Chapter 74 TRIP TO SICILY
The day for the trip to London has arrived. Currently, Ixora was climbing Drexton's private jet, looking so lost and confused.
Two days ago, she was very excited about the trip... having to spend time with Drexton alone, but now, she was,
She exhaled, going to sit beside Drexton. A laptop was on his thigh, and from the not-so-serious expression he had, it looked like he was rounding off.
They'd leave by 12 pm, and the time was 10 minutes away from 12. Drexton hadn't spared her a single glance since she got on the jet, but she knew he was aware of her presence.
Her mind wasn't at ease; she was deeply troubled. First, by Blake's issues. Neither of them had contacted each other, and she knew he needed some time alone. To reflect and maybe give up on her, either way, she's happy he didn't get hurt in any way.
And secondly, the truth she found out yesterday. Joanna's truth.
She had gone to find out more about Drexton's condition and how she could maybe help him. He might look okay on the outside and master the art of hiding his feelings, but she knows inwardly he seeks even the deepest part of feelings. Pain.
What she didn't expect was to walk in and overhear Joanna's sulking over her abandoned kids. Not only that, but kissing their pictures as well. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when she knocked for a while and got no reply, she decided to go in. And that resulted in meeting the greatest shock of her life.
How could Joanna turn out to be Blake's and Audrey's mother? She sees Drexton as her son, and she knows Drexton somehow considers her his mother; otherwise he wouldn't have opened up to her.
And now she's carrying this big truth with her over to Sicily. Joanna had her promise that she wouldn't reveal the truth to anyone.
She had agreed after she made Joanna promise her that she'd reveal the truth herself.
She could already imagine the worst happening when the truth eventually comes out.
Blake doesn't like Drexton and Drexton, well...
"Thinking?" Drexton's deep voice jerked her back to reality.
When did the pilot arrive, and when did he close his laptop?
She quickly looked away. With the look he was giving her, it felt as if he was trying to know the truth just by reading her.
Her eyes found his face when he buckled her seat belt. The jet began taking off. It wasn't her first time traveling by air, so she wasn't scared.
"Won't you ask what I was thinking about?" She didn't know why, but she found herself asking.
One thing she's noticed about him is that he doesn't ask for things unless she tells him. It's like he gives her space whenever she's thinking.
"Should I tell you?" he asked.
Ixora nodded, furrowing her brows.
She didn't tell him or have he found out by himself, since he literally knows everything.
"What you'll do to earn another of my touches," he whispered deeply.
Ixora's stomach twisted at the amount of depth his voice held. Heat rose to her cheek as she realized it was what she had said in the office.
"I only said it to make her jealous," she muttered, licking her bottom lip.
His face inched closer to his, causing his breath to fan over her face.
He gave her the look she couldn't quite understand, but from the way he was staring, she could guess weird thoughts running through his mind.
Thankfully, for the staff who came to take their orders, who knows what he'd have done.
\[SICILY, HOTEL\]
Ixora gaze remained outside the window, as she forced herself to forget the truth. Throughout the trip, her mind remained uneasy.
Each time her gaze locks with Drexton, her heart skips a beat. She was scared Drexton might see right through her, since he always does.
Not that she didn't want them to know, but not this way. And speaking of Drexton, she was beginning to wonder where he went. On arriving, he left, saying he had work. Since then, he hasn't returned.
Their rooms were opposite each other, so she'd know when he returned. Remembering she'd been in that position for a long time, she left the window.
She needs something to take her mind off the truth if she intends to keep her promise.
The staff told her everything she needed was in the room. She strode to the ward rope and opened it.
Her eyes went wide, almost popping out of their socket as they beheld the clothes.
The wardrobe was stacked with lined-up clothes. Below them were shoes, to the side were accessories and further were her underwear.
She closed the door, touching one of the clothes. Her eyes fell on the price tag, and that was when she realized they all had price tags on them.
"Did he..." she stuttered, unable to close her mouth.
They were on a one-week trip, but the things he bought could start up a clothing brand.
Not only were they expensive, but they were from top brands, and to think he got exactly her size amazes her.
Okay, this is the height of his madness. Why buy so many?
A knock came on the door.
"Miss, dinner will be served in a few minutes."
"Okay, send it to the room next door," Ixora replied from inside.
When she didn't hear his voice again, she knew he had left.
\--
Ixora stared at her phone, awaiting Drexton's reply. She's beginning to wonder where he went. She was waiting for his return so that they'd eat together.
She got bored after admiring his weird room. At this rate, she's beginning to wonder how he gets things done. His room was painted black; red and black dimmed light evoked his aura. How he was able to get the design of his choice got her wondering.
She exhaled, setting her phone aside.
"Is he in any kind of danger?" she muttered, quickly shaking the thoughts away.
The Drexton she knows doesn't fall into danger. He's the danger himself.
She glanced at the clock. It was past 10.
\--
Drexton's eyes never left Ixora's as he carried her to his bed. He just returned and met her sleeping at the dining table. The food, untouched, meaning she fell asleep while waiting for him.
Her lips were slightly puckered and rosier than normal. Kissable. She was breathing softly, and her brows were knitted; a sign that something was bothering her.
Whenever her brows weren't knitted, he knew she was okay. He's studied her well enough to know all her reactions.
He gently placed her on and covered her with the duvet. He stared at her for a while before leaving for the bathroom to freshen up.
By the time he returned, she had kicked the duvets off her and spread both her hands and legs apart. She has a funny way of sleeping, he knows.
He dressed her properly and got his laptop.
He tapped his finger, maybe impatiently, as he waited for the guys' call to connect through.
It's a video call.
"Finally decided to call," Jaxon said from the other end, swirling the swivel chair around.
"Maddox?"
"You know what he's up to lately. Nelly," Jaxon replied, sarcasm laced in his voice.
"Hmm." Drexton punched the keyboard fast and sent it to Jaxon.
"Just as we expected, hidden organization," his gaze on Jaxon's narrowed brows.
"Which means we can't hack it."
Drexton nodded. "They take strong oaths not to reveal their client's name. Torturing a member to spill the truth is out. Their boss is secretive, and not even the members know. They take on any jobs, killing precisely, and are involved in mafia affairs."
"This information can't help us get to them."
"Correct," Drexton casually rested his finger on his chin. "But it can lead us to them. We know their symbol, their name, and their activities. We just need to dig deeper."
Silence ensued between them, with Jaxon staring at Drexton.
Drexton noticed the stare.
"Is she the reason you suddenly took an interest in the organization?" Jaxon asked, eyes not leaving Drexton.
He was trying to read Drexton's mind, if possible.
Drexton's eyes unnoticeably landed on Ixora and back to the screen.
"VIPoison organization goes against our rules," he started. "And we both know what happens when someone messes with my possession."