Chapter 44 IN HIS WORLD.
\~~~SERENA.
I pushed open the door to our bedroom, my heart still buzzing from the chaos of class. But what hit me first was the two big boxes that sat stacked in the corner like they were waiting for me.
I froze, scanning the room for Damien. The living room was empty, and there was no sign of him here either. Shaking off the surprise, I let my bag drop onto the bed with a thud. My eyes went straight to the small packed box right there on the mattress, neatly taped.
Before I could touch it, the bathroom door creaked open and Damien stepped out, a white towel slung low around his waist, water droplets still clinging to his chest.
God, he looked like he had walked out of one of those steamy ads. I swallowed hard, heat rushing to my face as I jerked my gaze away. “I… I didn’t know you truly meant this,” I coughed out, trying to play it cool.
Why was I acting as if I’d never seen a half-naked man before?
Hell, I’d seen him naked, in fact, up close and personal. My cheeks burned hotter and I forced myself to turn back, but keeping my eyes on his face was a battle. Those broad shoulders, and the way the towel hung just right… Nope, his face only.
“Why would I joke about going on a honeymoon?” He smirked, crossing the room toward me, “How were lectures?”
I nodded quickly, staring at the floor. “It was… good.” Then I raised my head, “Why are you suddenly taking a shower? It is cold out, and… this is past three in the afternoon.”
“I needed a bath after arranging everything,” he said, his voice low and easy. He raised his hand, and I flinched back on instinct, gasping like a scared kid. But to my total embarrassment, he just bent down to grab his phone from the nightstand and heat flooded my face again.
“You act as if Ibite,” he chuckled softly, scrolling through his screen without looking up.
“I didn’t move because of you!” I waved my hands wildly, defending myself.
“Our flight’s at 5 p.m.,” he replied casually.
“I didn’t move because of you, I swear,” I insisted, still flapping my hands like it would make him believe me.
He glanced up, his eyes twinkling. “What difference does it make, baby? Your face is flushed for someone who didn’t move because of me.”
I hiccuped right then, the sound popping out like a betrayal. Forced laughter bubbled up to cover it. “I am just running a fever,” I blurted through the awkward giggles.
“Let’s go to the hospital right away.” His tone was serious now, and concerns were creasing his brow.
Sweet lord, you can’t even joke with this man.
“Gosh, no! I mean… whatever!” I shook my head, dodging that mess. “What country are we going to, by the way? Do we even need to go on… this honeymoon? It is not… necessary.” I glanced at the boxes, my voice trailing. “It is not like our marriage is…”
I stopped as his face had dropped, turning icy in a split second, like I’d crossed some line. The warmth in his eyes vanished.
Before I could take a step back, he had closed the space between us so fast I couldn’t budge. His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear, gentle as a whisper.
His breath fanned my cheek, warm and close. “I’d take you to the moon and back, if I so wished.”
My pulse hammered as his fingers trailed down to my neck, sending shivers racing over my skin. Then lower, to my lips, hovering there like a promise.
I leaned in without thinking, my body pressing against his, my eyes locked on him lost, wanting and my heart pounding for whatever was coming next.
“Go freshen up, and…” He paused, his voice a rumble. “I got a dress for you. It is in that box on the bed.” Then he pulled away, smooth as ever, heading to the closet as if nothing happened.
I stood there, frozen, my lips tingling from the almost-kiss.
I pressed them together, embarrassment crashing over me like a wave.
God, that was so humiliating.
If he’d just grabbed my neck and kissed me senseless, I wouldn’t feel this stupid. But no, he left me hanging, leaning in like a desperate fool.
What was I even thinking?
I shook myself out of it, cheeks still flaming, and hurried to the closet. No time to dwell. I grabbed fresh clothes and dashed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to cool the fire in my veins.
___
By the time I was ready with my hair falling over my shoulders, dressed in the blue dress he had gotten for me, it was already four-thirty.
Damien had changed into dark slacks and a crisp shirt, looking every bit the billionaire he was. He grabbed the boxes, and we headed out. The car waited in the driveway, engine purring. As we slid in, I couldn’t hold back. “Where are we going, exactly?”
“Why don’t you see for yourself, moonlight? You ask too many questions,” he said with a teasing smile, squeezing my hand.
That was it. We didn’t say much after that and there were just quiet glances and the hum of the city rushing by.
.
The car pulled up to the airport, and the door opened to a world I’d only seen in movies. There were sleek buildings, people hustling with suitcases, and announcements echoing overhead.
Damien got out first, circling to my side. He took my hand, helping me step onto the pavement. I gripped it tight, breathing heavy. This was my first time at an airport. I have never been on a plane and the thought made my stomach twist. I didn't want to admit how scared I was, like some kid afraid of the dark.
We started walking, his arm around my waist steadying me. The air smelled like fuel and coffee. Then it hit me like a brick. My passport!
I’d gotten it done months ago, but did I pack it?
Panic surged and I leaned close to Damien, whispering, “I don’t have my passport.”
“That is not needed,” he murmured back, calm as ever.
I opened my mouth for more, but a group of people approached in sharp uniforms, and polite smiles. Air attendants, I guessed.
“Mr. Hale, Mrs. Hale. Welcome. Everything is prepared,” one said, nodding.
Damien shook hands and thanked them. We kept walking, past check-in counters and shops buzzing with travelers. My legs felt wobbly, but his grip kept me moving. Security lines blurred by as we didn’t stop and we went straight to a private area, gates sliding open like magic.
Finally, we reached the tarmac. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the runways. There they were two massive airplanes gleaming under the lights, and a sleek helicopter nearby, rotors still. My mouth went dry.
Before I could speak, my eyes caught the lettering on the closest plane. In bold, silver letters, there was DAMIEN H.
I blinked, looking closer at the other plane, and there was the same name. The helicopter too. DAMIEN H, all of them.
My breath caught, and I whipped around to face him. “This is… all yours?!” My hands flew to my mouth, eyes wide as saucers.
He just smiled that knowing smile, pulling me closer.
Ah, y'all, my husband is freaking rich!
I wish I could scream that out right now.
My husband wasn’t just rich, he was on another level. And here I was, a nervous newbie, about to fly in his world.
“Okay, moonlight?” He caressed the small of my back.
Oh, yes daddy, yesss.