55
Rue's POV
A knock on my door breaks the spell of my thoughts, consumed by worries about Ryker's investigation, I have been trying to do my own investigation while leaving kael to plan but can't do much from here really.
"Come in." I reply, expecting Elara or a maid. But to my surprise, Kael walks in.
I sit up straight, intrigued by his unexpected visit. He's never been in my room before.
"Kael, what brings you here?" I ask, curiosity lacing my voice.
"Good morning, Rue." he says, his expression hesitant.
"I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable by being in your room I know I could send elara to do this for me but I wanted to do it myself." He says.
"Okay,is there a problem kael?" I ask wondering what he wants to tells me.
"There's no problem rue, it's just i wanted to invite you to dinner in the garden tonight." His eyes lock onto mine, a hint of shyness in their depths.
My heart skips a beat.
"That sounds lovely. I'd love to," I respond, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest.
Kael's face relaxes into a gentle smile.
"See you soon, then." He turns to leave, closing the door behind him.
Since Kael opened up about his brother, our dynamic has shifted. The tension still lingers, but we can finally talk and enjoy each other's company without tiptoeing around sensitive topics. The kiss still hangs between us, unspoken except for that day in the pool where he said he was happy it happened but other than that he hasn't made any move.
Perhaps Kael doesn't want to rush things or disrupt our newfound ease. That's fine by me.
I rise from bed, my mind drifting to the dinner invitation. I select a light blue sundress and white sandals from my wardrobe, anticipating a serene evening in the garden with kael.
I slip off my clothes, letting them pool on the floor, and head to the bathroom. The warm glow of the sunset streaming through the windows beckons me to unwind. I turn the shower faucet, and as the water heats up, I step under its soothing stream.
The hot shower washes away my worries, and I let out a contented sigh. I take my time, savoring the relaxation spreading through my muscles. I shampoo my hair, working out the tangles, and rinse thoroughly. The scent of lavender fills the air as I condition my locks, feeling the softness return.
As I rinse, my thoughts drift to Kael and our upcoming dinner. What does he have planned? Will it be just the two of us? The uncertainty sends a thrill through me.
After shutting off the water, I wrap myself in a plush towel and dry off. My hair drips water onto the marble countertop as I comb through the tangles. I blow dry it, watching my reflection transform from disheveled to radiant.
With my hair now silky and smooth, I slip into the light blue sundress, feeling the soft fabric hug my curves. The white sandals add a touch of elegance. A quick dusting of powder and a swipe of lip balm complete my simple yet effortless look,I walk to the mirror admiring my self in it, I'm pleased with my choice of dress.
Ready for the evening, I take a deep breath and make my way to the garden, anticipation building with each step.
I descend the stairs mentally preparing myself for the evening. As I reach the foyer, my eyes meet Kael's, and my heart skips a beat. He's standing by the door, looking handsome in his simple yet elegant attire, his eyes locked onto mine.
"You didn't have to wait for me." I say, smiling.
Kael's expression softens. "I didn't mind. I wanted to walk with you to the garden." His voice is low and gentle.
My cheeks warm at the thought of strolling alongside him. "Thank you," I reply, feeling a flutter.
Together, we walk through the lush greenery toward the gazebo. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the beautifully arranged dinner. Elara has outdone herself.
As we approach the gazebo, Kael gestures for me to precede him. He pulls out my chair, and I sit. Then, he takes his seat across from me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles.
Kael pours me a glass of wine, I smile, feeling a flutter in my chest.
"Your favorite." he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Thank you." I reply, taking the glass from him.
Before us lies a beautifully set table, adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. The feast Elara has prepared is breathtaking Grilled Ribeye Steak, creamy Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, and a rich Beef Gravy.
My stomach growls in anticipation as Kael gestures for me to serve myself. We fill our plates and begin eating, the silence between us comfortable.
As we savor our meal, I ask, "How are things going with the troops' training and strategy meetings?"
Kael chews thoughtfully before responding, "It's going fine. We're moving along quickly. Actually, a couple of them have asked about you and when you'll return to coach them again."
I feel a surge of warmth at the thought. "Really? That's wonderful. I'd love to go back and help."
We eat in silence for a moment, Kael seeming to want to say something but hesitating.
My curiosity gets the better of me. "Kael, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replies, his eyes meeting mine.
"It just seems that since the kiss you haven't really made any move again and I'm just wondering why and if I may have read it wrong ,What's on your mind?"
Kael sets his fork down, his expression thoughtful.
"I just want to take things slowly, Rue. I don't want to rush and risk ruining what we have."
I nod understandingly. "I get it. You don't have to rush things, Kael. I like the pace of things between us."
Kael's face relaxes into a gentle smile.
As we continue eating, the conversation flows easily. I share funny stories from my childhood, and Kael regales me with tales of disputes he's settled as pack leader.
Before long, we've finished our meal and are ready to head inside.
"Thank you for dinner, Kael. This was lovely." I say, smiling.
Kael stands, pulling out my chair. "My pleasure, Rue. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Together, we stroll toward the mansion, the evening air filled with the promise of new beginnings.
As we walk toward the mansion, the evening air wraps around us, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Kael's presence beside me feels natural, comforting.
We reach my room door, and I turn to face him, wondering if he might want to come in. But instead, he leans forward, his eyes locked onto mine.
My heart skips a beat as his lips brush against mine in a soft, gentle kiss. The world around me melts away, leaving only the two of us.
"Goodnight, Rue." Kael whispers, his breath tickling my skin.
I smile, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Goodnight, Kael."
He pulls back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. For a moment, we just look at each other.
Then, with a gentle nod, Kael turns and walks away, leaving me to float into my room, my heart still reeling from that kiss.
I close the door behind me, leaning against it as I touch my lips, remembering the feel of Kael's mouth on mine.
A soft sigh escapes me. Tonight was perfect.
I drift to my bed, lost in thoughts of Kael and the promise of tomorrow.
As I settle into bed, my mind begins to wander back to Ryker's investigation. I wonder what he's uncovered, if anything. Has he found any leads on Cassie and Jessica's plot?
Just as I'm lost in thought, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. I reach for it, seeing Ryker's name on the screen.
"Hey, Rue. Any updates?" Ryker's text reads.
I quickly type out a response. "Nothing new here. What about you? Find anything?"
The minutes tick by, and I'm starting to drift off when my phone buzzes again.
"I've found something," Ryker's text says. "Still putting the pieces together. I'll have something for you tomorrow."
My heart skips a beat. What could Ryker have discovered?
I toss and turn, my mind racing with possibilities. Is it something about Cassie's past? Or perhaps a connection between Jessica and the mysterious figure?
The more I think about it, the more my curiosity grows. I hope Ryker's findings shed some light on the nature of their plot.
Realizing I've been lost in thought for a while, I glance at my bedside clock. It's getting late.
I throw off the covers and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The familiarity of the routine helps calm my racing mind.
After brushing my teeth, I change out of my dress and into comfortable pajamas. The soft fabric envelops me, a gentle reminder to relax.
I return to my bedside and pick up my sleeping pill, washing it down with a sip of water.
As I settle back into bed, my thoughts still linger on Ryker's investigation. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.
I close my eyes, willing myself to sleep. The pill starts to take effect, and my eyelids grow heavy.
My last thought is of Kael's gentle kiss and the promise of tomorrow's revelations.
As I drift off, the darkness envelops me, and my worries temporarily fade away.
Tomorrow will bring answers.