Chapter 96: 96

Yuki and Kade stepped into the aquarium and were immediately hit by the cool air and the low hum of water. The place was bustling with families and couples, but they ignored everyone else as they bought their tickets and walked through the entrance tunnel.

Kade bumped her shoulder lightly with his. “So… you really dragged me to look at fish? I thought you’d pick something more exciting like laser tag or something where I could show off.”

Yuki rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You wish. You’d probably trip and embarrass yourself in laser tag. At least here I can watch you stare at jellyfish like a confused kid.”

Kade laughed, the sound warm and genuine. He grabbed her hand and laced their fingers together. “Fine. But if I see a shark, I’m telling you it’s looking at you funny.”

They walked into the first big exhibit hall. Brightly colored fish darted around in massive tanks. Yuki stopped in front of one filled with clownfish and nudged Kade.

“Look, it’s you,” she teased. “Always swimming around looking lost but pretending you know what you’re doing.”

Kade smirked and pulled her closer by the waist. “Oh really? Then that one over there is definitely you — pretty to look at but always hiding behind the coral when things get serious.”

Yuki gasped dramatically and slapped his chest. “Rude! I do not hide.”

“You kinda do,” He said, grinning as he leaned down to kiss her temple. “Remember that time back in New York when I kissed you the first day we met? You literally tried to hide and avoid me. What a cute shy girl.you were.”

Yuki groaned, covering her face with her free hand. “I was nervous! Whk kisses someone they just met.”

Kade chuckled and pulled her hand away from her face so he could see her.

“Kade Warren. And it's not just that I kissed you, I knew back then I was serious about you. I had a massive crush on you at first sight.”

“Crush at first sight indeed. You were a player.”She scoffed.

“Hey…hey… I already changed my ways. Don't judge me.” Kade winked.

They kept walking, stopping at different tanks. At one point, Kade pointed at a pufferfish inflating itself.

“See? That’s me whenever I see you in a dress like the one you wore to the gala. I just… puff up with pride like an idiot because of how attractive you looked.”

Yuki laughed loudly, the sound echoing a little. “You’re so cheesy today. What happened to the cool, mysterious Kade?”

“He’s on vacation. Today you get the version that’s stupidly in love with you.”

They reached the touch pool area. Yuki dipped her fingers in the shallow water, gently touching a starfish.

Kade stood behind her, arms wrapped around her middle, chin on her shoulder as he watched.

“You know…” He said quietly, “I used to think about bringing you to places like this back in New York. I had this whole list in my head. I wanted to do normal couple stuff with you even if we weren't officially dating.”

Yuki turned her head slightly, her nose brushing his. “We never really got the chance back then, huh?”

“No,” Kade admitted, his voice softening. “But we’re getting it now. Even if it’s messy… I’m really glad we’re here.”

He turned her around in his arms and pulled her closer then kissed her. It started soft and sweet, but quickly grew deeper as Yuki rose on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Kade’s hands slid down to her waist, pulling her flush against him. The kiss turned heated, his tongue brushing hers, one hand moving up to cup the back of her head.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing harder. Kade rested his forehead against hers, a playful smirk on his lips.

“See? This is why I like dates with you. I get to do that whenever I want.”

Yuki smiled, cheeks flushed. “You’re dangerous when you’re in a good mood.”

“I know right? We should probably look for a snack stall outside the main lounge. I'm getting hungry.”He said.

“Sure.”

_____

Kade and Yuki stood in front of the large glass statue exhibit, a beautiful artistic piece of two lovers reaching for each other, surrounded by floating bubbles and soft, shifting blue lights.

The area was relatively quiet, with only a few visitors scattered around, admiring the display.

Kade turned to Yuki, his eyes dark with emotion. Without a word, he cupped her face with both hands and kissed her deeply, right there in public.

“Kade…” She tried to break the kiss.

The kiss was hungry and full of everything they had been holding back. His lips moved against hers with raw need, tongue sliding into her mouth as he pulled her body flush against his.

Yuki moaned softly into the kiss, her hands fisting the front of his shirt, rising onto her toes to get closer.

Kade’s hand slid down to her waist, gripping her tightly, fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as if he needed to feel her, to remind himself she was real and here with him.

Their bodies pressed together, heat building between them despite the public setting. Kade tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss, his tongue stroking hers in slow, sensual movements that made Yuki’s knees weak.

She whimpered quietly, her fingers sliding up to his neck, pulling him even closer.

The kiss turned filthy — wet, desperate, full of longing. Kade’s other hand moved to her lower back, pressing her hips against his so she could feel how much he wanted her.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard. Kade’s thumb brushed her swollen bottom lip, his eyes burning into hers.

“I can’t get enough of you.” He whispered roughly. “Every time I kiss you, it feels like the first time all over again.”

“You’re going to get us kicked out for public indecency if you keep kissing me like that in public.”Yuki smiled breathlessly.

“Worth it.” Kade smirked, leaning in to steal another quick, heated kiss.

Suddenly, Yuki’s phone rang in her bag.

She pulled back slightly, still dazed from the kiss, and fished out her phone. Unknown number. She answered it without hesitation, pressing the phone to her ear.

The moment the voice came through, everything changed.

“Look at that glass statue behind Kade…” Stefano said calmly, almost conversationally.

Yuki’s eyes widened in horror. She turned her head toward the statue.

A sharp gunshot rang out.

The glass statue behind Kade exploded violently. Shards of glass flew everywhere in a deafening crash. People screamed and ducked for cover. Yuki let out a terrified scream, her body jerking in shock.

Kade reacted instantly. He grabbed Yuki and yanked her down to the floor, covering her body completely with his own.

His arms wrapped around her head and back, shielding her as more glass rained down around them. His heart pounded violently against her ear.

“Last. Fucking. Warning. Princess.” Stefano’s cold, menacing voice continued through the phone. “Stay away from Kade, or his head will blow up next!”

The line went dead.