Chapter Eight
1119 Words
***
"Welcome back to New York City. The local time is 8:00am..."
The pilot spoke through the intercom, his words filling me with unbridled anxiety that had been brewing from the moment I the girls and I had finished getting ready and taken our seats so that we could land. Although my window seat gave me a clear view of the cars that were approaching us in the private landing area we had been directed to, I couldn't help but take a few deep breaths and prepare for what was to come.
Stepping out of this plane meant venturing into the chaos that was about to be my life. I was eager to see my mother and father. Knowing that they were somewhat okay- alive- eased the pain somewhat and yet the uncertainity of my father's condition and the death of my grandfather loomed over me like a dark cloud. I knew I needed to be strong. I had no choice.
You literally spent the one hour before you landed to garner all the strength you could from Axle....now, you have to stand on your own two feet...
The man in question was seated beside me, now dressed in a more formal outfit with his navy blue pullneck sweater, black slacks and a matching black blazer with black oxfords to boot. His hair was in a neat bun, certainly unlike the sexy bed hair he'd had just an hour before as he held me close whilst I had the best power nap I'd had in my life. Somehow, every single time I was around him, I gave into his comfort and slept in his arms- which was dangerous in the grand scheme of things. Being too reliant on him was unwise.
This is what I was afraid of before everything and now...now, I just want his strong arms to wrap around me and hold me tight- and never let go...
The emotions were foreign to me after spending years keeping everyone at arm's length. They threatened to overwhelm me and the test had come when the urge to hold his hand that was resting on the arm-rest during our descent was insanely strong. Resisting had taken everything in me, ensuring to put as much distance between us as possible. The fairy tale was over and so was our little dare. It was time to move on and focus on taking care of the storm that was raging beyond the private plane.
"We're ready when you are, Elena."
Gia spoke up, switching to Gaeilge as she smiled softly and reassuringly at me. During our University years, we had spent time teaching each other our native languages and Gaeilge had been one of the funnest to learn as I taught them my grandfather's native language. This was our own way of secretly communicating and my smile was warm as I nodded in response, noting that Ayana and Aimi were waiting behind Gia.
The guys watched us, clearly as intrigued as they always were whenever we switched up as we had been for the time they had known us. At this point, they were probably used to it and yet the curiosity was still there in their gazes as they observed our silent communication.
"Thank you. I'll be right there..."
The girls nodded, each of them glancing momentarily at Axle beside me who was currently scrolling on the phone before they each existed the plane, leaving just the two of us. Releasing a small breath, I unbuckled and got to my feet, straightening out my outfit for the day that had been chosen with extra care for what was to come.
Black pullneck that was oddly somehow matching Axle's own, I had paired it with a short Chanel black skirt with thigh high stockings and black heeled boots. I grabbed my grey trenchcoat, intending to put it on when Axle's arm reached out, stopping me in my tracks as I realised that he was now towering over me from behind. Despite my heels, Axle still had a couple of feet over me. His hand softly gripped my hair in the ponytail that it was in, pulling it aside before he took the coat from my hands.
"I've made arrangements to ensure that no paparazzi are alerted as to our arrival. I will ensure that it stays that way until you're ready to release an official statement so you have nothing to worry about on that front."
He held the coat up for me, ensuring I put it on before he turned me to face him. My mind was processing his words, recognising the amount of pull he must have to make such a statement. If he said I had nothing to worry about then he meant it and some of the tension eased from my body. Handling the paparazzi had been a constant headache in the back of my mind but knowing that I had the leeway to make the right plans for a Press statement and more eased my anxiety- even if just a little bit.
"Thank you, Axe. I appreciate it."
I finally found my tongue once he turned me to face him, his blue-green eyes assessing me in the intense way that he always did. Somehow, he had become even more intense now, the energy radiating off of him both mysterious and dangerous. Worry filled me, replaced with a sense of dread as I watched him step even closer, our chests brushing against each other as his own hand caressed my cheek softly.
It would be so easy to get lost in him...especially with the way his gaze had zoned in on my lips...
"Mata e moni lava o se pepelo?..."
His words took me aback despite the fact that I couldn't understand them. What I could see was the vulnerability in his gaze that was mixed with pain that seemed almost too unbearable to survive through. They were the truest emotions I had ever seen on him and it stole my literal breath, even after he shut down once more and raised the walls higher than before as he backed away. I longed to know what he had said- why he had looked so broken and hurt...and why he seemed like he wanted to destroy me...
Although I hope that last part was a misunderstanding...
"Come, manamea. It's time..."
Taking a long breath, I took his outstretched hand despite my better judgement and let him lead me towards the other side. Somehow, I trusted him not to let me break. I trusted him to keep me grounded, even if just for a small moment.
Just this once...Just until I reach the eye of the storm...
***
- Writer
