CHAPTER EIGHT
585 Words
The drive home was quiet.
Lena had just finished telling Kael everything she had heard at Aureon.
He listened carefully, his eyes fixed on the road.
KAEL: We’ll look into it. But for now, I think you’ve done enough work for one day.
Lena leaned back in her seat.
LENA: I’m actually exhausted.
A small smile appeared on his face.
KAEL: I thought so.
A few minutes later, he turned into a different street.
Lena frowned.
LENA: Uh… this isn’t the way home.
KAEL: I know.
She looked at him suspiciously.
LENA: Then where are we going?
KAEL: It’s a surprise.
A few minutes later, he parked the car near a small ice cream shop.
Lena blinked.
LENA: Ice cream?
Kael shrugged.
KAEL: You look like someone who needs ice cream.
She laughed.
LENA: That’s your big surprise?
KAEL: Don’t sound so disappointed.
He got out of the car and opened her door.
A few minutes later, they were walking down the street with ice cream in their hands.
For the first time all day, Lena felt relaxed.
LENA: I didn’t expect this.
KAEL: Neither did I.
She looked at him.
LENA: Thanks, though.
KAEL: For the ice cream?
LENA: For today. For trusting me.
He was quiet for a moment.
Then he looked at her.
KAEL: I do trust you.
Lena smiled.
They continued walking.
After a few seconds, Kael spoke again.
KAEL: And besides… I couldn’t let my fiancée survive her first day at enemy headquarters without a reward.
Lena laughed.
LENA: You’re never letting me forget this fake engagement, are you?
A small smirk appeared on his face.
KAEL: Fake?
She nearly choked on her ice cream.
He laughed softly.
KAEL: Relax. I’m joking.
She rolled her eyes.
LENA: You’re impossible.
KAEL: Yet here you are, eating ice cream with me.
She tried not to smile.
Failed.
And for the rest of the walk, neither of them realized how natural it was starting to feel… being together.
They continued walking in silence for a while.
Then Kael suddenly spoke.
KAEL: By the way, don’t get ready for work tomorrow.
Lena looked at him.
LENA: Why?
He stopped walking and turned to her.
KAEL: There’s a party tomorrow night.
LENA: A party?
KAEL: More like a business gathering. CEOs, investors, partners… people with too much money and too much free time.
Lena laughed.
LENA: And why am I going?
A small smile appeared on his face.
KAEL: Because people talk at these events. They drink, they gossip, and sometimes they say things they shouldn’t.
She immediately understood.
LENA: So, we’re going there for information.
He nodded.
KAEL: Exactly.
Lena looked at him suspiciously.
LENA: And here I thought you were taking me on a proper date.
He looked at her for a second.
KAEL: Who says it can’t be both?
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
LENA: You’re impossible.
Kael chuckled.
KAEL: Besides, my fiancée needs a night out.
LENA: Fake fiancée.
He gave her a look.
KAEL: Keep saying that and I might start charging you rent.
She laughed.
LENA: Fine. So what do I wear?
A mischievous smile appeared on his face.
KAEL: Don’t worry about that. I already have something in mind.
Lena narrowed her eyes.
LENA: That smile worries me.
KAEL: It shouldn’t.
He held out his hand.
KAEL: Come on. Tomorrow is going to be interesting.
Lena slipped her hand into his.
For some reason, she had a feeling the party was going to change more than just their investigation.
- Writer
