I had arrived at the airport early. Not long after, Axel joined me, accompanied by security. I hadn't realized he required protection, but if he did, it meant someone, at some point, had tried to harm him.
We went through security and boarded. The cabin was entirely ours—two wide seats facing each other with a small table in between, a welcome card neatly placed on top along with a few curated gifts. The flight attendant explained how to operate the entertainment screen and recline the seats, then left us alone.
I settled in, removing my jacket and shoes, slipping into the provided slippers in an attempt to relax.
"Why did you tell me to pack something elegant?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"It's essential. You never know what might be required."
"Should I be worried?"
He sat across from me, his eyes darker than usual. "No. You should relax."
"I already am."
"And what, exactly, is relaxing you right now?" His voice lowered slightly.
I looked away, suddenly aware of how exposed I felt.
"Look at me, Crystal."
I obeyed, hesitant.
"What relaxes you?" he repeated.
"Being here. Traveling to a country I've never seen before," I answered, trying to sound composed.
"And what would relax you even more?"
The calculating intensity in his gaze unsettled me. My heartbeat quickened.
"Wine," I said lightly, attempting to ease the tension.
"Liar. But good choice."
A moment later, the flight attendant returned with two glasses and a bottle of white wine—the most expensive on board. Axel uncorked it himself, poured a small amount, and handed me the glass.
"Taste it."
I brushed the rim to my lips, letting the wine settle on my tongue. Axel didn't look away. His eyes lingered on my mouth longer than necessary.
"It's good," I said, focusing on the flavor rather than on him.
I reclined my seat and closed my eyes. Across from me, he appeared composed, but something in his stillness suggested otherwise.
The landing was smooth. Traffic from the terminal to the hotel slowed us down, and we arrived close to noon. Most of Axel's security detail left, except for one man who remained stationed outside the door after Axel entered.
"Didn't they give you two keys?" I asked, recalling the check-in.
"No. Just this one. Come in."
"I'm not sleeping in the same room as you, Axel."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Oh?" He stepped inside, leaving the door open. The guard shot me an amused look, and I exhaled before following him in.
The suite was enormous. I took a quick look around and noticed multiple rooms. I had let my imagination run ahead of me—he would never have booked a single-bed arrangement.
"Are you hungry?" Axel asked, reappearing from one of the rooms now dressed in sweatpants and a fitted T-shirt that revealed the tattoos along his arms.
"Once you're done admiring me, tell me what you'd like to eat." He said smiling.
"I wasn't admiring you," I replied too quickly, fighting the heat rising to my face.
He stepped closer. The scent of mint and tobacco surrounded me, disorienting. Only a few inches separated us.
"Then what were you looking at?"
"Your tattoos," I answered, steadying my voice.
His eyes traced my face slowly, a subtle smile forming. "Tell me what you want to eat. I'm not included on the menu."
I rolled my eyes. "Anything is fine."
"Good. Make yourself comfortable."
I turned to walk away, but he caught my arm gently. "And don't roll your eyes at me."
Our gazes locked, neither willing to break first.
"And if I do?" I challenged quietly.
His face moved closer to mine. "I dare you to try. Right here."
I wet my lips unconsciously. Being this close to him scrambled my thoughts, and I knew it was dangerous. I stepped back, slipping out of his hold.
"I won't do it again," I said, retreating into one of the spare rooms, trying to steady the rhythm of my heart.