Chapter 144 The Midnight Flight
\[Lilia\]
“Aren’t you supposed to be dancing?” my grandfather asked as he approached, swirling a glass of wine between his fingers. He took a swig and questioned me immediately afterward. “Are you enjoying your night, cara?”
I tried my best not to let any signs of anxiety show on my face, offering him a warm grin and an enthusiastic nod. “Of course, Pa. This night is wonderful. I just have to give my feet a rest. They’re swelling.”
I pointed to my feet, though they were hidden beneath my billowing gown. Pa seemed to understand; surely, he must have seen me dancing nonstop with a dozen different men.
“Oh, do you want me to call a medic to check them?” His brows dipped in concern, and he reached out to brush a lock of hair away from my face.
“No, no,” I quickly dismissed the idea, letting out a nervous laugh. My gaze veered over the crowd, searching for a man in a royal blue suit, but he was thankfully gone. “It’s fine,” I said, even as cold beads of sweat rolled down my spine. “I’m sweltering. Do you mind if I go outside to take a breath for a while?”
Pa scanned my face, and a bead of sweat tickled my hairline. He reached out with his thumb and wiped it away. My heart was hammering, and my palms were sweating profusely. Can he see through my facade? Will he know I am hiding something? I hoped not, or else everything would be over.
“Well, you do look stifled. Go on, then. I can handle the guests, but don’t go too far. We’ll bid them goodbye together,” he finally permitted. With a burst of glee, I ignored the searing pain in my feet and wrapped my arms around him.
“Sure,” I whispered in relief before pulling away. “Thanks, Pa.”
“Give your feet a rest, cara, and come back,” he smiled, nodding just as one of his friends pounced in our direction.
Without another word, I walked briskly away. My hand curled into a fist at my side—nails digging into the heel of my palm. I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact with everyone I passed. I couldn't afford any delays. Kael was waiting for me outside, and tonight we would bind our fates forever and unite our souls as one. We were going to elope, and I couldn't be more excited at the very notion.
I was only a few steps from the exit—so close to the man I loved. However, before I could step out of the premises, someone suddenly blocked my way. If it hadn't been for my quick reflexes, I would have collided directly into his chest.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
It was Ronan. My heart skyrocketed with panic, but I kept my cool, pretending his sudden appearance didn't set my nerves on edge. Why did he have to sprout out of nowhere and scare the living shit out of me?
“I... I’m going to get some fresh air.”
One of his brows lifted dubiously. “Mind if I join you?”
“No!” I exclaimed, my pitch a bit too high. I quickly lowered my voice into a tone of annoyance to cover the panic. “You know what? Can you please, just for this night, give me some peace and leave me the hell alone?”
“You’re up to something.” The corner of his eye ticked with skepticism as he shot me a sidelong glance, directing his gaze toward the door.
My hand itched to claw his eyes out, but I kept my fist at my side and swallowed the uneasiness rising in my chest. “I am not,” I groused firmly, snarling at him in irritation. “Besides, this place is swarming with guards. Where do you think I’m going to go?”
That was one of the many things troubling me. This place was heavily guarded, and I had no idea how Kael planned to whisk me away without anyone noticing. Ronan scrutinized me, searching my eyes for the truth. I held my breath, meeting his gaze and jutting my chin defiantly until he finally conceded.
“Fine,” he muttered, holding an index finger before my face as a warning. “But if your ass isn't back within the hour, I’ll be scouring the entire country.”
I rolled my eyes and countered his threat as if I didn't care, though I felt the exact opposite. “Can you make that two? An hour isn't enough to get rid of the feeling of those itchy hands that touched me—including yours.”
I sounded like a spoiled brat, but it was the only way to convince him I had no plans other than taking a walk. Did he know Kael was here? Or was he pretending to be oblivious so he could catch me red-handed? Either way, we had to be cautious. This bastard was a snake.
“Fine, two hours and no more,” he allowed.
I didn't respond; I just ignored him. But as I tried to move past, his hand clamped over my arm, halting my steps. Ronan tilted his head slightly and whispered dangerously, “And hey... no monkey business. You know what I mean.”
“Let go of me,” I scowled, yanking my arm out of his clutches and throwing him a hateful glare.
“Remember what I said, cara. I have eyes everywhere.”
I didn't say anything, afraid that if I uttered a single word, my facade would crack. I just left him and stepped outside. The cold winter wind blasted my face, prompting a series of curses under my breath. I had totally forgotten it was freezing. Italy wasn't as bad as Russia in the winter, but I was practically wearing nothing against my skin in this gown.
My back and shoulders were bare to the harsh weather. Shivers skittered over my body as my breath clouded before my face. Yet, I ignored it and walked deeper into the night, toward where the light faded. It wasn't snowing, and the ice from the other day had melted into a thin layer of mud, but the cobbled walkway allowed me to move without tripping in my heels.
Guards were everywhere, roving and changing posts. I hugged myself and walked on, feigning that I was enjoying my stroll. I knew he was coming. He wouldn't ditch me.
Just then, as if on cue, a coat was draped over my shoulders, and a familiar scent wafted into my senses.
“Are you ready, doll?” I didn't turn around, but all my anxiety fled, replaced by sheer excitement.
I nodded exuberantly and let out a long, shaky breath. “I’m ready.”