CHAPTER 68
The entire breakfast was awkward. Swallowing a bite felt like a Herculean task she hadn't signed up for. She never knew it could be this difficult. And to top it off, her clothes weren't exactly helping with the rising warmth inside her.
Each glance exchanged between her and Kaelith only added to the tension in the room.
It felt like an invisible elephant was sitting at the table with them, making small talk a struggle.
Amara couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed between them, something unspoken lingering in the air, making it hard to relax and enjoy the meal.
Kaelith couldn't help but notice the flush on Amara's cheeks, the colour spreading to her neck and disappearing beneath her blouse. She seemed flustered, her attempt to hide behind her hair only drawing more attention to her.
The silence between them was palpable, broken only by the sound of their forks against the plates. Kaelith spoke. "I'm going on a business trip to Spain," he announced casually, catching Amara off guard.
She nodded, unable to find her voice amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. So, he was leaving, just like that. But then, to her surprise, he added, "You're coming with me."
Amara stilled, her eyes widening in confusion as she snapped her head to look at him. "You will take me with you?" she muttered, the words barely audible over the clinking of forks.
Kaelith casually set his fork down, his action deliberated enough to catch Amara's attention. He clasped his hands under his jaw, his eyes locking onto hers with intensity.
"Do you not want to come?" he asked, his tone gentle but firm.
Amara felt a rush of emotions flood through her, but she managed to gather herself.
"I- I'd... love to," she replied, her voice slightly shaky but earnest. Amara felt a small butterfly flutter in her stomach.
He was taking her with him. The thought filled her with excitement and a hint of nervousness, but overall, she was thrilled.
Kaelith noticed and bit his lips to hide his grin. This little vixen. “Hmm… pack whatever you need, it’s a two-day trip. Tell Martha if you need something else.”
A small smile crept over Amara's lips. Even if it was just for two days, she wanted to explore. Amidst her swirling emotions, she hadn't realized how much she wanted to stay by his side. She finally looked up, meeting his eyes, and was startled by the fierceness she saw in his gaze.
Kaelith could tell she was excited. His lips automatically curled into a smile. This was the woman he'd do anything for, just to see her smile like that.
*****
Martha gave Amara a hand with her packing.
They tossed in a couple of undies, four dresses, shoes, her skincare goodies, and a bit of makeup.
Amara was pretty jittery, pacing back and forth, trying to remember if she forgot anything.
She also grabbed the book she was reading and tossed it in the bag.
It was a big deal for her - leaving the country for the first time, especially with Kaelith, the man she had broken the rules for.
After finishing packing, Amara changed into a comfy pair of jeans and a pretty beige lace blouse, aiming to look put-together.
Her hair cascaded down her back, and she dabbed on some lip tint before checking herself out in the mirror.
The reflection staring back at her seemed like a whole new person.
She looked radiant, content, and herself.
And then there was a sting- a bitter reminder of the reality. Rafael.
She ignored the thought, trying to focus on the happiness at hand.
By the time Kaelith returned, it was already past eleven.
Amara couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as he glanced her way.
There was a shift in the air between them.
The last night was still afresh in her head.
Kaelith gazed at her, taking in the effort she'd made for him, and he couldn't resist planting a tender kiss on her forehead. "You look stunning," he murmured.
Amara's excitement bubbled up as she eagerly asked. "When are we heading out?" she inquired, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Kaelith flashed her a poised smile as he helped her with her bag. "Did you get everything packed?" he asked, his tone filled with a hint of amusement.
"Yeah, I'm all set," Amara replied with a nod, her voice tinged with excitement. "So, when's our flight?"
Kaelith grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Whenever you're good to go," he said, his voice laced with admiration.
He gallantly opened the car door for Amara, who couldn't help but notice the guard and the driver up front as she settled into the car beside him.
Just as the door clicked shut, Kaelith surprised her by wrapping his arm around her and pulling her onto his lap.
Her eyes widened in surprise as a red tint painted her cheeks.
"I love you," Kaelith whispered, pressing his lips gently against hers, kissing her until she felt breathless. When he finally pulled away, Amara found herself breathing heavily, her heart racing. She looked at him, her mind still swimming from the kiss.
She tried to even out her heartbeat, which only quickened with his touch.
Kaelith smirked mischievously, biting his lip as his hand gently gripped the nape of her neck. "You were screaming it last night," he teased, his voice low and seductive.
"I... I did not!" Amara protested, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Shameless man.
Kaelith chuckled, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on her neck as he pulled her face closer to his. "You'll be screaming it soon anyway," he murmured against her lips, a promise laced with desire. "I'll make sure of that."
****
What Amara wasn’t expecting was the gigantic plane waiting for them.
A private airline at that. She was surprised.
Kaelith was filthy rich but rich enough to own a private jet?
She was starting to wonder how much he made.
Millions? Billions? She wouldn’t be surprised if he was the richest man in the whole world.
Only she if she could have one per cent of what he owned.
She chuckled at the absurd thought.
The airstrip was covered by guards, and attendants wearing elegant navy blue short skirts were standing outside the jet, waiting for them.
Amara swallowed hard. They were beautiful.
Insecurity gnawed at her at the realisation that Kaelith probably flies with them all the time. With these beautiful women.
A pang of jealousy hit her, something she hadn’t expected.
Kaelith slipped his fingers between hers, catching her off guard. When she looked up and met his gaze, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his warm smile.
Her breath caught as she found herself lost in his eyes, feeling a rush of emotions she couldn't quite put into words.
She felt a sense of belonging wash over her. It was as if she always belonged to him.
Just like she had found him and had lost herself. Even if she wanted to speak, she didn’t know what to say. There was no language she could use to express her feelings. Even the simple “I love you’ seemed vague in front of the sensations he felt whenever he was near her.
And she wanted it to stay like that, forever.