david johnson

with arched eyebrows he removed his hand and reached inside of his pants' pocket to get the phone, while finishing the sentence even if a little distracted; ❝— prepared for absolutely everything.❞ if the caller was jess he'd kill her with bare hands. the seriousness was written all over his face as he saw that k a t h e r i n e 's assistant was calling — did something happen? perhaps jess' call previously had some importance. ❝yes? everything alright?❞ david questioned after he accepted the call. ❝mine or miss pierce's? alright i'll be there tomorrow morning.❞ that was everything that left his lips during the call, there wasn't much to say or discuss about, and actually he aimed to stop talking and thinking about work as they had huger problems. ❝i'll have to go to your office tomorrow to sign some papers, just the usual quarter things.❞ johnson told katherine after ending the call, eventually returning her his attention. ❝so, your home or mine?❞

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finally katherine was allowed to leave the hospital, and that meant that david spent the previous night alone in bed, as he had to freshen himself after the several nights he spent along her side at the hospital. he was glad to pick her up and have her in safety at home, although he was badly tensed due to what he got to know. what tensed him even more was the drive to the hospital with the knowledge that some psycho was after him and could attempt anything anytime again. fortunately the man got torn out of his worries by the phone that rung; was it katherine? was he running late? a deep and very annoyed exhale was audible as he read the caller's name: jess. seriously? not goddamn now. easy as that he declined and once he lifted his eyes back up he arrived at the hospital. few seconds later the icy blue eyes glaring out of the window spotted the brunette stepping out of the door, f i n a l l y. for a moment she even made him forget about the worries he had. a genuine smile graced his face as he left the car and just waited for her to arrive in front of him. carefully david embraced her, almost not touching her at all, afraid of causing her any pain; as if he was afraid he could break her like a porcelain doll. the words that she whispered actually made him chuckle and grin afterwards — was that really the first thing that she said after leaving a hospital? ❝i see what you were thinking about last night as i wasn't near you.❞ he replied just before letting her go and both of them getting inside the car. ❝no bed for us until you recover, katherine.❞ johnson told quietly as he turned his head to her. ❝—and i'm fully serious about that.❞ who'd have ever expected that such a statement would be said by him? not even himself.

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the question asked by katherine wasn't surprising him at all, he'd probably asked the same if he didn't know the actual circumstances. ❝it's actually just right.❞ david replied with every ounce of seriousness he possessed. he knew for j u s t a murder attempt covered beyond the car accident it was even a little too less, but what could these men not protect him of, what more men could? his hand searched hers and eventually intertwined their fingers. ❝we'll talk about everything at home, alright?❞ of course he didn't want to worry her anyhow more than katherine already was due the whole situation, but the least he wanted was to have eavesdropper — at the moment he just didn't know who he could trust except of her. ❝speaking of, where would you feel rather comfortable? your place or mine? this time i'm —❞ the male ceo's voice cut as he felt his phone buzzing again; this time the one that was connected with their company.

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pierce's reply assured johnson that the situation wasn't as bad as it first seemed and that she was by far better than as she shortly woke up at the previous day. he caught how her eyes drifted above her own body, examinating the bruises that covered her body, just as he did when she was asleep. ❝you'll be fine, i promise.❞ he told in almost a whisper, caressing her hand in attempt to distract her from the bruises and everything else, he could imagine how worried she was about herself. johnson's heart almost melted as he saw the smile that appeared on katherine's lips at his offer to bring her whatever she wished for. indeed, he could be sweet if he wanted to. but then the facial expression of his face changed; she ain't dead yet? well, that sounded very calming and assuring...
❝a little too early, yes.❞ david replied with a sigh, leaning into katherine's touch on his cheek. he knew she tried to calm him down, ease him of the guilt he felt but it wasn't a thing that'd just pass; he was responsible for katherine's state and there was nothing that'd just let him forget about it or see it else. honestly he'd have done the same — he couldn't and didn't blame her for anything but what'd he have done if something even worse happened to her? he simply wouldn't have survived that. and through the seriousness and worry written on johnson's face, a smile fought onto the surface as katherine confessed that she loved him. it might not take the guilt but it really warmed his heart. to every other word she pronounced wasn't a thing he said; he didn't know what to say because the brunette was absolutely right. seeing that she leaned closer to him, he did too, to prevent her from getting any pain, and melted a little away in that kiss. in those few seconds, he didn't feel any of the guilt, the worries and just didn't perceive anything except katherine; it was what he needed. ❝i love you.❞ david eventually admitted in a whisper as well while their foreheads leaned against eachother's. ❝i'm not going to let you go either.❞ he told and sat up normally again, then brushed his thumb above her cheek. ❝— i don't want to ever again be afraid of losing you, katherine.❞ he truthfully said, perhaps he wasn't a person that talked a lot about feelings, but in that moment he did, he wanted her to know what he was feeling for her from the deepest part of his heart, and that included the fear of losing her, as he knew that he wouldn't make it a second without her.

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as katherine mentioned alex, johnson cleared his throat and shortly arched his eyebrows, right — alex. ❝he's home, i was supposed to text him once you're awake.❞ he explained and tilted his head, ❝do you want me to?❞ of course, he told alex he'd do it, but it still was katherine's decision if she wanted that or not, and if she wanted him there or not. and for once david wanted to be fair to alex, he knew how worried he himself was and considered that katherine was alex's best friend.

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the happenigs promised a very long and hard night but at least katherine got the rest she needed, it was the only thing that placated david's worries even during the phone call he had with her aunt. it took him a lot to stay calm and not fully lose his mind and tell the truth, but somehow he went through that. also he had several calls because of their companies, katherine wasn't coming to work in any way the following days and he wouldn't be able to as well, people had to be informed about that so they could reorganize meetings and responsibilities. eventually johnson even got some security men at the outside of the room; surely the stalker was aiming for him, but the city got enough jerks so a little more safety wouldn't be bad in that case. finally he got himself to rest, at least not make any more calls and no more worries besides katherine, everything should be done by now. and sitting in that way too small chair with his eyes glued on his girlfriend — they somewhen got heavy, heavy enough for him to fall asleep.

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david subliminally stretched out his legs as they felt way too heavy, tired even; and that's where his mistake was. his eyes shut open and heart rate jumped high due the adrenaline that rushed through him because he almost fell off the chair during the sleep; fingers dug in the chair as far as possible to hold onto it. as johnson realized that he almost fell from the chair while being asleep and that the decent panic was caused by that, he cleared his throat and adjusted the tie. sleeping beauty? alright, he couldn't help the chuckle that left his lips — either because katherine was awake and seemed awake in contrary to the past day, or because he actually found it amusing as well. ❝good morning.❞ he told after getting up and making his way to her, having a small smile drawn on his face. david was glad to see her mocking him, it meant she couldn't feel t h a t bad, and on top of that, he was simply glad that everything was better than it seemed at first, excluding the broken ribs. ❝last time i slept like that must've been when you threatened to shoot me.❞ the male ceo laughed slightly, then sat aside katherine and held her hand as it was probably the least he could do without hurting her. the blue eyes drifted off her face down to their hands, the smile slowly faded off his face as he got serious and full of worry — ❝how are you feeling?❞ he questioned, then dared to eventually lift his sight to her face; he felt guilty and couldn't anyhow deny that. he'd apologise but was it something he could apologise for? thanking her would be even worse, of course it was a fact that she saved his life, but what was the price? almost her own life?

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david fully snapped at alex's words; as if he wasn't hurt and feeling guilty enough and couldn't do anything about it. no, of course he needed some douche to accuse him. ❝you really think i wouldn't be rather laying there instead of her? i'd die just so she'd be fine so shut the fuck up and spare me with your goddamn imputations! i know it's my fault!❞ his voice loudened and his veins heatened, almost burning from the inside. it's not like david had already hated alex but with that it only seemed to increase. johnson breathed deeply and pressed his teeth together in attempt to somehow keep himself together and not enrage completely now, it was the least they needed. ❝i don't need anybody to remind me of how katherine was nearby killed because of me, thank you.❞ through teeth he spoke and turned his sight off alex; the longer he'd see him the worse would be the result. the blue eyes fixated on katherine through the window — in a second the previous anger was exchanged with a painful tingle through his nerves due the feeling of guilt and pain. a deep sigh left his nostrils before he turned back to alex. ❝sorry.❞ truly, johnson didn't think there'd be a moment in which he'd apologise to the brunette's best friend, but he perceived that he went too hard on him in that moment, he simply lost control; and in fact she meant something to alex as well. a pi? alright, that was unexpected but honestly a good step. and with every word more that alex told, david realized that they had to bury the hatchet and work together or at least stop their childish fights to assure katherine's safety. there was no point in fighting something over, proving anything, they just had to find that idiot. ❝we really screwed up.❞ david sighed and shook his head. it wasn't the time to discuss or accuse, nevertheless he didn't have anything to say; apparently they both thought the same about the situation. ❝i'll let you know when she'll be awake.❞ he agreed and took the card alex handed him, then watched how he walked out of his sight. he shoved it in the pants' pocket and stared nowhere — his mind was somewhere completely else but at the same time nowhere at all, there wasn't even a thought he could get; it was simply empty. that was until his ears spotted the noise of a closing door next to him, obviously the doctor has finished with the wounds. goddamn, he still had to tell her aunt. how was he supposed to do that? he couldn't form a thought normally and now he was supposed to tell her aunt that katherine got hit by a car? johnson's hands ran through his hair a dozen times; it wasn't an act of panic, but worry. a text would do it, right? right.

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the growl that echoed in the room was the obvious sign that katherine was awake and david only felt worse due that, knowing that she was in such bad pain. the feeling of guilt literally suffocated him in that very moment. her voice ringed in his mind but so far he just couldn't say anything, he didn't know what to say and as she asked him if he was okay, he wanted to reply. no. h e l l no, how could he be okay? it was his goddamn fault. whenever he opened his mouth to say something, the door swung open and the doctor stepped inside. great, he couldn't say a word. ❝i —❞ was what left david's lips as the doctor left them alone, because right then he could hear another male voice. a very familiar voice he despised. alex gotta be kidding him. how the hell did he find out? and there he was, asking katherine questions; not even johnson had have the chance to ask anything, or even tell a word. eventually she herself wondered how her friend got to know that she was there, obviously he wasn't the only one. ❝katherine, you should rest, don't fight the urge. you'll have no pain during that time at least and i'll be here when you wake up, i promise. and alex can come by later if you'll want that.❞ david told, not giving alex the chance of replying to her question anyhow. he hadn't called her aunt yet, which truly was a mistake but honestly he forgot about everything else in that damned world, so it was kind of reasonable. and the news? well, could be an option but as he didn't even call an ambulance and nobody else during that time, so it was quite unlikely. ❝—right?❞ johnson changed his tone to a rather demanding one as his furious eyes switched to alex; he wasn't fine with that friend being there, holding her hand, especially as literally nobody knew about what happened. they'd talk, but definitely not in presence of katherine. looking back down at her, he gently brushed his thumb over her hand. ❝sleep.❞ the word left his lips soft and calming, and eventually the chocolate brown eyes closed, probably she knew that he'd stand his point as he always tried and get her to sleep. of course, he'd rather talk to her, apologise even if that wouldn't be enough for what happened and just be there, but he knew that it was for the better if she got the rest her body longed for. the male ceo brushed his thumb a last time over the brunette's hand as he glanced to alex and gestured with his head to the door, while he stood up. whenever they were out of the room, the arms crossed in front of his chest and he turned on his heels to face the other man — he'd try to be calm, the least they all needed was one more scandal.

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david surely waited for an hour on the meanwhile, at least it seemed like that — more like an eternity but however, as eventually another thought hit his mind, who the hell was that person even? it was clear that the car was aiming for him not katherine, so it most likely had to be the stalker. what'd he even want? it really started to get serious, and david really h a d to do something against that. first step obviously would be to get some security right for the moment in the hospital, god knew what else could happen. — and just as he intended to call the head of his security, eventually a doctor came up to him and told that katherine had some broken bones and a slight concussion; better than probably everybody expected. johnson rushed in the room as soon as they allowed him to visit her, which fortunately didn't take too long. ❝i'm sorry, katherine.❞ the words left his lips more quiet than supposed to be, as just then he spotted that she was still unconscious, or at least her eyes were closed. david gently sat down beside her on the bed, taking her hand in his. his thumb brushed the bruises on it, all of those bruises on just one small hand. ❝i promise i'll find whoever did that.❞ it was a whisper with a deep sigh, it hurted him to see the person he loved like that, and even more because it was h i s fault.

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everything seemed so fine, despite the fight david had with alex, despite the whole drama and media and god knows what around it. for once in a very long time he could admit that he was happy, happy to feel something. ever since katherine happened there wasn't a moment he wasn't thinking of her, even when he really shouldn't, and there wasn't a moment he regretted anything of what happened between them. he was living a dream. at least until some creepy stalker appeared and tried to scare and threaten them; so what? did they have to stop living now? they were famous and it'd be pretty scandalous if anything happened to them. however, this day seemed like all of it stopped — david was returning from work and he hadn't received anything of that weirdo yet, neither katherine, as far as she told him. a great day, they'd have all the remaining day for the two of them. it had been a while since the last of such days. getting out of the car in front of his house, he already caught the brunette waiting outside for him, even if she might have seemed a little nervous. johnson's lips curved in a smile as he'd been looking at her and crossing the street; until the very moment she began to ran towards him. alright, he was happy to see her as well but what was going on? before he could say anything, katherine had pushed him some metres away which led him to almost lose balance — that's when his eyes widened and he fully became pale; not being able to do a thing while she got hit by a car. ❝no!❞ david immediately darted for katherine, literally collapsing on his knees in the tiniest distance to her. that couldn't be true. that didn't just happen. he didn't want to believe his own eyes. carefully he picked her up from the ground just to bring her to his car. if he'd call an ambulance it'd take at least ten more minutes and god knows what could happen in that time, as that driver didn't even stop or anything, he fled. ❝you're going to be fine. i promise.❞ he didn't know if he tried to calm himself or her, who obviously had passed out as she didn't move the slightest. goddamn. it were seconds that passed as katherine was inside the car and he was driving — speeding. at that moment he didn't care about anything, not any rules, not any other thing except her. in just a few minutes they reached the hospital, instantly johnson stormed in to get help. that situation was one of the very few where it was helpful to have some reputation in the city. immediately doctors and medical professionals rushed by, taking the brunette away and leaving him alone with that. never in his life he had been worried that much before; he was convinced it wasn't anything serious, yet a million thoughts rushed through his mind. his heart madly ached — it was his fault. she pushed him off to save his life and sacrificed herself that he wouldn't get hit by that car. how he wished that she never left the house...

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❝i get it's payback but please be quick.❞ david told in a slightly asking manner, placing his hands on her waist and then pressing a soft kiss on her lips. ❝don't forget to change into something warmer.❞ great timing to stop talking, or at least teasing, as he literally sensed that elizabeth returned with the medical aids. obviously it was time to see who of the brunettes had better skills in taking care of wounds, which by the way was something he actually didn't want to find out but had no choice. ❝i'm grateful but i hope you know that you don't have to do this.❞ johnson told as he already headed to elizabeth that almost had pierced his back while he stood close to katherine. he rolled up the pants' to the spot it wasn't disturbing the wound anyhow; damn that hurted and really didn't seem as fine as he thought, just due the touch of his pants his hands were bloody. how unlucky had he actually been? — and now there was no way out. ❝do you need a ride home though? i haven't seen a car outside.❞ was that really an attempt to talk? or be nice? or just to somehow distract himself from the inconvenience of having his girlfriend's aunt take care of a stupid wound?

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oh how fast katherine took david's threat seriously and didn't even finish whatever she wanted to say; probably that he was an idiot or whatever for not letting her support him but rather picked her up. ❝what a good girl you are.❞ he grinned and shortly moved his eyes from the muddy road to her face — one wound was obviously enough yet he had to tease so he also had to check her reaction. the brown eyes were literally murderous; he'd have to await s u r p r i s e s sooner or later. hopefully later, or even better would be never. soon enough they reached the porch of the house where miss pierce waited for them. did really so much time pass from the moment he stormed out of the house to now? okay well, perhaps it seemed a little weird that the man carried katherine in his arms but wasn't he allowed to after all? david didn't bother adding anything to the conversation they had as soon as they arrived at the house; it had been obvious enough and what could he even add there when every was said anyway? but then suddenly the attention turned to him and his bleeding leg, goddamn it. ❝i —uh.❞ he didn't get to say anything and after what he heard next he definitely wasn't able to say anything. did the elder pierce really offer her help? to him? voluntary? wow, what the hell must've happened to her? he couldn't believe that the simple talk of the previous day could change a mind so quick after a long-term rivalry. perhaps the act with alex made her understand that there was much more that connected the two ceos than he told during that talk. however, he didn't have much of a choice so he had to go through his destiny. ❝thank you.❞ david told and barely suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape his nostrils; what was it with both of them wanting to take care of that wound? it wasn't that bad and he could do it himself perfectly fine as well, at least that's what he told himself. after they eventually entered the house that fortunately was a lot warmer than outside, he could already hear katherine's comment. was she seriously teasing him with that? the man's arms crossed in front of his chest as he took the last step to close the distance between them, keeping a straight face. ❝oh so you think that's funny, huh?❞ his head slowly tilted while he looked down at her, ❝but what if i'll enjoy the time with her more than with my actual nurse, mh?❞ underlining the question with shortly arched eyebrows, he eventually lost it and lightly laughed. of course he was joking, perhaps to hide the slight discomfort he felt due the fact that he h a d to let katherine's aunt take care of the wound, especially after having a hateful past.

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that answer was obviously something david deserved; threatening katherine's friend and then leaving like a coward just to escape a further scandal, and on top her worries weren't his intention. he simply wanted to get out to calm down and for a moment at least be alone to think. okay, he could've told her or warned or however but there hadn't been time for that, else he probably would've lost his control and again started a fight. however, johnson was glad that she wasn't mad at him — maybe she was but didn't show it, who knew? he knew she wasn't as soon as the brunette's lips landed on his so gently that it could've melted a whole iceberg. david enjoyed every bit of that kiss; it definitely was what he wanted and needed for reassurance — at least until the moment in which he felt sudden pain at his leg due which he groaned. right, the wound, he already forgot. and of course n o w katherine was worried in first place, reasonable but in his sight absolutely unnecessary. ❝i guess i somehow brushed a piece of wood and injured myself. just don't worry it's not—❞ he couldn't even finish off talking as she already had interrupted him. clearly she didn't want to hear how she shouldn't be worrying about the wound but she definitely had a point; he got himself again in a stupid situation. ❝i'll keep that on mind.❞ would david really be himself if he wouldn't comment that? definitely not. and before he had the chance to say anything else, his arm was wrapped around her shoulders by her so she could support him. that must've truly been the sweetest thing somebody did to him, especially regarding that it wasn't more than a scratch on his leg. perhaps a deep scratch but still just a scratch. but wait, did katherine really just say that? what was he supposed to say now? that he loved her? somewhere in the woods, cold and injured? not a good timing. ❝it does.❞ johnson simply agreed instead of telling anything. ❝alright, throw me down the hill now but it's seriously not that bad. at least not that bad to need support in walking.❞ he stated as he turned his head to her. ❝don't be stubborn for once and let's go before we freeze.❞ vainly he attempted to remove his arm of her hold, just as he thought, she wouldn't let go of him. ❝fine, you wanted it that way, n u r s e .❞ david mockingly intonated, then quickly swung the other arm around the brunette and picked her up. now she h a d to let go of him in order to get rather comfortable and less risk to fall. ❝one word katherine, and i'll leave you needy for the complete time your aunt will be with us.❞ two could play that one word game, question was which of those was more effective? eventually he started walking in direction of the house, eyes slowly drifting down to katherine. ❝—and you do know that i can do that very well.❞ alright, he had to admit that his leg might hurted a little but it was nothing he wouldn't survive, especially with her in his arms.

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johnson paced through the woods, distancing himself more and more from the pierce's house. why couldn't life just be easy and nice for a longer amount than literally 5 minutes? didn't a person deserve that after everything? apparently not. the coldness brought goosebumps all over his torso; how cold was it actually? nevertheless he kept on walking just to find peace, find a way out of everything that stuck inside of his brain and couldn't escape, find a way to ease the fire that burned deep inside of his ribcage. eventually david stopped at a bridge leading to god knows where; the depth of the woods was obviously huge. his arms rested on the handrail as he stared nowhere, his mind empty yet full at the same time. as much as he tried not to think of anything, he couldn't, not for a second. why was alex there? first her aunt, now also him. why were the both of them there? the visit of katherine's aunt was somehow reasonable at least, especially after what she must've heard from media — but alex, seriously? after the calls were vainly, why wouldn't he just understand? and how in god's name did they get there without the press following them, especially alex as he was part of the scandal? but what if they actually got spotted somehow? johnson got torn out of everything as he started to perceive a stinging pain in his arms, obviously from the cold metal handrail where his arms lay. moving the arms off the rail, he then shoved his hands in his pants' pockets and sighed. he should go back, he had no idea how much time passed but it was freezing cold and katherine probably sorrowed because of him, if she wasn't too busy with alex... oh how much life would be easier if david wouldn't get everything he desired — such as katherine. eventually he began to walk back to where he came from, as far as he remembered the way. fortunately he heard katherine calling his name; she was searching for him. how long had he been away? too long, yet long enough to calm down, at least as long as he didn't see h i m. ❝ka— fuck!❞ was what left david's lips instead of the beloved name. he wasn't clumsy, rather neat but still accomplished to cut his leg with a piece of wood, great. his view dropped to the hurting leg, just to see fabric torn along with skin. shortly he whiped the blood away, then eventually went to the direction he heard katherine's voice from earlier, not acting up because of a simple scratch. as soon as his icy blue eyes spotted the brunette everything was forgotten; well almost everything. ❝you're really aiming to get sick, aren't you?❞ that was obviously the first of his worries as johnson spotted her barely wearing anything. immediately he pulled her into his arms in attempt to warm her up, although he was cold as hell himself.

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david was deep asleep which definitely was a new one for not having any activities, although still reasonable due the long and hard day with getting away from press, fighting and other things. yet what he was looking forward to every night wasn't getting true that morning; waking up next to katherine. getting left cold in a bed was never a nice feeling, but with the thought of katherine's aunt being at the same house he got that perhaps she couldn't stay in bed until he'd wake up. johnson got up and took on his clothes which finally were dry; a blessing to wear the own clothes and not get blamed for wearing other person's things... however, walking inside of the kitchen his blue eyes only caught elizabeth. seeing her continued to send a shiver down his spine nevertheless yesterday's talk. ❝morning.❞ david greeted whilst rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, then switched sight on the elder pierce and leaned with a shoulder against the wall. ❝where's kath—❞ the sentence broke at that very moment due the sound of the door opening, in which he spotted katherine and alex. ❝you've gotta be kidding me.❞ david muttered under his breath and then sighed deeply, which sounded more like a growl that stuck inside of his throat than a simple sigh. ❝what is he doing here?❞ he questioned through clenched teeth, barely keeping it together not to snap — that wouldn't be the best of things to happen at the moment, it'd only get the couple to fight again, in presence of her aunt, and that was something he didn't want. but seriously, what was he doing there? with a tilted head johnson stared at katherine who didn't say a word so far, just as everyone inside that room which only tensed him up more by every passed second. not a moment more he'd bear it — feet took him to where katherine and alexander were standing; the facial expression deadly and eyes literally sparkling the flames that burned inside of every vein because of the simple presence of that so called friend. the man didn't take a stop at them but pushed alex by the collar of his shirt against a wall and held him there; he wasn't intending a fight, at least not primarily but he intended to make some things clear, whether katherine liked that or not and whether her aunt that didn't like johnson in first place was seeing that or not. ❝if you dare to touch her, i swear you i'll do worse than your nose.❞ it was indeed a threat but what else could he do? that was her friend, b e s t friend. not like the male ceo wasn't calm but really pissed, he let go of him and still pressed a brief kiss on the brunette's forehead before eventually leaving the house with no more words said. it was the smartest choice, in his state of mind at least, and perhaps for once the right choice due the acting by head not by heart. the coldness of the air immediately hit him and to what it felt for him freezed him as he stepped away into the woods; a great way to loosen heat, although he was burning to get back to h i s girlfriend.

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❝very clear, miss pierce.❞ eventually the man left the slight state of shock that she agreed on his proposal and replied; truly he felt like a teenager at that very moment, threatened by an elder person to take care of his girlfriend — were they really adults? johnson very lightly blushed and turned his sight to katherine, she was almost as red as he was, at least from what he felt of cheek burning. the smile on his face couldn't be hidden no matter how hard he tried to by biting inside of his lower lip. liz is already leaving to sleep? well, that dinner went faster than expected and at the end by far better than the beginning of it. ❝goodnight.❞ he pressed out so he wouldn't seem rude just after somehow getting along. there it was, the awkward silence after the encounter, it was almost more awkward than the talks of the dinner. fortunately the brunette broke the silence due which david could only chuckle and gaze up at her; she really thought she had to mention that. by now he'd have noticed if she was that kind of crazy, he guessed at least — but it was still time to drop the awkwardness and decent tension. ❝can you somehow prove that you're not that crazy?❞ johnson's eyebrows arched and a slight laugh escaped his lips. a laugh which curled his lips into a smile afterwards as katherine recalled his words. ❝mhm.❞ he nodded and gazed right in her eyes. seconds later he found himself standing near to katherine; when if not now he had a reason to kiss her? so that's what he did — he leaned down and with the index finger underneath her chin caused her to raise her head, pressing then a kiss onto her lips that even a little tasted like the wine they drank. pulling back from the kiss, their lips almost didn't part, his thumb lightly caressed her cheek. ❝mister johnson does like you a lot.❞ he repeated in approval as his eyes flickered from her lips up to the brown eyes. as if it wasn't obvious for katherine that he didn't just like her — it was by far more than that and probably even her aunt caught that; after all he even talked about his feelings to her and made his point of view clear, which he definitely wouldn't do if it'd be just l i k i n g her. david crouched beside pierce, moving his eyes and hand of her cheek to her hand and holding it. ❝obviously that much to get your aunt to agree on stopping the rivalry drama.❞ he chuckled and slowly gazed back up to her face; he had to admit he was somehow proud that he did that, but also that he eventually talked about his feelings even to a person he might have used to hate — probably something that he did for the first time ever since.

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from the elder pierce's mockery david could tell that the day wouldn't be easy and he'd have to really control himself but obviously katherine took his side in that, yet he'd still talk. ❝i could take the sweater off but i don't think it'd make things better, would it?❞ he talked back — of course he didn't want to cause now a fight between them but that comment was something he couldn't keep on his tongue. david knew that this question would be asked sooner or later but definitely didn't expect it to be at a moment when he barely came back from outside and they sat to eat; what a great tact. his eyes shot to katherine, not because of the answer to the question but because she obviously choked on whatever had been in her mouth. ❝you okay?❞ alright, maybe he also hesitated to give an answer to the question as her aunt even first referred to how long he was sleeping with her. the eyes moved to the glass of wine in front of him; he'd definitely rather have more and stronger alcohol to survive that encounter. short after he found himself looking at the elder pierce, answering her question, ❝ever since the collaboration, so about two weeks now.❞ oh he already knew that was just the beginning of the questions, it already felt like the meetings he had with katherine's uncle and for sure that wasn't going to get any better — but perhaps this wouldn't take the same end as at least johnson would hold himself back. that was going to be a long dinner. eventually he could take a few bites of the meal, yet his eyes more than once shot to the brunette and screamed for help; all of this was awkward to a level he never knew was possible and she was the only one that could do something against it. ❝i like katherine a lot,❞ david told when he lifted his icy blue eyes to the aunt, ❝— and i know i'm not your first choice for her and not even the last choice but i don't care, alright? we're all adults so either we get over the whole rivalry and everything that came along with it, or we continue all the way through this.❞ after he finished talking, he shortly glanced at katherine; he was ready to forget a lot of trouble that happened in his previous life for her; and apparently he was in a state that he even talked about his feelings, perhaps not about the fact that he actually was in love but at least that he liked her — although talking about anything he felt was a burden he had to get over. ❝so what do you say?❞ the man turned the attention back to the other woman and took a sip of the wine. he couldn't do more than to offer peace as she had already shown him her temper; first ignoring him and then teasing him in a very mocking manner — it was her choice.

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as katherine's aunt didn't say a word to david but simply passed him, he followed her with his eyes and due that even turned; moving his gaze to katherine afterwards with arched eyebrows. what the hell was she doing there? sure, it was her house too but how did she even know they were there? okay, maybe not they but katherine. the elder pierce ignored him fully — sure, the families had conflicts, still he tried, or at least greeted her. for a moment he just stared at them, still caught in surprise of that appearance. it'd be for sure better to leave them alone so they could talk and he could escape that weird situation, also search for his phone. quietly johnson turned and left the house, closing the door behind him and heading to the car. running both hands through his hair and messing it up badly, he breathed in the fresh air in attempt to calm a little — not that he was afraid or anything, it was just tensed up as hell and he knew there was literally no escape. after a few seconds the car was eventually opened and david looked for his phone, immediately finding it on the driver's seat. wow, it literally fell out of his pocket right there; probably he was too rushed as he left the car previously. not exactly as expected but he had a missed call from collins, obviously there was something new, just as he wanted to check. should he call collins right back or rather get back in the house and call by chance? as it could be important johnson decided to call him rather now than later, and obviously won time in which he wouldn't have to face katherine's aunt. closing the door and locking the car, he leaned on the car and hitted collins up. the talk wasn't that important after all but it took some time, longer than actually realized and expected.

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as david entered the house again, he started to talk, ❝sorry it took me so long, i talked with collins and it took some while.❞ and right at the moment he turned from closing the door, he spotted katherine's aunt — right, he completely forgot about that fact during the time he spent outside. there it was again, the tension that convulsed his complete body. approaching katherine, despite the presence of h e r family, he told in attempt to easen the tension that built up just because he was disturbing the two of them, ❝smells delicious.❞ in a moment like that, the male ceo would kiss her at least on the cheek, but with her aunt there, he was unsure of what he should do and what the woman knew about them — so david only really softly touched her back as invisible as possible and showed a delicate smile. surely he wouldn't get any positive points of the aunt but he'd do his best; after all he dated katherine, hopefully she'd get them out of the awkward situation.

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david was glad that katherine didn't ask questions but just accepted his weird behaviour; telling her about the fact that he loved her wouldn't be easy for him and also he'd rather not do that at such a moment — wet, cold and fleeing from press. arriving in the bedroom, he realized that actually there wasn't much in what he could change as he didn't bring any clothes with him, after all that getaway wasn't planned. ❝thank you.❞ david told as he took the sweater that she handed him. him wearing her uncle's clothes; true, that was definitely an unexpected turn. almost as much as they were actually dating — surely nobody would've thought of that, especially not her uncle. ❝as if there's something you haven't seen before.❞ he remarked to letting him change while she'd go to the kitchen. ❝sounds good.❞ he eventually said after the short kiss and then watched her leave the room. johnson got dressed back into his pants and the sweater katherine handed him; he was happy his pants weren't too wet, yet the shirt was so he had to wear the sweater on bare chest. from the hallway he already began to talk as he headed to the kitchen, ❝next time i'm going to your apartment i'm definitely taking clothes with me, at least inside the car.❞ david told partly serious and partly it made himself laugh — somehow that didn't sound the way he meant it, it sounded more like he wouldn't be able to wear his clothes after he'd visit her. as he eventually appeared inside of the kitchen, the man questioned, ❝so did you decide what we're eating later?❞ a little grin formed on his face and head got tilted as he already stood in front of her. ❝— or am i getting cake for dessert?❞ there we go again, teasing with innuendo about reality; she surely remembered the way he adored cake, yet dessert was something she told him about earlier. david leaned in slowly and kept his face close to katherine's neck, allowing his hot breath to spread over her skin while a finger softly skimmed along the contours of her neck to her shoulder and finally her arm. his lips pressed on her skin and left slow kissed as he carefully pushed her backwards, leading to the counter. as they eventually reached it, his hand extanded and grabbed the keys of the counter without any noise as his lips rose to the brunette's ear and then left a whisper; ❝i'll be right back.❞ a second was all david gave for her processing, then pulled back and made his way to the door. ❝i think i forgot my phone in the car and i want to call collins to see if there's something new.❞ he explained while he stepped. johnson reached for the handle and as he opened the door, he was absolutely startled and for solid 10 seconds just stared at the person that stood in front of him. of course he knew her — he didn't have any other chance than to know the wife of his former rivalry. after clearing his throat and swallowing hardly the clump that stuck there, he greeted the person. ❝hello, miss pierce.❞

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leave katherine 10 minutes alone with jess in his office? as tempting as that sounded; a minute with alex in her office should be enough of drama, and what could possibly happen in 10? when nobody would be there to part them? that didn't sound like a great idea, although it sounded like finding a solution to that. yet, david had to admit, that side of katherine was something he hadn't seen before but somehow it seemed sweet. at least considering that she'd do that just for him to have peace and so she wouldn't be jealous of another woman. ❝we shall see about that.❞ he grinned mischievous at her. as katherine told him that alex attempted to reach her multiple times, david did his very best not to get angry nor mad about it — after all she didn't pick up, but he simply didn't like the idea of alex' attempts in talking to katherine. call him overprotective and possessive but that alex dude definitely wasn't thinking of friendship when it came to katherine. okay, she didn't tell him in first place but she just wanted to keep him calmed. ❝as long as i'm your preference.❞ he answered to her apology with a slight smile; being mad at her would be a first anyway but being preferred by her over somebody else definitely felt nice. the hands on each side of her waist pulled her gently closer as he leaned in for the kiss. and when they almost kissed, the brunette sneezed which in that moment somehow left him a bit surprised, yet a second after a little laugh escaped his lips and he let go of her as she pulled back. ❝i'll just sue you if i'll get sick because of you, but no worries except that.❞ he joked and only then recalled that he was almost shivering of the coldly wet clothes that sticked to his body. david shifted forward and in a swift movement swung one of his arms around katherine's waist, dragged her closer and then kissed her very sweetly. he really wanted that kiss, no matter her sneezes or anything or anybody else. ❝now we can do that.❞ he told after the kiss broke, showing a small smile and removing the arm that held her close to him; arm removed yet he stayed as close to her as he was before, just staring at her and smiling like an idiot — how did he deserve such a smart, beautiful and in his eyes simply perfect woman? after a while the male ceo felt exactly the same as at the moment he saw her only in a towel for the first time; his cheeks burning and him being completely speechless and stunned. what was she doing to him? ❝sorry, i just —❞ his throat cleared and feet took a step back; could that possibly get more awkward? ❝let's just find something warmer to wear.❞ david said accompanied with a nod, then turned and for a tiny moment closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and mouthing the word fuck. it's really been some time since somebody could make him feel that embarrassed. ❝come on.❞ he told in an attempt to save himself out of the dilemma, taking her hand and eventually walking in direction of the bedroom — hopefully without any questions.

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katherine was halfway through the answer to why she didn't answer her phone as his own phone rang, and obviously she had seen who called him. with the corner of his eyes he could see the way she looked at him and with his decision not to answer the call it was more than a simple own goal. he'd have to explain t h i s sooner or later. but definitely not at that precise moment; he was tensed up enough because of the road and having most probably a discussion wouldn't allow him to have full focus on the road. great, so that meant a full silenced way back home; what could be more fun? right, the tension between them.

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as they arrived, katherine rushed out of the car and almost immediately inside of the house, what made him clear that he fucked up; asking and then literally a second later doing the same thing. david leaned in the seat and ran both of his hands through the hair, exhaling very deeply. was he an idiot? yes. was it reasonable? not really. with the thought of it being really suspicious of staying longer, he eventually got the remaining bags and entered the house. she was mad at him and that truly didn't leave him any peace; why didn't he pick up in first place or at least told the whole story about his assistant? placing the bags on the counter, icy blue eyes searched for katherine's but obviously she wasn't giving him that pleasure as he could only see her back. ❝katherine.❞ he said as a start of conversation but that wasn't going anywhere anyway. ❝i know it seemed like i just don't want you to hear the talk or whatever but that's not the truth. i didn't pick up because i wasn't and am not in mood to talk with her — it's always the same, she's annoying me as hell but i can't do anything, especially not fire her.❞ david sighed and made a very short break of talking; right, that sounded very believable. ❝our parents were friends, so i grew up with her, childhood friends, you know. then i left the city and long story short, i got the head of the company and she was already working there as my dad hired her ages ago. i've never had anything with her, even if she's flirting with me ever since i got back in the city.❞ david explained and shortly glanced away; his father hiring people — the company definitely had better times. ❞i'm avoiding her the best i can but you see how well that works.❝ he left the key of the car on the counter and found his way around it to katherine. ❝i swear that there wasn't nor isn't anything between me and her, because i —❞ johnson was luckily fast enough to realize what he started saying, but it was definitely neither the right place, the right time nor the right situation. ❝— don't need anybody except you.❞ he continued and with that saved himself of telling her that he fell in love with her.

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johnson noticed the pair of chocolate brown eyes that never left him and his every move due which a small smile appeared on his lips — it felt nice to have somebody that liked him as much as he liked her, as usually his eyes were glued on her. somehow he even enjoyed grocery shopping, which definitely was a first. after they paid for everything they chose, david took the bags and started walking out of the shop with katherine by his side. hearing her phone ring, his head slightly turned to her to see if he had to wait, if she eventually planned to pick up which she didn't. why didn't she pick up though? the brunette surely had a reason not to, obviously. why did he even spend thoughts to that? however, as they arrived at the car, he left the bags in the trunk and then got on the driver's seat, quickly before he'd get wet of the rain and obviously before katherine would demand the keys of the car once again. obviously quickly wasn't quick enough; he was fully soaked. ❝next time when going somewhere, check the weather please.❞ david told fakely serious and moved his sight on katherine and after a few seconds eventually a light laugh escaped his lips. ❝i mean look at this,❞ he told, gesturing a hand to the white shirt that sticked on his torso, then messed up his wet hair.

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A few minutes later the car left the parking lot and drove in the direction they came from previously. one hand on the steering wheel and the other on katherine's tigh, holding her hand — something he needed for inner peace. yet something still didn't leave his mind, no matter how badly he tried to loose it. ❝why didn't you pick up?❞ david eventually asked as he shortly moved his eyes from the road to the brunette. it didn't leave his mind ever since her phone rang and somehow it left him curious; she didn't even check who called, what if it was something or somebody important? ❝i mean it could've been nat after all.❞ he added after he cleared his throat. he didn't want to seem like a jealous and controlling boyfriend; not like he was exactly t h a t. just seconds after, his own phone rang, it wasn't even surprising any longer, more like a annoying habit. ❝how convenient.❞ the man sighed, even deeper annoyed as he saw who called him; thank god for the progress in technology that cars show calls and are able to take them... of course it was jess, who else could be calling him at that moment? not collins, not anybody else, exactly h e r. should he pick up? shouldn't he? after all johnson told collins to take things in his own hands and notify johnson when there was something important or something new; what the hell did she want now?

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the time the two of them spent in the bathtub felt literally like minutes as it was such a calm and peaceful moment; it must've been a while since the last time johnson had such a relaxing time. so after those minutes katherine rose and stepped out of the tub, dissatisfaction drawn on his face. yet he used a moment or two to simply observe her — the beauty and pureness she carried through every move. how could a woman like her fall for him? him — a broken control freak with a million of weird habits and a past he'd rather forget about, with dozen of women around him but eyes only for one brunette. eventually david got out of the bathtub himself, aiming with his steps towards the brunette. the closer he got the more visible the smile on his face got; a smile that appeared on the very moment of observing, a smile that wasn't noticed by him. ❝you should already know that there won't ever be a moment in which i'll get enough of you.❞ david admitted with a slight smirk and took a step closer to her, that was as she turned and went to her phone as it rang — as obviously always one of their phones rang lately. in that time, he grabbed the remaining towel and wrapped it around his waist, then approached katherine. ❝hey.❞ he replied and nodded. ❝right, would be a little too early to get kids.❞ it was an almost inaudible laugh that left his lips as he thought about katherine's words. she was right, ordering truly wasn't an option, yet they had to eat. ❝find some food for tonight?❞ he repeated after her as his head lightly tilted. she was right, they shouldn't attract attention by simply ordering food; it wouldn't be smart at all and definitely a huge disadvantage if they got caught anyhow. ❝—you got your gun with you?❞ eyebrows arched and a grin shot up to his lips, he wouldn't be himself if he wouldn't be teasing her. ❝—or you know, i can always just eat you.❞ johnson spoke while he stared in her brown eyes; then slowly leaned down and left a kiss on her collarbone, hands briefly touching her waist through the fabric of the towel. returning to katherine's level, a light chuckle left his lips. ❝finding some food sounds like a good idea.❞ he finally agreed to her suggestion with a decent smile, previously pressing a kiss on her lips. eventually david grabbed his clothes and began to take them on — staying in a towel definitely wasn't an option, it was way too cold there. ❝so any ideas where we're going to find food? is there anything around here?❞ he questioned and turned to the brunette while buttoning his shirt. ❝—i mean my offer's always up but you need to eat something as well.❞ he remarked as a little grin graced his face, moving his sight from the buttons of the shirt up to her.

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