then," he chuckled and retreated to a nearby table.

I didn't know I was holding my breath until he walked away. I gripped the edge of the table, taking slow breaths.

"When did you two meet?" My dad asked, staring at me and I avoided his eyes.

"The parking lot and at the company the other day you two had a meeting," I replied, gulping water.

"He works for the Kingston family!" My mom emphasised the Kingston family as she exchanged glances with my dad.

"You should avoid him, Leah," my dad advised a serious look on his face. "He is dangerous, and the last thing I want is him having any interest in you," 

Too late, Dad. I don't think I have the chance to escape him. Not when he sees me as prey and appears whenever I think he has forgotten all about me.

"Who is the Kingston family?" Ivy asked.

My dad sighed, rubbing his forehead. "They are a crime family. The biggest in the city." My father informed us. "Even the Walker family don't cross their path."

The Walker family is the richest in the city. George Walker, a multi-billionaire, expanded his father's business and became the richest man in the city. If that type of family didn't mess with the Kingston family, then our family had no chance.

I glanced at his side of the table as my father spoke, watching him as his lips moved while he spoke to the man who sat in front of him. 

I knew he was dangerous. I felt it in my guts the day we ran into each other at the parking lot. The way he looked at me. The way he spoke and carried an aura that screamed 'dangerous', but to think he was with the mafia!

A crime family that ruled the underground. We are talking of guns, murders and other illegal shit anyone can think of! I underestimated the level of danger he was.

He must have felt my gaze cause he turned to me, a smirk creeping up his lips, then he ran a finger over his lips while locking eyes with me, and I turned aware quickly, my heart hammering against my chest.

How did I attract the attention of a man like him?

The rest of the meal was torture. This was a dinner I have been looking forward to throughout the week. But it got ruined just by his presence, and he wasn't even that close.

My parents were engaged in small talks with Ivy contributing, while I sat holding my fork and trying to act like I couldn't feel the weight of his gaze on me. Whenever I dared steal a glance, our eyes met, and he wore that unsettling smile on his face that showed he was enjoying how much he was making me uncomfortable. I squirmed, in my chair looking away.

I don't like this.

Dinner came to an end with me barely eating anything. My dad asked why I didn't eat, and I lied that I wasn't that hungry. I didn't want to ruin the evening, especially when he and Mom had a nice time. It has been long since they felt comfortable in each other's presence, so I was glad I suggested we ate together.

"Drive home safely, honey." My mom said, waving at me before my dad's car drove off.

Dad suggested he take them join and since I came with my car and we weren't heading in the same direction, I didn't join them.

The hairs on my arm stood on end, as a sudden unease settled in my guts. Turning around, I flinched slightly at the source of the unease. He stood, his hands buried in his pockets as he watched me through the glass doors of the restaurant.

A dark smile curled up his lips as he gestured for me to come over. My breath caught in my throat as I clutched the strap of my purse, turning away immediately. 

Calm down, you will get to your car before he gets to you. 

I said to myself, my heart racing as I began walking towards my car, as fast as I could.

I heard footsteps behind me, and I looked over my shoulder. He was walking in long strides, a wide grin on his face. He was like a predator stalking his prey. Enjoying the way it tried desperately to escape. 

My pace quickened as I neared my car. It was close, but it felt very far. I fumbled inside my purse for my car key, relieved when I found it. I took it out, pressing the unlock button. 

One more step.

I lunged for the handle, pulling the door open when his hand clamped down on the top.

A shudder ripped through me as I felt the warmth of his body behind me. I fisted my dress, the other hand still holding onto the car like that would make him leave it. 

He leaned in close, his voice deep and mocking whispered into my ear, "Where are you going in such a hurry, doll?"