"Miss Rei, I hope you aren't getting distracted," Denver's voice cut through the air, snapping me out of my reverie like a sudden gust of wind in a tranquil garden.
"I'm sorry, sir, but it's really important. Could I call you later?" I responded quickly, my attention torn between Denver's voice on the phone and the figure that had caught my eye.
"Certainly. I would like to treat you to dinner today if you're free," his voice softened with unexpected warmth, a stark contrast to the urgency of the moment.
His offer caught me off guard, adding to the pressure of the situation.
"Sure, sir," I replied tersely, my mind already racing as I focused on the mysterious figure before me.
"Then I'll see you at Tranquil Bay at eight," Denver's voice echoed in my ear before the line went dead.
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I quickly raised my phone and discreetly snapped a photo of the man in question.
Every detail seemed to scream resemblance to Mr. Cruel—the fiery red hair, the piercing green eyes, and the unsettling aura that surrounded him.
Zooming in to capture finer details, I barely had time to react as he suddenly turned in my direction. Instinctively, I pulled my hood further over my face, grateful for the anonymity it afforded me.
Without hesitation, I turned on my heel and swiftly made my way out of the bustling airport terminal, my mind already racing with the implications of what I had just witnessed.
Glancing at my watch, the hands marked just past noon, granting me a generous window to indulge in a rejuvenating nap and prepare for the evening's dinner engagement.
As I merged into the bustling traffic, the tediousness of cars weighed heavily on my mind, prompting a wistful longing for the simplicity and agility of a bike.
Amidst this contemplation, a sudden recollection jolted me: Kaius, with his match looming on the horizon.
Undoubtedly he would have been immersed in rigorous preparation, a spontaneous idea took shape – a visit to him, a chance to share in his anticipation and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch together.
With newfound resolve, I veered onto an alternate route, steering towards the familiar grounds of the race field.
"Whoa, look who's here," Kaius exclaimed, springing up from the ground and meeting me with a high-five.
"I thought I could cheer you up and maybe grab lunch," I suggested, glancing at his bike being inspected nearby.
"The match is postponed for another two weeks," he announced, a visible sense of relief washing over him.
"That's good news. Let's call it a day then and head out for lunch," I proposed, watching as he bid farewell to his teammates.
.
.
.
"Me and Cyra are deciding to get married this spring," Kaius announced out of the blue.
"That's good. Did her mom finally take a liking to you?" I asked sarcastically, munching on my pasta.
"Yeah, she said she liked the way I eat," he replied, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.
"You eat like a pig," I retorted, pulling a mock disgusted face as I watched him attack his lunch.
"And yeah, I'm meeting Denver for dinner today," I added, trying to conceal my flustered expression.
"What? That stonehead finally realized his love for you?" Kaius teased.
"It's just dinner, Kaius. He'll probably talk about work," I replied, glancing at the dessert menu.
"Dinner can lead to anything, sweetheart. Grab your chance whenever you can," he winked, causing me to choke on my words.
"Idiot," I muttered, ordering some gelato to soothe my mouth.
.
.
.
I slipped into a simple tank top and pants, completing the ensemble with a flowing brown coat. My hair was swept into a low ponytail, and I opted for a subtle makeup look to enhance my features.
Casting a glance at the luxurious perfume Cyra had gifted me, I couldn't help but wonder at its cost. Spritzing it delicately behind my ears, I gave myself one last appraisal in the mirror before heading to the restaurant.
As I stepped into the restaurant, Denver's presence immediately caught my attention, thickening the air around me with his magnetic aura.
He was dressed casually in a sleek black linen shirt, his hair left down, a departure from his usual style.
Mentally preparing myself, I approached him, and he rose from his seat with a seductive smile. Pulling out a chair for me, he gestured for me to sit, and I complied without hesitation.
Taking his own seat opposite mine, he ordered a simple dinner course, his demeanor relaxed yet captivating.
Throughout the entire meal, he maintained a stoic silence, not uttering a single word.
Yet, the silent glances he stole from me intermittently left my heart racing.
After the meal concluded, he finally met my gaze, his lips parting to initiate a conversation.
"First things first, I'm sorry. I failed to appreciate how breathtaking you look," he confessed, his eyes unwavering.
"Thank you, sir," I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush with heat.
"And secondly, may I know what was so interesting that you had to cut the call?" he inquired, catching me off guard.
"I would really love to tell you about it, sir. But before that, I need to clear things up myself. Once I'm done, you'll be the first to know," I responded, offering a gentle smile.
"Interesting. No issues," he smirked, signaling the waiter for some wine.
After that exchange, conversation dwindled. As we bid each other farewell, his men interrupted, informing him of a car issue that needed immediate attention.
I offered him a ride, which he accepted readily.
The drive was uncomfortably silent, his occasional glances and enigmatic smiles making me grip the steering wheel tighter.
Upon arriving at his grand mansion, we walked to the entrance together. He turned to me, offering a small smile.
"Thank you for accompanying me today, Rei," he spoke in his customary low voice.
"My pleasure, sir," I replied, nervously biting my lip. As he drew closer, his hand slid under my chin, his thumb caressing my cheek.
My breath caught as his thumb trailed down to my lips, releasing the one I had been anxiously biting.
My cheeks burned crimson as I struggled to maintain eye contact. Summoning my courage, I tentatively placed my hand atop his.
He peered into my eyes, seemingly deciphering my thoughts before swiftly withdrawing his hand and offering a slight bow.
"Thank you, Miss Rei. It's late; you must go home soon," he stated before retreating inside, leaving me flustered and bewildered.
This man is definitely stirring up things inside me.