CHAPTEE 21
1262 Words
What plan was Mandy talking about? It can't be anything. Because the last time we spoke of Mandy he sounded like they barely spoke to each other again. Talk less of an entire plan.
That particular question has been looping through my mind for the past few days, and it's still in my mind right now, in the car.
I yanked my gaze toward the window, arms folded tight. I just stared out of the window, watching nothing.
My chest was tight.. My mind was spinning with thoughts, of who Killian Darth was, aside from being my bodyguard?
What was his past like?
Could I really trust him，？
So many unanswered questions. Was any of this real,？ the s*x, the protection, the way he looked at me？ Or was this just a part of his plan with Mandy?
No Daisy, stop with all the negativity. Killian already risked his life several times to protect me. At least that wasn't just an act.
“You might think away your life, if you don't slow down” his voice cut through my thoughts. “Or are you thinking about the weekend getaway ” his gaze flicked away from the road to me and back to the road.
I just looked at him and smiled. Then back to my window view and we were there already.
The car door opened.
A man in uniform stood there. He looked mid-fifties and wore a professional smile. "Miss Macklin. We're ready for you."
I smiled back “Thank you”
I grabbed my backpack and stepped out.
The worker gestured toward the jet with the Macklin family crest painted on the tail.
Of course, my Dad would always customize his properties. Just the way Ella likes it.
I removed my sunglasses and tucked them into my bag allowing the June sun to hit my face. It was warm and bright.
The way workers stared at me, confirmed I had chosen the right outfit.
I was wearing cream linen fitted pants, a silk blouse in champagne color. Tucked in a brown leather belt and matching heels that made my legs look longer than they were.
Hair pulled back in a low bun paired with gold hoop earrings and minimal makeup.
I walked toward the plane, I could hear the workers whispering something to each other.
I ignored them, kept my head up and just moved.
Thank God I made Killian stop at that boutique yesterday for some shopping.
The footsteps behind me were closed. I didn't need to turn around to know it was Killian. He appeared at my side. Dark suit, crisp white shirt, no tie, his top button undone.
God, why does he have to look like that?
We reached the stairs leading up to the plane and before I could grab the railing, his hand was stretched in front of me waiting for me to take it.
I hesitated at first then took it. His fingers closed around mine. Firm and steady.
He guided me up the steps, one hand on mine and the other hand hovering at the small of my back. Not touching just... there, ready to catch me if I fell.
The second I stepped inside, I remembered: Dad wasn't just 'Dad.' He was 'The General.'"
The interior was cream leather, polished wood, soft lighting and a full bar. Plush seats that looked more like armchairs than airplane seating.
Rich people s**t.
A flight attendant appeared. Young, beautiful and her smile was very wide.
"Miss Macklin, Mr. Darth, you are welcome on board. Can I get you anything before takeoff?"
"Champagne," I stated.
"Of course." She said and disappeared.
I sat and buckled in. While Killian sat across from me creating a distance. Perfect just what I needed now. Distance.
The champagne arrived and I took a sip. Then the engines started, a low hum, just building. That was when Killian leaned forward and asked. "You okay, Miss?"
"It's Daisy to you." I corrected, I knew he was trying to be all professional especially since we were outside.
“Are you ok, Daisy," he asked.
" I'm fine."
He ran a hand through his hair and just watched me, "You might want to say what is eating you up before…,"
"Before what?" I snapped. “Before you finally bring me into your world？ Before you finally tell me who you are aside from being my bodyguard？Or before you tell me what plans you have with Mandy”
“Daisy I only knew a lot about your family because it is my responsibility to protect you and I needed some of your personal information to do so effectively.”
“And was the s*x part of the information you needed？” I asked “Did the s*x even mean something to you?” My jaw clenched, " Or are you just playing with me?"
The seconds the words left, I cringed. There was no need to ask, surely it didn't mean anything to him. Not like he had ever said he loved.
His head snapped toward me, eyes widened almost like he couldn't believe what I just asked him. “Daisy, this is more complicated than you know.”
Yes, I knew this was complicated but it was important for me to hear him say he was craving for me just like I was for him.
The grip on my dress wrinkled the fabric. I closed my eyes trying to hold back tears. “I am going to rest now, since it's going to be a long flight ”
I turned away from him and pretended to be asleep.
*****
When I opened my eyes, Killian was reading something on his phone. He was focused.
I sat up and looked out the window.
Italy. Rolling hills, vineyards, and terracotta roofs dot the landscape. The door opened and the stairs lowered.
We stepped out and were welcomed by the dry Mediterranean heat.
At the bottom of the stairs, a convoy waited. Three black SUVs, tinted windows, and men in dark suits stood at attention. Earpieces on and hands clasped in front of them.
Men in dark suits stood at attention. Earpieces in, hands clasped in front of them.
Professional.
A woman in a crisp uniform stepped forward. "Miss Macklin Welcome to Italy. Your father sends his regards. We'll escort you to the villa."
"Thank you," I responded
She opened the door to the middle SUV I climbed in while Killian slid in beside me and the door closed.
Then the journey started. Smooth roads winding through hills, olive groves and stone walls covered in ivy. It was beautiful.
One of the men in the front seat turned. Military. Scar above his left eyebrow
"Mr. Darth. Sir. If I may." His accent was thick Italian. "General Macklin has requested that we provide additional security during your stay. We can take over primary protection of Miss Macklin if you'd like some rest."
Killian didn't blink. "No," he said.
The man hesitated. "Sir, we are trained—"
"I'm sure you are." Killian's voice cut in calmly and coldly. "But if a soldier fails in a mission, he's still military, but if a bodyguard fails in a mission, he's not worthy of being called a guard." He paused and stared at me "And Daisy right here is my mission."
Those words sent something warm blooming in my chest. Forbidden yet wanted.
I looked away.
But I could still feel his eyes on me.
Don't fall for it, Daisy. Don't fall for him.
It's too late.
I already had.
- Writer
