"I never saw so sweet a face

As that I stood before.

My heart has left its dwelling place

And can return no more."

- John Clare.

Elena's P.O.V

The Silver Spring is the hub for corporate, group, conference and leisure. Though it's a Hotel accompanied with spa for guests and travelers, but the Dining area is Open to Everyday Customers. The destination is an architecturally stunning with Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, golf, and beaches. The hotel offers a unique location for business meetings, conferences, social events & weddings. It also has a grand Grand Ballroom. I first came to this place 3 years ago when one of my friends, my senior, got engaged here. I fell in love with the place and I used to visit it often. Though I came here just twice since the past year.

Now, coming here for over almost a year, I comprehended what I missed. The place is just breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful.

Dad and I just reached the place. Uncle called a few seconds ago confirming that they too are here and are waiting in the dining area.

As we entered the dining hall, I spotted Uncle and Damon. Even from the distance I knew that Damon's eyes were on me and the way he looked at me, I felt my throat and lips going dry with the strangest feeling I feel when he is around.

His eyes were fixed on me and I felt like a petrified little kitten, but then Caroline words hit my head again and I reminded myself that it doesn't cost much to act normal.

I will be normal, I will enjoy tonight, even in Damon's presence. I said to myself. I managed a cool smile as me and dad reached the table and greeted each other.

"You're looking pretty my doll" Uncle always finds a new way of complimenting me and I can only just smile and mutter a "Thank you" as colors rise in my cheeks.

"Thank you, Uncle. You are looking great yourself, “I said genuinely. He is quite elder, even to my dad, but he looks so fit. I guess this fitness is inherited and passed on to Damon.

Talking about him, he looked handsome in a black dinner suit accompanied with a white shirt. He caught my eye and twisted his lips in a smile. I told myself to stay cool and not react.

But really..... whatever-he-thinks-of-himself!

"Black suits you, Elena. You are looking fabulous, “he said, holding my hand, after shaking hands with my dad.

I gave a quick shake of hand and pulled back as quickly as somehow I got reminded of our handshake from the afternoon and I didn't want a repeat of that. He understood and an amusement ran across his face as he saw me wincing with that reminder.

I am trying, but he really is not helping me to stay cool!

"Have your seat" Damon said as he pulled my chair for me.

Chivalry!

Right.

"Thank you Damon,” I acknowledged with a polite smile.

Maybe Being Normal will not be so hard!

"Damon really liked the place, Elena. Your choice had to work, I knew" Uncle said happily.

I beamed at him happily too, saying a "Thank you" to him and then looking at Damon smilingly "I am glad you liked it"

"I didn't have any doubts about it not to be good." He said giving a smirk. He then followed me as I was trying to lose myself and reminding me to remain normal, furrowing his forehead he asked "Would you like to find something to drink, Elena?"

"Let's place ourselves a drink" Uncle put in and nodded with a grin.

Foods and Drinks were ordered and the table was so full of delicacies with varieties of our favorites that it appeared like a banquet.

Well, maybe not for me, but it was no less for the 3 men I was having dinner with.

Dad and uncle were continuously talking. Discussing business, the new project, the good fortune of this hotel and other stuffs businessmen loves to speak about. Damon was participating in-between and so was I once in a while, but most of the time I was simply eating and do the listening part. Damon's frequent glares kept my conscious self on high alert.

He attempted to build a conversation, but I passed a very straight small reply and twice his attempts of making me talk... failed!

He tipped his head and kept watching me as he consumed his food.

This isn't a normal situation.

Another reminder hit me that I possess to be myself, act normal... even if the person sitting In front of me is the person I been suffering nightmares about.

As I was having my final course, my favorite Chicken Spaghetti. "How come you never been here earlier, Damon?" I asked him and from the way he came up his eye at me I bet he was surprised I got down a conversation.

I found myself gagging as I suppressed a giggle.

Way to go Caroline, you are right. Nothing feels better than surprising the only mortal who loves to surprise others.

"Just didn't. It's my First time" he enunciated in his trademark lopsided grin.

"I know, but why? It's a big spot and a famous one indeed"

"Sure, it is but I am sure you already know, I was in the United Kingdom for past 9 years now and my visit here been quite short and when I have been here I normally used to hang out to my favorites"

"I watch, then why you agreed with this one today, we certainly would have loved to be at your choice of place"

Now, it was out and I couldn't take my words back and how I regret saying that because as soon as I said it he smiled at me. A sweet, charming smile that said, because-of-you.

Yea I can't hold it back so better would be I pretend I don't realize a thing he was straining to project to me by smiling flirtatiously.

"I have never been here, but I wanted to be here.... having heard much about it... from sources and from dad..."

There... don't even go there or be ready for a silent treatment. I thought to myself.

"Well, my boy it was up to you what place you chose. Elena is right, we would love to be at your choice of place" Uncle Put in.

"And so I should accept that it's one of my favorite now and I am happy I am here. I like the place, the ambience, the food and of course the company I am with" he said that last bit, looking at me and then shifting his gaze to my dad and uncle.

Uncle and dad both smiled, but I recall I heard someone give a loose cough, but I possessed no idea who it was from as my mind was busy patting Damon's head for smartly passing his message to me and then impressing dad and uncle with his language as well.

Too smart!

Between who coughed? It didn't feel like a natural cough, but the form of cough you purposely do when you hear or experience something unusual or fishy. A secret may be.

God! My mind wandered. I really must not over think now. Maybe it was for someone else.

It's quite possible.

We have a four-sitter table with nicely cushioned chairs on placed on either side of the table. Dad and Uncle were facing each other from longitude position and me and Damon was facing each other in latitudinal way.

"The food is very amazing. I like your selection of food Elena. Chicken spaghetti is nicely cooked and the smell is awesome" Damon said.

"Yes, I liked it too" Dad agreed. "It's Elena's favorite. As a child, she was as fond of chicken as chocolates and she is the best judge of chicken delicacies"

"I am sure, if she chose it, then it has to be good" uncle supplied.

"Thank you everyone" I said, color rising in my cheeks. Poor chicken gave his life, the Chef cooked it and I am the one getting credits just because I choose to order it. "It's one of the special dishes here. Very much in demand."

"I didn't knew this lovely lady we have a pleasure to be amongst us was fond of chicken" Uncle said.

"Oh, Uncle, now you are making me blush" I said, feeling embarrassed for the manner he stated it. I looked at my dad giving him a not-let-out-my-secrets look "Dad...."

He laughed and so did everyone. Only it was Damon's laugh that was splashing like waves in my ears the most. I threw him a corner eye look which made him laugh more.

"You always try it, right?" Damon inquired. A certain humor in his tone, but it came out in an appreciative way so I didn't mind.

"Whenever I am here, I order it for sure,” I said priding with my love for Chicken Spaghetti.

He tittered and I chuckled sharing the joke of my affection for Chicken Spaghetti.

Thankfully the main course was over and it was time for desserts. And I was most grateful for the fact that the evening was running well. I guess it's not so hard being myself. I really should try it more often.

Thanks Caroline. I know I should have listened to you earlier, but I think everything has its own time.

It was time for desserts now and Damon decided we try something Australian. I ordered Chocolate truffle tart, Damon ordered for a Lamington and both Dad and Uncle opted for Peach Melba.

When the desserts were served all of us were almost salivating over them. They looked tempting and yummy.

It's a sin to simply look at chocolate truffle tart and not let them slide through your lip and feel your taste buds going for a hike. I didn't desire to offend their feelings and then I quickly took up my spoon through and held my first bite and it felt like I was in paradise.

"So tempting - I can perish for this" my mouth uttered as I loved my chocolate truffle tart, totally forgetting that I was being followed.

Damon said "I feel so too" looking straight at me.

I felt he intended something else but then he chuckled and my dad and uncle laughed. I didn't bother with the embarrassment I felt, I continued scooping my truffle and they tried their choice of Dessert. My eyes on each of them.

And it was my time for the return laugh when I saw their expressions, enjoying their desserts.

"Awesome" Uncle said with great satisfaction in his face.

"I can't agree more...it's really tasty" my dad said as he tried his dessert.

I suppressed my giggle, waiting for Damon's reaction.

"Yummy...really really yummy" he said in a tone that would make you feel that he has fallen for Lamington.

God bless Lamington if it were a girl because the way Damon was looking at it was as if it's his girlfriend and he is all crazy about her.

How a girl would love to be looked at, like that, by a guy like him...! I found myself thinking as I watched him enjoying his Lamington and suddenly my taste buds was no more interested in my chocolate truffle tart anymore.

Gosh!

What exactly went wrong with my head?

Was this stupid tart had wine in it or have I lost my mind to think something like that?

I felt so uncomfortable and I didn't dared to touch my dessert.

"Why aren't you having your dessert, Elena?" Dad asked.

"I don't feel like having more, Dad"

"But just a while ago, you were relishing over it..." Damon asked and Uncle looked at me in confusion.

What do I say now?

Why do I always get stuck with excuses? Huh!

"I don't know, somehow I am feeling a bit dizzy here." I lied. But I think it was a good lie , at least saying this would help me to get some free time alone and I just can stroll around a bit and be back with my mind in the right place. "Mind if I go out for some time. I think I really need fresh air" I said, looking at dad with pleading eyes.

"But..."

"Oh come on, Alaric, let her go." he said and shared a look with dad which I really failed to understand.

I really was not thinking straight and all I was wishing was to be out and away from Damon.

"Okay, go, but don't be go too far and be back soon... We are almost over. Don't keep us waiting"

"I assure dad, I will be back in a few minutes" I rose from my chair thanking my lucky stars for hearing my silent prayers.

As I was about to turn, Uncle said "Damon, We still do believe in Chivalry my boy, accompany Elena and make sure she is fine"

"Sure Dad" Damon said with a smug as he looked at me.

My eyes went wide hearing him accept to that suggestion.

What? No! No! No! My mind was in full fright and I wanted to say I changed my mind or I am better now, but before I could say Damon was standing right by my side as if he was waiting for this opportunity.

I blinked at him and he grinned like he saw a cherry on my nose or whatever he found funny about the situation. For me...I was in complete distress. I wanted to be out of sight...away from him and now I have to go out with him.

"Come Elena" He said lifting his brow a little as he saw my hesitation.

I gave him a tight-lipped smile and started to walk.

Didn't I said it before I am awful at excuses? They usually land me up in much messier than I had been.

I turned around and stepped out of our table alongside Damon. Before moving ahead, something made me turn and look at my dad. I saw him and uncle exchanging looks and smiles like they shared something funny.

Whatever!

Cursing myself, I tiptoed out of the dining hall with Damon by my side, he smiles in his trademark way, for God-knows-why!

******************************************************

Damon's P.O.V

We walked towards the hallway, out to the main area and towards the Beach, a few walk away outside the Silver Spring, a little further, located on the left side of the hotel.

"This place is lovely. You got excellent taste, Elena," I said.

I saw the hesitation in her face as if she is fighting with herself to say something. Then she finally said "Thanks for coming. Though you really didn't have to. I could have managed by myself" she looked at me and maybe she thought I felt bad. Which I didn't. So she immediately said "I mean...it's not that I am sick so it was useless to trouble you..."

"I don't see it as trouble, Elena," I said, giving her smile hoping she feels comfortable. "It's a chance to know each other more"

I looked at her and our eyes met and her eyes looked tensed.

I failed in making her comfortable. She looked more guarded and lost in her thoughts. Walking with me yet miles away from me, looking straight towards the beach as we came near it.

She inhaled a fresh air and then breathe it out and kept looking at the small waves of the sea. I caught that opportunity to look at her.

Ever seen a moon at night, so shiny in appearance and coming out of the dark velvet sky? That is how Elena is looking, dressed in black. Her glowing ivory tone complexion being complimented by her dress color and the dress fitting her so well, like another skin.

She was looking absolutely stunning! Her hair pumped up from the front with few tendrils that once framed the side of her face was now flying across her face because of the breeze and the rest of her hair tied at the back in a stylish ponytail and brought to the front from the right side of her neck. A small diamond stud sparking on each ear. Her lips looking glossy in a lovely plum shade and her eyes defined with little eye-makeup, mascara on her lashes and the soft look in her eyes. She was looking like poetry in flesh and blood, breathing by my side... so lost and looking so delicate and fragile and my heart was pounding in my chest.

I felt something stir inside my heart when I first saw her in the morning,  though she was so indifferent to me and then I saw another side of her, a better side, and a normal side when we met again and had dinner.

The way she said "So tempting - I can die for this" I felt like she voiced my heart's feeling for her. That’s something I felt in my heart stirred a little more when I as her step inside the dining hall and coming towards our table where I was standing. And walking with her to here, standing by her side and watching her gorgeous face and the platter of expressions in her eyes as she observes the beauty of nature is almost making me panic to what my heart is feeling.

Have I really been smitten by Dad's Angel - Dark Angel? I mused.

"Damon...” She said softly. At least she realized I am with her.

"Yes, Elena"

"Please stop staring at me. It makes me uncomfortable" I was surprised she even could sense it; because I was certain she didn't look at me at all.

I knew the way our eyes meet there is some kind of intensity which I felt and I was sure she could feel too no matter how much she hides or objects the idea.

"I am not staring" I lied.

"You were.... I know"

"I was just looking... like people do, normally"

"Maybe, I am not so fond of normal things then," she said looking at me.

"Why?" I said, lifting my left brows.

"Just take it as that's how I am like," she said very simply.

"Well, if you say so, but can I ask you one thing?" I had to ask  her now, it mattered to me, and I decided I will ask her.

"Go on..." She looked at the sandy ground of the beach.

"Why my looking at you makes you comfortable?" I felt stupid asking it, but still I wanted to know her reason.

She snapped a look at me. I didn't have time to react, she quickly looked away as she closed her eyes. Then she opened them again. Her lashes trembled. I think I saw the pain and confusion in them.

She opened her lips to say something, then closed them. Her hesitation was obvious. She parted her lips again and glistened them. Slowly lifting her lashes to look straight at me as she said: "Isn't it enough to know and understand that I do not find it comfortable?"

"That was the reason why you couldn't finish your dessert?" I asked.

It was on my mind all the time, but I didn't ask. Now that she put forth this issue I couldn't let it go without asking this. She was enjoying it and then she just rejected it. I wondered why!?!

I felt a bit guilty thinking if it was because of my constant stare. She was being much better with me now than she was in the morning, but those reactions and expressions of her's were still bothering me and then my commenting on her statement when she was enjoying her truffle. I thought maybe she got furious because of me and ditched her favorite dessert, so when dad suggested I come with her, I just grabbed the chance thinking I will apologize to her and luckily she herself raised that topic.

"You already asked one question."

"You didn't answer that so at least reply to this one"

"No. I didn't. Happy now," she said gruffly and turned away to walk further.

I felt bad. Very bad. My jaw clenched. Here, I am trying to apologize to her and she is being so rude to me. What exactly I did so bad for her to be so rude to me since morning, our first meeting?

I grabbed hold of her wrist and made her turn away.

"Let...go...of...me" She lifted her hand to push me, but then her hands hovered and she dropped it on her hand I was holding, trying to free her hand from my hold. Her eyes sparking of instant anger.

"Don't answer the other two questions, but tell me why you are being so rude to me. I don't remember doing anything to you then why?

I was not very angry but it did bother me and I needed to know. I looked at her and she jerked her head away "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Really? You don't know?" I questioned, lifting my brow.

"Why will I lie to you or be rude to you at all?" She said in a hard tone, unable to take her hand off.

"That's what I am asking....answer me" I demanded.

"Will you let go of my hand or no?" She asked, her eyes dark with anger.

"Only after you answer me." I said.

"There is nothing to say"

"Then why do you react like that every time I look at you, why you were so difficult with me in the morning and why you didn't finish your dessert when you had been enjoying it before. It’s because of me, I know... but I don't understand why so tell me"

She put her other hand on her jaw and winced. Then shot him a look filled with hatred. "You are so much into yourself, you think the world revolves around you" She almost shouted, then her voice lowered but still hard enough as she said “Well. Maybe you have known girls who gave you so much of importance that your ego couldn't hold it , but Sorry, you don't affect me at all and nothing I did or will do, will be anything to do with you"

I looked at her. Stunned. Whatever she is saying!

"Now you got my answer so just leave my hand, will you," she said giving him a hard look.

I didn't have any intention to do that. I wanted to bring her closer and remove that tendril of hair away from her face and tuck it at the back of her ear and look into her eyes and touch that face.... God! She looks so hotter when she is angry.

"Damon, leave my hand", she said again, in a hard voice.

Coming out from my thoughts and swearing to myself for thinking that way and feeling kicked off by what she said. I said in a controlled voice. "I am sorry, I guess I got the wrong impression may be. But what makes you talk about my lifestyle?"

"Nothing. I am least bothered. Isn't that obvious?" She hissed as her struggle, to be free, continued.

I left her hand and she gave me a scornful look as she jerked and turned to walk away.

"Elena....please... listen to me" I remembered Dad's advice.

She jerked back at him again "I won't tolerate this kind of behavior so next time please keep your hands to yourself"

"My apologies for my behavior, Please Calm down and listen to me," I said and she looked at me and then "go on" as she nodded her head.

"You know I will be joining the firm and it would get really hard for me if you will make a great deal of every little thing" I tried to say but stopped in between not knowing how to say without offending her.

"I am making a great deal of everything?" She repeated in a hard voice.

I ignored, maybe she needs to know and I have to tell her that yes, she is, to keep things clear.

"If you keep being the same as you been with me until now" I completed and I saw her face change colors, but before she could say anything I said "Please don't misunderstand me, I am not trying to make you feel low or anything,  I just really have no idea why you behave like that with me and it's bothering me and that is not a very pleasing thing according to me , I mean I need a healthy and pleasant work environment, everyone does, only then the work goes in a smooth flow. I am not saying my decision will be based on your behavior, but... it just might affect and since I don't know your reasons,  then my mind can come up with anything that maybe you don't want me to join...."

"No, that's not true. Why would I object or mind you joining when it's not me who gets to defied, it's not just mine , it's your dad's firm too, they are partners. It's as much mine as yours"

"I know, I am not saying if you object or not ...but just that I find your behavior towards me a little.... Well...it's strange, I don't even know what to say since I don't even know the reason behind it"

"I am sorry if it felt so, but trust me, I have nothing against you personally, nor I am against you joining us. For the future, I will keep what you said in my mind and I will see that I am completely professional with you" she said. Her voice a bit edged and lower, like I made her regret something.

"Please don't take it that I am trying to make you feel bad, I am straight-forward and I say things clearly so that there be no confusions" I replied.

"I understand and I am glad you cleared things, it will really help for good working relationship"

For a moment none of us said anything else, with every word she said she made me sure she would not make me feel otherwise again, but at the same time she threw hints that she is just talking about the professional relationship so I better look out for my actions too. She is smart, quite smart. I am impressed. Without saying anything, she said it all but I am smart too, and I know how to get across to get what I want and I want to know the reasons and I will find them out sooner or later.

Without looking at me "Let's go back, Dad and. Uncle must be wondering what hold us for so long"

"I doubt so, but I guess we should get going if you say so"

"Hmm" That was all? Just Hmm? Elena was thinking something I know. Her face shows she has some thoughts rummaging her mind. I just hope I didn't annoyed her, but I had to say what I said to keep things clear. Dada warned not to take the bull by the horns, but try to be friendly and here Elena stated very clearly "Professional Relationship Only" and we just met today, it would be too quick to ask for friendship.

And not too fast to hold her hand and gaze in her eyes and feel...? My conscious supplied. Which of course I ignored.

"You know better than me how much dad loves to talk and being with Uncle just makes it better, so I really doubt they be wondering anything except busy in their own talks and well..We are not kids to go lost for them to be afraid for us" I said teasingly, with a smile, to lighten the moment.

She gave a half-smile. "Yeah I know but let's just go now. I am fine now. No point staying here"

All the reasons to stay here but only if you care to see. My thoughts said and I controlled them and gestured her to walk with a smile "sure, let's so"

We were walking back and the cool breeze made me feel stupid to move away from here where I can be with her alone, enjoying the weather instead of sitting inside with everyone else.

She is so indifferent to me and yet it feels good to be by her side, walking with her, looking at her.... As she walked I had a glimpse of her from the corner of my eyes and she still looked lost but so pretty. She looked troubled and I felt like I hug her and tell her whatever it is, it will be fine. I dared not to though. A gust of cool wind past trough us and her hair flew , the tendrils of hair framing her face sprawled across her face and were caressing her face as they were flying because of the breeze. She was looking really like An Angel, so beautiful, even in her gloominess. That made my heart groan, my throat dry and I felt something hit my guts and I was blown away.

She didn't bother to remove them, busy thinking as she walked but then she bit her bottom lip and her eyes flew open realizing what she did.

My heart that was already pounding in my chest got crazy watching her do that. My body responded in some alien way. I had few casual girl friends but never had I felt this itching desire to kiss any girl this much before as I want to kiss Elena, right here, right now.

I felt like it is my lips that been biting her's.....

Elena caught me looking at her the same moment, his eyes shocked. She avoided looking at me and I was too knocked down by what I felt, to try looking at her again, we headed inside the hotel, towards the hallway and to the dining room.

*********************************************************

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