Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
I t’s a quiet afternoon in Sebastian's office. He’s been immersed in paperwork, but his thoughts keep drifting to the upcoming business trip to Paris that he’s dreading. He knows he’ll be gone for five days, and the prospect of being separated from Mallory weighs heavily on his mind.
Finally, he can't ignore the need to talk to her any longer. Picking up his phone, he dials her number and waits for her to answer.
"Sebastian?"
"Mallory," he says in his low, velvety voice, "I need to speak with you. Can you come to my office?"
"Of course," she replies, and a few minutes later, Mallory stands in Sebastian's office.
There is a moment of unspoken tension before Sebastian finally speaks. "Mallory, I have some news. I have to go to Paris for a business trip. I'll be gone for five days."
Mallory's face falls, and disappointment washes over her.
Sebastian can see the emotion in her eyes, and he can't bear it. "But, Mallory, I don't want to be away from you for that long."
She looks up, her gaze locking onto his. "What can we do, Sebastian? Business is business."
Sebastian leans forward, his eyes filled with longing. "That's where you come in," he says softly. "I want you to come with me to Paris."
Mallory's eyes widen in surprise. "Come with you? But why?"
Sebastian reaches out to take her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Mallory, your training has only just begun. Five days apart would be a waste. In Paris, away from prying eyes, I can truly show you the lifestyle I live, freely and openly, without fear of being caught."
"Sebastian, I'd love to go with you."
A smile spreads across his face, and he pulls her into an embrace. "It's settled then. We'll make this business trip an adventure, and together, we'll explore a world that you've only glimpsed. Paris will be the backdrop for your training, and I promise you, it will be a transformative experience."
Mallory's heart races with anticipation as she arrives home, eager to start packing for her unexpected trip to Paris with Sebastian. She knows that this journey holds the promise of new experiences and a deeper connection with the enigmatic man who has entered her life.
As she enters the cozy living room of her family home, her father, Ted, is sitting in his favorite armchair, engrossed in a book. He looks up as she enters, and his eyes twinkle with warmth when he sees his daughter.
"Mallory, you're back," he says, closing the book and placing it on the side table. "How was your day?"
Her father is tall, a well-built man, who takes his health seriously.
He is very handsome, though the stress of his job has added a bit of gray to his hair and a few wrinkles around his eyes.
Her father always smells of comfort, a curt whiff of cologne and the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
Probably because he drinks coffee around the clock.
Mallory approaches her father, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. "Dad, I need to talk to you about something important."
Ted leans forward, his brows furrowing slightly. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Mallory begins "Dad, Sebastian has business in Paris, and he's invited me to go with him. He says there's a lot of work to be done, and it's normal for a personal assistant to travel with their boss."
Ted looks thoughtful, concern etched on his face. "Paris? With Sebastian? Mallory, that's quite unexpected. Can you tell me more about this trip?"
Mallory hesitates for a moment, knowing that her father has questions, and this will be an important conversation.
"Dad, it's strictly business. He needs my assistance while he's in Paris. I'll be working closely with him during the trip."
Ted studies his daughter for a moment, then sighs. "Very well, Mallory. I'll get your passport for you."
Mallory's heart swells with gratitude. "Thank you, Dad. I promise I'll stay focused on the work and keep in touch while I'm away."
As Ted retrieves her passport from a drawer, he gives her a fatherly smile. "Just remember, you're my little girl, and I worry about you. Take care of yourself and do your best to assist Sebastian during the trip."
"What's this about a trip to Paris?" Penelope, Mallory's mother, strides into the room. Her eyes narrow inquisitively.
Mallory turns to her mother. Penelope's eyes travel back and forth between her husband and daughter. Suddenly, she smiles brightly and walks toward Mallory, looks her into the eyes, and embraces her tightly and kisses her head.
Penelope is a tall, imposing woman and towers over Mallory. Her face is stern and angular, her hair always sleek and a shimmering amber.
Her voice steady, Mallory pulls away from her mother enough to look up at her. "Mom, Sebastian has a business trip to Paris, and he's asked me to accompany him. It's for work, and he needs my assistance while he's there."
Penelope exchanges a glance with her husband before turning back to Mallory. "This is rather sudden, dear. Are you sure about this?"
Mallory nods, a determined look on her face. "Yes, Mom. I'm prepared for the responsibilities, and it's a great opportunity for me to learn and grow in my role."
Ted chimes in, offering his support. "We trust your judgment, Mallory, but please stay safe and focused on the work during the trip."
With the understanding and support of both her parents, Mallory feels a sense of reassurance. She hugs them both, grateful for their encouragement.
With her passport in hand, she hurries off to pack. The plane leaves at 4AM.