455 Be My Onyx

Damien's attention was all on Katherine now. Ever since he saw her on stage, he hadn't taken his eyes off her. 

He was surprised to see her as they hadn't talked about the bidding at all—apart from the fact that she didn't tell him when she was coming back. It was like a mutual understanding that since they were in a compromising situation, it was best not to discuss anything related to it. Thus, he didn't know that she would represent Young Corporation. Even though he didn't expect it, he somehow had a feeling that she would pull something like this—to make sure that everyone would see their company's capabilities. He just didn't expect that she would blow him away.

Damien's heart beat faster the whole time she spoke. And whenever she glanced at him, he wished she looked longer. He wanted to run up on stage, almost not caring about the audience anymore. He was definitely going crazy. It had only been five days and he was already like this. Who would have thought that he'd find himself falling head over heels—again—with the same woman? Caleb better be holding him down securely or he might make a fool of himself and interrupt Katherine's presentation. 

Seeing that everyone was still stunned at her, Caleb started clapping and everyone followed suit. Katherine didn't garner everyone's attention only because she was articulate and meticulous—she had such a strong presence that could equal Damien's whenever he was on stage. It was strange yet fitting. 

Damien watched as she handed the microphone over to Michael Price, giving him the last minute to wrap up their presentation. His knees jittered in anticipation and he repeatedly ran his hand through his hair as he couldn't wait to talk to her. 

After Young Corporation submitted their bidding, Caleb then got on stage to tell the bidders that the panel would deliberate on their presentations and the results would be out in a couple of hours. Meanwhile, the participants could wait in the next room where refreshments and lunch would be served. 

Damien ran a hand across his mouth and jaw, waiting for Caleb to finish his announcement. Katherine was sitting with her teammates several rows away and they could only look at each other quietly at the moment. It was annoying.

As soon as everyone started getting up, Katherine looked for Damien. She saw him just a few seconds ago but he was no longer where he was seated. Noticing her phone buzz, she checked it and saw his message.

[My King: Stairwell]

Not wasting time, she hurriedly walked in her heels and headed to the stairwell to meet him. She rubbed her hands down her skirt when they started to sweat. Did he understand her message? Did she do it properly? Did she miss something? A hundred questions crossed her mind.

Lips crashed hers, arms wrapped around her waist, and a familiar tasty scent enveloped her entire body, then she was kissing back. Her arms went around his neck and she slanted her head to deepen their kiss, making their reunion such a bliss.

"Damien…" she whispered when he finally let her breathe.

"Katherine…" he called as he pressed his forehead to hers and cupped her face with his hand.

She slid her hands down to his chest, her heartbeat still increasing as she started, "I… Did you understand—"

"Shh… We'll talk about it later, Love. Be my onyx for a while."

Softly nodding, Katherine smiled and slipped her arms around his waist. She hugged him tight as if she wanted to suck all his worries away—just like an onyx.

"I missed you," she said against his shoulder.

"Then you shouldn't have been gone for too long."

She chuckled at what he said. She had only been away for five days and they barely lasted the temporary separation. "But I needed to."

"Hmmm… You were amazing up there, Katherine." He pulled back slightly and looked at her in the eyes. "And I heard you… I understand."

"Really?" Her brows wrinkled.

Damien's phone started to ring but he didn't answer it. "Every single thing. I heard you loud and clear." He kissed her on the lips briefly, punctuating his statement. "We'll talk again after, I promise."

When he left for the deliberation, she composed herself before going back out there. She was flushed and excited at the same time. Soon, Katherine joined the others in the room next to the event hall earlier.

Heads turned in her direction when she stepped inside and she couldn't tell what they were thinking about. Did she overdo it during the presentation? Were they about to murder her? She snorted in her thoughts.

"Ms. Young?" 

She turned her head when two men came to her. "Yes?"

"We just wanted to congratulate you. You were great up there. Your speech was very inspirational," one of them said. "That's right! I suddenly remembered my father when he started our small company. Anyway, we're rooting for you. Congratulations on your victory!" the other one told her.

"Oh, but the deliberation isn't over yet…" Katherine glanced at their extended hands and felt uneasy.

"Nonsense. I admit, we sort of judged you when that news came out. But… after that presentation, I am now a fan. I have a feeling that you won."

It was a bizarre feeling but she could only nod and accept their greeting. When the two left, a few others came forward to say the same thing. Now she felt suffocated with the attention.

The tense and long bidding process was about to come to an end. It had been postponed, resumed, and even embroiled in a scandal. But in an hour or so, it would finally be over. However, as much as she looked forward to the awarding of the bidding, she was more eager to finish what she started with Damien, so she couldn't wait for this to be over.

Taking a peek inside her purse, Katherine reached in and her fingers brushed against the luxurious feel of a velvet box that she kept safe inside. Then a sweet smile cast on her lips as she gave it a pat. "Just a little while longer," she muttered.