When Gia woke up, the stillness around her felt unnerving. The soft hum of the plane's air conditioning was the only sound in the empty cabin. Her heart sank as she glanced around, realizing Adrian was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he?" she whispered, the edges of panic creeping into her voice.
Her thoughts spiraled. Had Adrian left her? In a foreign place where she didn't know anyone? The fear grew stronger, clawing at her chest. She swung her legs over the seat and stood, her knees wobbling slightly as uncertainty took hold.
Just as she took a hesitant step, a flight attendant appeared at the edge of the cabin. "Miss, you're awake," the woman said warmly. "Master Adrian suggested you rest. He also asked to be notified the moment you woke up."
Gia froze, the relief flooding through her like a tidal wave. "So, he didn't abandon me," she thought, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Where is he?" Gia asked, her voice still tinged with unease.
"Master Adrian has already arranged for your transportation," the attendant replied. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the car waiting for you."
Gia nodded, the tension in her chest easing but not disappearing entirely. Following the attendant, she stepped off the plane and into the cool air.
A sleek black SUV was parked just outside. It gleamed under the sunlight, the driver standing rigidly by the back door, his face unreadable behind dark sunglasses. He opened the door for her with precision, his movements practiced and polite.
"Where are we going?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Master Adrian instructed me to take you to a hotel," the driver replied, his tone professional. "Everything has been arranged for your stay, Miss. He'll meet you there at seven for dinner with his family."
Gia nodded but didn't move to get inside. Her thoughts raced, filled with doubts and unanswered questions. Who were these people? Could she trust them?
Her hand tightened around her phone, and she quickly dialed Adrian's number. The phone rang three times before he picked up.
"Gia," he answered, his voice warm and familiar.
"Adrian," she said, trying to keep the panic from seeping into her tone, "where are you? Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I didn't want to disturb you," he said, his voice laced with sincerity. "You looked exhausted, and I thought you could use the rest."
"Adrian, I woke up on a plane, alone, in a place I don't know," she said, her voice rising slightly. "Do you know how terrifying that is?"
"I'm sorry, Gia," he said quickly. "I didn't mean to scare you. I sent my driver, Luis, to pick you up. He'll take you to a hotel, and everything's been arranged. Your luggage is already there, too."
She glanced at Luis, who stood by the car, stoic and silent. "And where are you?"
"I'm at home, settling a few things," Adrian replied. "I'll come get you at seven. We'll have dinner with my family."
Gia sighed, her tension easing slightly. "Okay," she said softly, her grip on the phone relaxing.
"Trust me," Adrian said, his voice reassuring. "Luis is one of my most trusted people. You're safe with him."
"Alright," Gia replied. "See you at seven."
When the call ended, she looked at Luis again. He stood there, waiting patiently. "My luggage is still on the plane," she said, unsure if she should trust the arrangement.
"It has already been delivered to the hotel, Miss," Luis said, his tone steady.
She hesitated for a moment longer before finally sliding into the back seat. Luis climbed into the driver's seat, and the car smoothly pulled away from the plane.
As the cityscape began to unfold around her, Gia's mind raced with questions. Who exactly was Adrian? What kind of life did he live that he could casually arrange a luxury car, a hotel, and a personal driver?
The silence in the car only amplified her thoughts. She glanced at Luis, whose focus was entirely on the road, his expression unreadable.
"Do you know Adrian well?" she asked, trying to gauge some insight from him.
"I've been in Master Adrian's service for years," Luis replied without turning his head. "He is a good man, Miss."
Gia nodded, but the answer did little to satisfy her curiosity. She leaned back in her seat, deciding it was best to save her questions for Adrian.
The drive was smooth, and soon the SUV pulled up in front of an upscale hotel. The building towered above her, its sleek glass facade glinting in the sunlight. Luis stepped out and opened the door for her.
"This way, Miss," he said, leading her through the grand lobby and to the elevator.
Gia couldn't help but marvel at the sheer opulence around her. Everything about the hotel screamed luxury, from the marble floors to the crystal chandeliers.
When they reached her suite, Luis handed her the key card. "If you need anything, Miss, I'll be just downstairs."
"Thank you," Gia said softly, stepping into the room.
The suite was stunning, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Her luggage was neatly placed by the bed, just as Adrian had said.
Gia sat on the plush sofa, her thoughts swirling. She couldn't deny the excitement bubbling inside her at the thought of meeting Adrian's family, but there was also a lingering unease.
"Who are you, Adrian?" she whispered to herself, staring out at the skyline.