CHAPTER 17 :

We finish our food, and I drop a tip of $200. I and Lucas walk out of the restaurant in silence.

"Why did you give $200 as a tip? That's a lot of money!" He stares at me.

Lot of money? $200? Bullshit.

"I make that kind of money every 2 minutes. And, the waiter can use such a tip. It will help him. I have never shied away from helping people." I reply.

"You do have a heart, man." He as a matter-of-fact.

"Me? Heart? Me and an existence of a heart, go in opposite directions." I scoff.

"That's your self-loathing saying it. You're so lonely." He remarks.

My attention snaps back to him, as I gaze at his eyes. Mark's words play through my mind. "You're lonely. Can't you see it?"

"I haven't seen it in that way, Lucas." I shake my head.

"You should know that I'm here for you." He whispers. His eyes gleaming in the dimly lit streets.

Those 8 words...Would I be attracted to him after 2 months? I'm known as a manwhore. I have 'no strings attached' relationships. This is what I have done for centuries. I'm still not over that incident that occurred when I was 29 years old. I shudder in memory, as the darkness threatens to engulf me once again, making it tough for me to breathe. No! Don't go there, Godfrey.

"Damian!" He runs his hand through my hair and jolts me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, Lucas. I didn’t follow." I mumble.

"What's bothering you?" He asks, concerned.

Don't be concerned about me, Lucas. I don't deserve good. I'm an abomination. Even death has ignored this wretched creature for about 2 centuries.

"It's nothing." I lie.

He knows that I lied, yet he didn’t push the matter.

"Let's go shopping! I'll fetch you some clothes from the Armani showroom or Raymond or whatever brand you'd like." I say, enthusiastically, changing the topic.

He narrows his eyes, proving he doesn’t approve.

"I ain't spending your money like that." He scowls.

"Did it appear to you, that I was asking for your approval?" I snap.

Difficult man. People would be more than happy to spend my money on buying expensive clothes, but this young man here, just doesn’t understand.

"Why do you always do like that?" He asks, frowning.

"Because I'm used to having things my own way. Being the king of my empire, I needn't ask anyone about their opinions. When I decide to do something, I don't stop until I reach the farthest end."

His gaze softens. Maybe, I havs him convinced.

"One hell of a speech, Mr. Godfrey. Lead the way." He gives in.

I give him a victorious smile, implying that I won, which I always do.

We get back in the car and Luke drives us to an Armani showroom.

Lucas chooses some clothes for himself — a pitch black shirt with some subtle designs, a royal blue suit, and a sap green t-shirt.

Good choices, I approve.

My eyes dart to a maroon coloured shirt anf I immediately decide to buy it. I have to give it a try.

A girl with a black coloured uniform approaches us, and asks me if I need help.

"Trial room?" I ask.

"To the left, sir. There are 5 rooms. Feel free to choose any." She smiles kindly at me.

I nod. Lucas is standing beside me, holding the clothes he's chosen.

"Wanna go to the trial room?"

"Yes." He nods, having no idea what I have in mind.

"After you." I dramatically bow down, which makes him laugh.

I love watching him this happy.

He archs an eyebrow, and leads the way. All the 5 rooms are stark empty. Good, I can't risk other people hearing muffled noises.

I get into the trial room 2, and he walks into room 3 when I grab him by the wrist, as I pull him into my room and lock the door.

"Jesus, Godfrey. What are you—" He stares at me, startled as I pin him on a wall and place a finger on his lips, indicating him to keep quiet. Oh, yes. This is gonna be fun.