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I blink at him. “Stay here?” I ask, confused why he wouldn’t want me to confirm he’s got the right amulet in a store filled with necklaces.
He nods confidently. “I know what they look like. I’ll find and bring it to you instead of...” He trails off but we both know exactly what he was referring to.
Still. What’s the catch?
I eye him warily and tracking his movements as he enters the store, walking through the aisles with purpose. Eventually, his attention settles on a case and an employee approaches him, gesturing to the selection beneath him. Darian stretches his arm out, pointing to one of the displays to the side and without uttering another word he hands over his card.
“One amulet, coming right up.” he says with a grin, the bag in his outstretched hand, and as I take it, a wave of relief washes over me.
Reaching into the bag, I carefully retrieve the dainty piece of jewelry and hold it in my hands, examining the intricate details of a beautifully carved bow in its center, adorned with delicate arrows that float with the liquid encased in the pendant.
There’s no way this is so easy. There was hardly any discomfort.
What did Caspian gain from having me find the amulets?
Tearing my gaze from the jewelry, I glance at Darian, still in awe. “I... thank you,” I whisper and emotions tighten my throat.
Darian nods, a soft expression on his face, and gestures toward the gate.
We make our way onto the tarmac, where the sleek jet is already awaiting our arrival. Stairs extend from the aircraft to the ground where a figure who exudes an air of authority stands at the base of the steps.
“Terry,” he says with a nod that Terry reciprocates, taking out bags and motioning for us to ascend the stairs.
The plane is spacious and my jaw remains slack as I do a full 360. Two sets of plush chairs on each side provide ample seating with what looks to be a queen-sized bed in the middle large enough to accommodate multiple people. Adjacent to it, a mini bar catches my attention, with a private washroom further down the aisle.
Holy fuck this is cool.
I hear an amused chuckle and turn toward the source, finding Darian looking at me with a smile on his face. Once again, the sight of it sends my heart into overdrive as I find myself glancing to his mouth, unable to keep my focus on his eyes.
It should be illegal to have a smile this attractive.
“I should have recorded your reaction. That was priceless,” he says with a grin.
I suppress a smile, and give him a forced glare before striding over to claim a seat as Val walks past me, heading straight for the bed area and promptly curling up on it as if he’s done this a million times.
The flight attendant approaches us with a warm smile. “Good morning, Mr. Cathorn. It’s good to see you again. And a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ray,” she greets us. “Is there anything I can assist you with before we depart?”
Cathorn?
I file that information away to process and look up later.
Darian glances to me momentarily, and I shake my head. The last thing I need to do is drink with him. I already can’t keep my eyes to myself.
My avoidance is short lived as he turns his attention back to the flight attendant, “Two glasses of pinot, please, Heather,” he says politely, and surprisingly professional.
I groan internally. There’s no way I’ll turn down a good glass of pinot.
She nods, looking between us with a smile, “Of course, Mr. Cathorn. I’ll bring them right away.” She walks over to the mini bar, preparing the glasses and my head snaps in Darian’s direction.
“It’s early morning! Is it a habit to be drinking before noon?” I whisper, as if I hadn’t taken multiple tequila shots less than a week ago with Caspian at a similarly ridiculous time.
That was then, and this is now.
Darian snorts, waving a hand dismissively. “Come on, Lara. Live a little. Life is too short to worry about time constraints on things like the consumption of alcohol.”
That’s rich coming from someone centuries old.
Soon after Heather returns, placing them on the table in front of us. “Here you go,” she says with a smile. “Enjoy your flight.”
