Stirred for you

Chapter Thirteen - You have to stay safe.

Mona and Daren took an underground route to the beautiful Gida countryside with its rugged natural landscape and vacation homes. It took them an hour to get to his friend's house while they moved past orchards and a farm with the sea in the distance and then they stopped at a big rambling old house. There were horses in a nearby pasture, it was a lovely place and looked ideal for a relaxing vacation.

"This place looks cool. Too beautiful for a vacation" Mona admitted as they moved into the house.

"Yeah, Greg likes the countryside. We will stay here until the lockdown is over"

"But are you sure he will accommodate us that long given we don't know when the lockdown will be called off?"

"Am so sure - Greg likes having me around just that - I don't love staying in this type of place"

Mona smiled, "Its beautiful - am sure you will enjoy it once you start staying here"

"Mm - I hope so"

Greg walked out as soon as he heard the knock on the door. He was wearing a pair of shorts since the weather was warm. Greg immediately welcomed them with a broad smile of welcome and hugged Daren who stiffened in his hug. Greg smelled of fresh fish and stew like he'd just dipped himself in a pot of one.

Mona accepted his hug while smiling endlessly. Greg looked a bit older than Daren but was so welcoming compared to Daren.

The three walked into the room while Greg shut the door. The room looked well worn but was spacious and inviting. Greg clearly enjoyed having people around him giving he spent his years alone in the big house. He offered the two the rest of his lunch while engaging them in a conversation. They helped themselves to cold chicken, some bread and cheese and wine. The vacation had begun.

After lunch, Greg showed them to their rooms. He gave them two separate rooms opposite each other since he didn't know what the arrangement was between them and didn't ask.

Daren allowed Mona take the bigger one clearly to pacify her.

____

Mona seemed in high mood after taking a quick nap in the room. She walked out to the verandah to find Daren and Greg discussing.

"Oh you are awake already - " Greg gave Mona a warming smile as soon as he saw her while she was rubbing her eyes which set off her appearance like a little loli.

"Since its not dark yet - " Greg turned to Daren who was taking his eyes away from Mona, "why don't you show her around?"

"Come on Greg, we are just here to stay until the lockdown is over not for a vacation -"

"Am aware of that - but I want you to enjoy your stay here - please"

Mona was about to interrupt and disagree with the suggestion when Daren reluctantly agreed. She had no choice than to leave with him.

"I'll keep your dinner ready - serving it hot!" Greg yelled after them while they were leaving the large compound.

___

They moved towards the sea opposite the orchards they had just walked past. Mona was giggling while they walked past the orchards. She loved the scenery and the fresh air in the environment. Every time a child or group of children who seemed to be returning from their chores walked past them, Mona would smile at them and wave at the end. Most of the children ended up smiling back while some were lost in their world of surprise.

She felt uncomfortable walking around with Daren even when she knew he was another lady's man, so what! Daren had protected her from those despicable hunters and even went further to flee to a remote place that he detests most just so he could protect her.

"I love it here" Mona said happily. "It makes me feel like a kid too" she added while staring at the sea.

"Its perfect for vacations - " Daren added rather indifferently.

Mona knew Daren had come here because of her else he would have continued with his stay at the hotel. She could not help but feel weak and guilty before him.

"Why don't you like this place?" Mona asked. Daren turned to stare into her face. Her eyes were bright and charming. He was gradually getting lost in her beauty before he snapped himself back to reality.

"Its nothing serious - actually Mona - " Daren turned to the sea before he continued, "you have to stay safe, those hunters have already marked you a suspect"

"Phew - " Mona sighed, he wasn't wrong after all. "I'll try"