Explain This To Me.

Explain This To Me.
AZRAEL'S POV

“Azrael!” Her eyes brightened instantly as she threw her arms around my neck and pulled me into a hug. I was stunned for a moment before a smile spread across my lips.

“Well, someone's excited to see me. That's unusual,” I teased softly, rubbing her back.

She pulled away from the hug, a small pout forming on her lips. Before I could say anything, she kissed my forehead. I blinked in surprise as she kissed my left cheek, then my right, my nose, and finally my lips.

“Muah!” she giggled, sitting back on the bed.

I swallowed hard, unable to take my eyes off her. What was going on inside her head? Never had she looked this happy to see me before.

“Liora.” I took her hands in mine, concern tightening inside my chest. “Did something happen?”

She shook her head immediately. “Nope. I just missed you, as I said on the phone. You didn't think I was joking, did you?”

She giggled again before biting her lower lip softly. Then she moved closer and settled onto my lap, trapping me against the headboard. Her arms wrapped around my neck as her gaze slowly dropped to my lips.

“So where have you been, baby?”

Baby?

What?

“Baby?” I repeated, my brows pulling together. The strange feeling in my chest only deepened. “Liora, what happened?”

“What? I can't call you baby anymore?” she asked dramatically. “Is it illegal now? Or...” She gasped loudly, placing a hand against her chest. “Don't tell me you don't have a romantic bone in your body.”

“A romantic bone?” I laughed quietly, tightening my hold around her waist. “Is that what you think of me?”

She stared at me for a moment, her eyes lowering briefly to my mouth before lifting back to mine. The hunger in her gaze was impossible to miss.

“Do you want me to find out?”

“Bold woman.” I stood up with her still in my arms and headed toward the door. “But none of that tonight. We have somewhere to be.”

She grumbled under her breath, and somehow it only made her more adorable to me. Warmth spread through my chest at the sight of her cheerful smile, easing the worry that had been eating at me since my driver told me she came home earlier than usual.

I had assumed something had happened, so I sent Joel to check on her. The fact that he still hadn't returned was beginning to bother me.

“Where are we going?” she asked curiously. “Are we meeting Ralph?”

Ralph.

My steps slowed slightly as I entered the living room. Eleanor bowed politely, though the smile she was trying to hide was painfully obvious.

“It has nothing to do with Ralph tonight,” I replied, carrying Liora outside. “Let's forget about him for now.”

I placed her gently inside the car and reached over to buckle her seatbelt, only to pause when I noticed what she was wearing.

My gaze lingered on the oversized shirt barely covering her thighs before slowly lifting back to her face. She smiled sheepishly.

Without saying anything, I removed my jacket and spread it across her legs before flicking her forehead lightly.

“Hey!” she complained.

I chuckled and closed the car door before walking around to the driver's seat.

Soon, we were driving down the highway. The roof slid open above us, letting the cool night breeze rush through the car. Liora squealed happily, throwing her hands into the air as her hair whipped wildly around her face.

“Yeeeyyy! Hahahaha!”

I laughed quietly and pressed harder on the accelerator, leaving the crowded streets behind while stealing glances at her every few seconds.

Eventually, we arrived.

“Careful.” I steadied her waist as she nearly stumbled after getting out of the car.

She smiled brightly, but the moment her eyes lifted past me, she froze.

“Azrael...” Her voice softened in shock. “What is this?”

I turned around and cursed under my breath.

“Shit. I forgot to blindfold you.” I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. “I got distracted and completely forgot.”

Was she upset?

I glanced back at her and found her staring silently at the decorations, her lips slightly parted.

Soft golden lights glowed around the outdoor garden while white and red roses lined the pathway leading toward an elegantly decorated dinner table. Candles flickered gently beneath the night sky, their warm glow reflecting off the crystal decorations and silk draped around the area.

“You didn't tell me we were coming somewhere this fancy.” Her eyes reddened slightly as she glanced down at her clothes. “I would've dressed better.”

Panic instantly filled my chest.

I grabbed her shoulders gently and lowered myself to meet her eyes.

“I'm sorry. This is my first time planning something like this, and honestly... I didn't know what I was doing,” I admitted quickly.

She sniffled softly, covering her face with both hands.

“This is so embarrassing.”

“N-no, it isn't.” I immediately shook my head. “I can fix it. I'll plan another surprise. A better one.”

Her shoulders trembled slightly.

Was she crying?

Shit.

What did I do wrong?

“Liora, I'm sorry. I really didn't think this through properly...”

Before I could finish, her hands dropped and she suddenly grabbed my shirt, pulling me into a deep kiss.

I caught her waist in shock, kissing her back almost instantly before she finally pulled away, leaving me breathless.

She stared at me.

Dry eyes.

Wait.

She wasn't crying.

“Next time,” she whispered, trying not to laugh, “think things through before doing something this important. The first surprise is always more special because I won't be expecting it.”

Relief hit me so hard that a laugh escaped my lips. I brushed her hair behind her ear gently.

“I'll remember that, flower.”

She opened her arms for another hug, and I immediately buried my face against her neck, my arms tightening around her waist. A low groan escaped me as warmth slowly settled inside my chest.

“Come on,” she murmured softly, rubbing my back.

I pulled away reluctantly and guided her toward the table. After helping her sit down, I covered her legs with my jacket while the chefs began serving dinner and wine.

Throughout the night, her smile never faded once. She smiled so much that I started wondering if her cheeks hurt.

Eventually, I took out the ring and carefully slid it onto her finger.

She stared at it for a moment before smiling brightly, gently rubbing her thumb over it.

I will protect you with everything I have.

I stared into her eyes quietly.

I hope this happiness lasts.

My phone suddenly buzzed.

I excused myself and pulled it from my pocket. The moment I saw Joel's message, my stomach dropped.

\[Azrael, we have a big problem!\]

Several images were attached beneath the text.

I opened one immediately, and my entire body froze.

My hand trembled violently as I stared at the image of the one woman I never expected to see like that.

“Liora...” My voice cracked.

A shirtless man had his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze toward her. Confusion was already spreading across her face.

“What's wrong, Azrael?”

I raised the phone toward her, and the color drained from her face the instant she saw the image.

My chest tightened painfully.

“Explain this to me, Liora."