Chapter 75

NATHANIEL.

As the plane touched down on familiar ground, Thane's mind was consumed by thoughts of Aurora. The trip had been successful in business terms and even the unexpected earthquake hadn’t been enough to spoil it, but a nagging unease had settled in the back of his mind during his time away. He yearned for the warmth of her presence, her laughter, and the way she filled his heart with that unique joy only she was capable of bringing.

Even though it was nighttime, he couldn't resist the magnetic pull he felt toward being near her. He hadn’t told her that he would be landing today, mostly because he hadn’t known he would. The earthquake had cut things short and his business partners had abruptly decided to bring the deal to a close. Torn between the desire to see her and the worry of potentially disturbing her, he decided to drive to her home after dismissing Ramos and thanking him for bringing his car.

The city had a quiet charm at this hour, one he’d never really taken the time to admire, and his car hummed softly along the streets, heading straight to the place he now considered a place of comfort—Aurora’s presence. The speed with which he’d fallen for her was nothing short of scary but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Aurora made him feel things he’d never felt before.

He got to her apartment building, parking his car on the dimly lit street before killing the engine and getting out. Then he leaned against his car, crossed his arms over his chest and gazed up at her apartment window. There was a soft glow of light emanating from the window, which told him that someone was up and about. Since he’d never been in her apartment before, Thane wasn’t sure which room was Aurora’s but he hoped the room he was longing for did not belong to her roommate.

With every moment that passed, he felt a growing need to see her, to know she was well. Thane was aware that their relationship had been unconventional from the beginning, built on practicality more than passion, but it had evolved into something deeper. Aurora had become a vital part of his life somewhere along the line, a lifeline of some sort and he feared he was getting addicted.

He yearned to know if she felt for him even half of what he felt for her, if she’d missed him while he was away. Sighing, he reckoned she didn’t. Now that she’d gone back to work, she had probably spent all her time trying to finish the pile of work that had grown during her one-week absence.

He was still staring up at the window when he noticed movement. His heart picked up a beat as he straightened. Then a figure appeared at the window and Thane saw that whoever it was, was about to draw the curtains.

It was her. At that moment, their eyes connected and his breath hitched. What was it she did to him that left him wanting her so? How was it that she’d managed to crawl into his heart without him knowing and completely made it hers?

Then she was gone.

Thane blinked, wondering what had just happened. Has she gone to bed in anger that he’d shown up without informing her? It was plausible. Sighing, he resigned, about to turn to enter his car and drive home when the apartment front doors swung wide open and Aurora came running towards him.

“Thane,” she whispered, coming to a halt just in front of him, her chest heaving. “You’re back.”

He couldn't hide the surprise in his expression, combined with a tinge of guilt for intruding at such an hour. “I am. Landed tonight. I’m sorry for coming here without warning. Did I disturb your rest?”

Her eyes glowed with warmth and she held her night rail tightly around her body, holding her arms with the action. “No, you didn’t. I haven’t gone to sleep yet. I’m glad you’re back,” she said and then began to look him up and down like she was searching for something. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Thane narrowed his eyes curiously, wondering what she was on about. “I’m… fine. Why? Did something happen?”

She took a step closer to him and he saw her throat work. “It’s just that I heard about the earthquake and I couldn’t reach you and I got so worried that I had to call Winter and even though he assured me that you’re fine, I couldn’t sleep because I was worried out of my mind and—”

“Aurora, I’m fine,” Thane said. “I wasn’t anywhere near the earthquake, I promise.”

She seemed tensed and he figured something was wrong. He extended a hand toward her, placing it on one arm that was now laid by her side. He didn’t like seeing her like this, tensed and stoic. If something else had happened while he was away… “Aurora—”

“I like you.” Aurora suddenly said and Thane’s heart skipped a beat. She turned her eyes away from him meekly as she continued. “I really do. You’re a good man and I think it’s rare for a woman not to fall for you.”

Aurora took him by surprise with her candid confession. Her words hung in the air, leaving a trace of vulnerability, one that he’d never expected her to reveal. However, he sensed she had more to say so he remained silent.

After a brief pause, she continued, “But there's a huge gap between the two of us," she admitted. "You're handsome, wealthy, and have a great character, while I'm just a very ordinary woman. I don’t want to hold you back. In societal terms, I don't think I'm up to your level.”

Thane had no idea that Aurora had been feeling this way. Was that the reason she’d been reluctant to go further with him? “You could never hold me back, Aurora, and I don’t think you’re ordinary at all. You've made me fall in love with you, and ordinary women can't do that. You should have more confidence. In my eyes, you're a charming woman.” His hand on her arm slid down to take her hand in his. “You’re everything I want.”

She met his eyes then and he saw the moisture that glistened in them. Smiling, “I don’t want to give up on us,” she said. “I just need some time. I’ll work very hard to catch up with you.”

Thane returned her smile, though his brain worked tirelessly. Could it be that Aurora thought they weren’t equals because of the difference in their financial situation? Did she mean what he thought she meant by ‘catch up with him’? It was at the tip of his tongue to tell her that he didn’t care about that and that everything he had was hers if she wanted it but he held his tongue.

If there was one thing he’d learned about his wife, it was that her independence mattered a lot to her. If what she wanted was to be his equal financially, then he would do everything he could to assist and support her.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you. I won the bid.” Aurora smiled.

He reached forward and pulled her into a hug, laughing into her hair. “I’m so proud of you. You deserve it.”

They pulled away, staring into each other’s eyes. “Thank you for believing in me. I’ve wanted to work with Mateo’s company since the day I heard about them.”

Thane instantly became alert. “Mateo?”

Aurora blinked. “Did I not tell you about Mateo? He’s my ex-boyfriend and he’s also a partner in the production company that bid for my book.”

He remembered the reports he’d read some weeks ago on the man, his mouth going sour. He thought about how the report had said Mateo and Aurora had been in love and his lips curved downward into a frown. “Is it wise to be working with your ex? I mean, how do you feel about him now?”

She gave him a reassuring smile, or at least that was what he thought it was. “Don’t be like that. Mateo is my past and you’re my present. You should have a bit more confidence in me.”

Thane blew out air from his lips, thinking about her words. He supposed he should be more confident in her as she hadn’t given him a reason to doubt her. He made a decision there and then to trust her wholeheartedly. “Alright.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears.

“And for what it’s worth, I believe in you. If ever anything you need, let me know. I’ll always support you, Aurora. I mean it.”

Aurora stared at him intently for a few seconds before she finally murmured, “I know.”