Chapter 46 SOFT AND QUICK.
\~~~SERENA.
I blinked awake, my head fuzzy like I'd been dreaming too deeply. But something felt off right away… This wasn't our bed at home. The sheets were silkier, the air hummed with a low vibration I couldn't place. Panic hit me, and I shot upright, heart pounding. Where the hell was I?
My eyes darted around the small space. It was like a fancy bedroom crammed into a box of soft lighting from hidden bulbs, a king-sized bed with crisp white linens, and walls that curved like they were part of something bigger. No windows at first glance, just a door on one side.
Then it clicked. That steady rumble under my feet. Oh God, I was on a plane, and I had nearly forgotten.
I gasped loudly, clutching the covers to my chest like they could save me.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, bare feet hitting a plush carpet. The room was beautiful, way fancier than anything I'd imagined for a flight. Polished wood panels on the walls, a small couch in the corner with fluffy pillows, and even a little table holding a vase of fresh flowers.
I stood up, wobbly, and padded to the door. It slid open with a soft whoosh when I touched it, revealing a bigger space beyond. But first, nature called. I spotted another door. The bathroom, probably.
Inside, it was like a spa. Marble counters, a rain shower big enough for two, and a stack of neatly packed toiletries on the sink.
There was a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and even my favorite lavender soap. How did he know? I didn't waste time wondering. I handled my business quickly, splashing water on my face to wake up.
My reflection stared back. My hair was a mess, and my eyes were wide. I looked like I'd been through a whirlwind, which I had.
The wedding, school, and now this surprise trip. On the couch outside the bathroom sat a two-piece hoodie set, soft gray and oversized, folded perfectly.
I slipped it on, the fabric hugging me just right, and then I tied my hair back. Better.
I stepped out of the room into the main cabin. It opened up like a living room in the sky as the leather seats were arranged in pods, a bar area gleaming with bottles, and big windows showing nothing but black sky dotted with stars.
And there he was, Damien, settled in one of the seats, a steaming mug of coffee in front of him and his laptop open. Papers scattered around, but he looked calm, and focused.
Does this man ever sleep? I swear, he runs on pure energy.
He sensed me before I even got close, turning his head with that sharp awareness of his. “Someone's finally awake!” His voice was warm, and teasing, his eyes lighting up.
“What do you mean? I just took a short nap,” I shot back, rolling my eyes as I crossed to the seat across from him. I plopped down, peering out the window.
Clouds below, endless sky above and I swear it felt unreal, like I could reach out and touch the stars.
I'd never imagined being in such luxury, and at this point, I don’t blame those materialistic chicks and gold diggers.
I swear, I would too, if I could.
“Short nap, moonlight?” He chuckled, closing his laptop with a click.
I frowned at him. “Yeah, short. Why?”
He leaned back, sipping his coffee. “You've been out since 7 p.m. last night. And this is…”
“Wait!” My eyes went wide, and I sat bolt upright again, gripping the armrests. “Last... night? It's a new day?”
He nodded, still chuckling like my freak-out was the best entertainment. “There was a stopover for about an hour for maintenance and fueling. You slept through it all, baby. This is almost 4 a.m. now, so we're landing in a few minutes.”
“B-but…” I scratched my head, trying to piece it together.
I remembered boarding, the engines roaring to life, then... nothing. I thought the sun had just dipped below the horizon when we took off. But now?
Dawn light is creeping in. How long had I been out? “Which country are we going to? It's gotta be eight or nine hours from home.”
He raised an eyebrow. “It was mentioned before we took off. You didn't catch that?”
I nodded sheepishly. “I was exhausted. Tired from everything. The wedding ceremony, and the chaos. Trust me, that sleep was needed. No wonder I'm starving,” I pouted, rubbing my belly.
It growled right on cue, loud enough to make me blush.
“Will you eat now? I can get the flight attendant to bring something. We've got a full kitchen onboard.” He started to stand, but I waved him off.
“No, no. I'll wait till we're there. Speaking of, where are we going?” I asked again, leaning forward. “Come on, spill it.”
He set his mug down and stood up instead, closing the distance between us. I froze as he leaned in close, his cologne mixing with the coffee scent, woodsy and warm. “What are you do...ing?” I hiccuped, my voice squeaking.
Without a word, he reached for my seatbelt, fastening it snug over my lap. His fingers brushed my thigh accidentally… or not, and I held my breath.
The cabin lights dimmed a bit, and a soft voice came over the speakers, “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for landing. Please remain seated.”
He clicked the buckle into place and straightened up, but not before leaning in one more inch. “Welcome to Italy, wifey.” Then he kissed the corner of my lips soft, soft and quick.
I gasped, the sound bursting out before I could stop it. Was it the kiss? Or the word Italy?
Or both?
My brain short-circuited. “Italy?!” I screamed, my hands flying to my cheeks.
Heat rushed through me, excitement bubbling up like champagne.
He chuckled deep, settling back into his seat across from me. “Your dream vacation country, baby. Italy.” That smirk of his confidence, and knowing. Like he'd planned every detail.
How did he know? Shit! I had never mentioned it to him!
“Shit!” I screamed again, and he chuckled.