CHAPTER 22
When it's time to leave Eleanor escorts us outside. She hugs each one of us in turn, insisting we have much fun in Miami. I hug her a little too longer when it's my turn, savoring the last feel of her warm embrace.
God knows the emptiness I'm starting to feel from this point onwards.
"Take care, honey," she murmurs softly, her smile maternal.
"I will. Thanks for everything," I utter sadly.
We all slide inside the van, and Peter hits the engine. Having one last opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Yellowstone and its landscape, it's precisely what I do throughout the ride.
Sam and Malik engage into a conversation, and the rest of us remain silent to our thoughts. I can't describe what I'm feeling right now, but it's surely not something I could term as bliss.
About an hour later we arrive at the same airport that landed us a week ago. I remember Peter picking us up like some clumsy tourists, and I smile weakly when he looks at me with his discrete glance while talking to Liam.
Looks like the boss is giving some orders.
Before leaving, however, Peter approaches me and says, "Nice trip, Ms—“ He pauses, running a hand through his raven hair. "I mean, Kira."
How cute! I can't help but smile from the way he's just addressed me casually as if it was the hardest thing to do.
Do they get gentleman trainings in the ranch?
Well, I highly doubt, if I consider some boy named Julian.
"Thank you, Peter." I hug his sturdy body, and it completely takes him off guard. He stiffens and it makes me smile heartily.
"Don't mention," he whispers, smiling back.
Liam witnesses this but doesn't say a thing. He's expressionless, his eyes bored deeply into mine. Malik is on the phone, and Sam is following him with her eyes on her own phone.
Well, here goes nothing.
I naturally catch up with Liam, who's also carrying my suitcase, and I realize we haven't talked to each other in a while now. How do I approach him? I ponder as I hold his pace.
Should I ask about the weather?
"Have you been to Florida before?" Liam breaks the silence, and a part of me jumps with joy.
"Not at all," I reply vaguely, and his precarious blue eyes give me a brisk glance. "But I suppose it's a very nice place, especially Miami." I glance back at him with a small smile.
"I guess," he prompts heedlessly, and his brows knit in apprehension. What now? "Are you still angry at me?" he asks, and I hold my tongue, taken aback. "You don't even want to talk to me, right?" He sounds hurt by my indifference.
"I don't know what else to say," I answer truthfully, sighing. I can't say that I'm crazy for him, and then back out when he asks me to make a move regarding this.
Liam's jaw tightens ruefully, shattering my faulted heart. He stays taciturn for a few seconds before saying, "I think—“
"Kiki, can you tell me what this word means?" Sam's voice interrupts our discreet exchange, and I thank heavens for that, unlike Liam.
He frowns a bit, looking defrauded.
"I'm not your dictionary, Sam," I reply while walking past Liam so that I catch up with Sam.
My heart and soul remain with him, however, thinking of only him.
"Oh, come on!" Sam laments.
"I don't understand why you can't download one and yet you have games for dressing up the dolls."
Sam laughs hard. "Are you going to ask why I don't have the Bible as well?"
"No, that will make God strike us both with thunder," I reply, making Malik Join the conversation.
"Professor, when was the last time you went to church?" he asks amusedly.
"Please, let's not use that road, Malik. I'm ashamed," I mutter.
"Liam goes to church once or twice a month," he says, and we all face Mr. Intense, who seems lost in his own world. He pulls my suitcase with ease while tossing his duffel bag on the shoulder.
Boy, he's aphrodisiac.
"What?" Liam snaps as we approach the authentication counter, discerning our collective gaze towards him.
"Nothing, brother, we all think you're handsome," Malik teases, making everyone laugh.
I watch Liam's frowning face as he mutters something under his breath, and his sight is not one to complain about. He's cute when flustered.
We board on the first-class cabin and I can't stop my jaw from falling down the floor. I'm seated comfortably behind Liam.
How will I ever avoid him, huh?
Sam beams at me incredulously, and I smile back. Settling myself without a fuss, my head gets occupied by the boy seated at the front seat.
I'm sure I can get through this, I sigh softly. Eyeing Malik at the other side, I find him busy into his tablet, oblivious of anything around.
Finally the plane takes off. I watch the Montana grounds for the last time as we ascend higher, before disappearing into clouds that take my mind off for a change. I can feel it’s going to be a long ride.
Moments later I begin feeling tired of sitting and sleeping around; hence I get up and head for the toilet. The lights are off but I can imagine everyone’s asleep, including my neighbor backseat.
Once inside the toilet stall I take a moment to contemplate these few hours that I sat behind Liam. Despite being so close, he's also very far. How I wish we could huddle up together like the last time in my bedroom.
I flush the toilet, clam it, and sit on it afterwards. My mind wanders off.
A short turbulence snaps me from the clouds and I realize it's ridiculous staying locked inside here. I rummage by the small door when I'm immediately forced back, in quite a speed.
What the heck!
"What do you think you're doing? Are you crazy?" I yell quietly.
Apparently this little cabin is barely enough for a single person, let alone the two of us. The light is dim, but I grasp Liam’s facial features so well that I can see the smirk on his tempting lips.
"Depends on your answer, Ms. Jones," he utters. "What kind of games are you playing with me?"
A hard scowl settles on my face. "Game? What game?"
"Seriously, Kira?" Liam looks at me more intensely and he seems deadly serious, his gaze scorching.
"Look, let me just go before anyone catches us here. We can talk about that later, please." I try to slip but I forget it's impossible without his will.
"You are not going anywhere, Kira," he says with action, blocking my path with his towering frame. "Not until you tell me why you're angry at me. Why you’re so busy avoiding me.”
"What?" I huff, biting my lower lip hard. No, let me go please.
"Well, unless you want us to settle this in front of everyone, which I don't have any trouble with," Liam states with an indescribable tone of voice.
My God! I know he is not kidding.
I run my fingers through my curls, searching for an intelligent response. "What is it that you want, Mr. Darcy?" is the only thing I come up with.
How lame! My subconscious tuts.
Liam's eyes glow amorously, shutting the distance between us. I blaze inside, my blood thrumming riotously. I should move . . . but my legs refuse.
"I want you, isn't it obvious?" Liam whispers hoarsely.
"Huh?" Damn, he's really making me lose my mind. I gulp at his mocking and godly look that devours the tremble of my lips.
"And I know you want me, too," he remarks confidently, grazing his thumb on my mouth. Fuck! "However, I don't understand why you're pushing me away, and I can't stand it,” he breathes against my neck and it feels quiet electrifying, lascivious in my part.
I can feel his heartbeat . . . and mine takes a dangerous pace. Oh yes, I want him, now, right in this place, but I'll never admit.
"I can't do anything about it, and you know very well the reason why I'm keeping my distance," I tell him softly, trying to avert my gaze. "Please, Liam, let's not complicate things more than—“ I don't even have time to finish my sentence for he's already taking charge of destroying my resolutions.
He shuts me with a kiss. . . a possessive kiss.
I know for a fact that I can never resist him, yet I attempt to put up a fight, which I fail miserably as he makes me completely melt into his brace.
"Liam—“ I breathe between his lips but instantly shut up. His tongue is forceful, relentless, such a turn on for my already enraged hormones. I hold his shoulders, and he my waist that he grips dominantly.
Oh Lord, I could die for his touch, kisses, and his imperial urge to have me in his mercy. I slowly submit, letting him take me wherever he wishes to take me.
And then, just as I'm about to fall deep and succumb to my desires, he sets me free. Damn it! It’s a pure scam! I grunt inwardly.
"See?" Liam mutters coolly, his grin proud and censure.
"Jerk," I utter breathlessly and he smiles at it.
Fuck him!
He swaps me for a tight hug. "Don't run away from me, Kira. Please," he breathes and I still, transfixed, from his soft plea.
My heart shrinks.
"I'm not sure what it is that you have," he says gently. "I can't think straight since your arrival at my ranch and it's been so frustrating. And you know what else?" I pull back and stare unblinkingly at him. "I feel like I've known you my entire life; it’s crazy, isn't it?"
I know the feeling, I think to myself, but it doesn't change anything.
"What a poet," I mumble with a small smile.
"Me?" He seems entranced, and I just nod.
I never imagined Mr. Intense to be this romantic. As always, I forget everything when I'm with him. I even forget where we are, and the kind of danger we're exposing ourselves with.
However, there's something wild about this secret romance. It's a wild bomb and time seems to be its detonator. It makes me feel like a teen in love, something I never experienced in my teenage. I don't want to wake up.
Suddenly Sam crosses my mind like a hurtful reminder and all the excitement fades away. I'm back to the backstabber friend who can't even do things in the open. I blanch at the thought of her finding out about us.
As if Liam can read my mind, which he certainly can, he slowly envelops his strong arms around me to glue us together once again. I accept willingly and embrace him tightly, afraid to let him go for good.
"You should probably go ahead first," I suggest, breathing in his tantalizing scent.
His body tenses. "Okay. But make sure to stay where I can see you," he orders, and I smile at the sound of his majestic voice.
"I will," I utter, I lie.
I feel extra terrible when Liam finally walks out of the stall. Tears slowly gather and start drenching my face, and with much difficulty, I collect myself and breathe in a meditating manner. It's so hard to understand how people stay in love.
Why does it have to be this complex?
I'm seriously regretting leaving L.A. I wouldn't be this undecided right now. I'd probably be sleeping inside my humble abode, watching some silly romantic comedy . . . or anything crazy from Kevin Hart . . . if not Madea.
Outside Miami International Airport, a classic black SUV is waiting for us. Pushing our way towards it, a man appears to regard our presence. He's around forty if my eyes don't lie; he is indeed older than the boys. He's an Arab as well, and possesses good features for a man to be termed as handsome, despite his faintly graying hair.
"Sir," he regards Malik with utmost respect, and then hands him the car keys.
What money can do.
"Jamal, everything good?" Malik asks casually, walking closer to him.
"All good," Jamal, as addressed by Malik, answers. Thereafter he turns to Liam, in the same manner; respective and gentle. "Sir Liam."
"Good to see you," Liam says with his sweet rare smile as they shake hands.
My poor heart. I could watch that smile the whole day long.
"Hi, there," Sam greets Jamal softly, hugging her purple camisole she's paired with a tight white jeans.
"Hi," he replies coolly.
I only smile at him, which he returns as given. He's already handling the bags, including mine, and I try to give him a hand with the task. Frankly, I'm used to do everything on my own, so it's kind of difficult to change overnight into a fragile little princess. Let's enjoy while it lasts, I make a mental reminder.
At last all our bags are filled in the car. Exhausted, I slip in the backseat, followed by Liam who uses the other door. My subconscious stays at the edge of her seat, totally intrigued, wriggling her behind gleefully.
I'm a little stunned, but I keep my mouth shut. Imagining what this cowboy is up to, especially after pinning me inside the plane toilet, I'm not sure what else to expect.
Malik sits behind the wheel, and Sam jumps at the front passenger seat, all smiley. Jamal exchanges a few words with Malik and the two agree to meet at home.
The engine roars and the ride commences from the Airport to some Miami streets. Just like L.A, the neon lights are all over and I can't contain my gaze from wandering. Not until I feel a familiar hand on mine.
Liam Darcy! My subconscious grins impeccably, her eyes fully awake despite the jetlag.