Chapter Eight: Sparking feeling
1151 Words
Rylo didn’t take his usual sleek coupe that evening. Instead, he chose something more subtle—his grey Audi Q7, elegant but not showy. He parked a short distance from the Braylor Empire building, deciding to enjoy the breeze and take a slow stroll to the entrance.
As he approached, he spotted Desire stepping out. She was dressed simply, yet something about her aura made her stand out like moonlight in a crowd. Rylo’s lips curved into a smile.
“Hey, hi,” he said warmly.
Desire returned the smile. “Hello. And thank you again—for earlier. I’m really grateful.”
“Are you ready?” he asked, gesturing gently with his hand.
“Sure,” she replied, following him to the car.
When he opened the door for her, she paused. That’s when it clicked—Tyro had mentioned his brother that day. But seeing the Audi and the way Rylo carried himself, it suddenly made sense.
Tyro isn’t the first son. He is.
She didn’t say a word, only smiled and stepped inside.
---
In the Car – Names and Realizations
The drive started off quiet, the smooth hum of the engine blending with low instrumental music playing through the speakers. Desire decided to break the silence.
“You know… I still don’t know your name. And technically, you don’t know mine either.”
Rylo glanced at her with a slightly embarrassed smile. “Wow. Pardon my manners, beautiful. I’m Rylo. Rylo Braylor.”
Desire’s brow arched slightly. “Braylor?”
He nodded.
“Well, I’m Desire Lopez,” she said, smiling as she spoke her name.
“Desire…” he repeated, letting the name linger like a melody. “Wow, your name is as beautiful as you.”
She chuckled softly. “Thank you. Your personality is really different from your brother. And your looks, too…”
Rylo’s head tilted slightly. “How did you know Tyro and I are brothers?”
She hesitated, then said, “He told me himself.”
“Huh,” Rylo mused. “Amazing. He actually acknowledged it.”
---
High-End Restaurant — Chemistry and Coincidences
Soon, they arrived at Aurenzo’s, an upscale rooftop restaurant known for its panoramic views of Velgravia City and its five-star cuisine.
“Voilà, my lady,” Rylo said theatrically, stepping out to open the door for her.
Desire’s eyes widened. “Wait—this place is expensive! I’ve only seen it on blogs.”
Rylo smirked. “Next time, you drive.”
Inside, they were seated on a terrace with flickering candlelight and a perfect view of the glimmering skyline. Rylo ordered grilled sea bass with lemon risotto and sparkling elderflower, while Desire chose creamy truffle tagliatelle with herb-roasted chicken and fresh juice.
Midway through the meal, Desire suddenly paused mid-bite, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Wait a minute… You’re my brother’s employer. Nate Lopez?”
Rylo blinked, surprised. “Nate Lopez? No wonder that name sounded familiar.”
Desire laughed. “Small world! My brother has done nothing but talk about you since yesterday.”
Rylo leaned back with interest. “Really? What does he say about me?”
“Oh, it’s all good. You’re like a superhero to him,” she teased.
They both laughed, easing into more relaxed conversation.
---
Interrupted by Motherhood
Suddenly, Desire’s phone buzzed.
“Oh, that’s mine,” she excused herself, seeing it was a video call from home. “My kids.”
Rylo was caught off guard—but impressed.
She answered. In seconds, the video erupted into chaos.
“Mummy! Snow broke my iPad!” Shine shouted.
“I told him it was a mistake!” Snow cried, red-faced. “But he broke mine, mummy! That’s not fair—you said we should forgive people!”
Desire didn’t flinch. Her voice, calm and collected, cut through the tantrum.
“Shine, go sit with Grandpa. Snow, go sit with Grandma and reflect on your actions. When I get back, we’ll sort it out. And no more shouting, okay?”
The boys went silent.
“Sorry, Dee,” Nina’s voice came through softly.
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll be home soon.”
She ended the call and looked up apologetically. “Sorry about that.”
Rylo, who had been silently eating during the call, looked stunned—in a good way.
“You really don’t look like someone with two kids.”
Desire smiled. “It’s not written on the forehead, is it?”
He laughed. “Nope. And now I see where Nate gets his sarcasm from.”
She laughed too. “My boys are adorable, but they’re a handful. Especially Snow—he’s quiet, but don’t trust that one.”
Rylo’s expression warmed. “That was me when I was younger. What about Shine?”
“He’s outspoken, but shy. Both of them are endlessly curious.”
“I’d love to meet them,” Rylo said casually, then saw the flicker in her eyes and clarified. “I love kids. And I mean it when I say you seem like someone I’d like to know better. You’re real. Grounded.”
Desire nodded. “Well… no problem. They’d like you. Shine talks to everyone. Snow stares.”
---
A Soft Goodbye – And Something More
As they finished dinner, Rylo paid and surprised her by asking for a takeaway of two mini gelato cups—one vanilla bean and one chocolate chip.
“For Shine and Snow,” he said simply.
Desire’s heart did a small flutter she didn’t expect.
Just as they stepped into the car, without thinking too much, Rylo leaned over and pressed a soft kiss on her lips.
Desire froze—not from shock, but from surprise. She blinked, searching his face.
Rylo smiled gently, almost shyly. “Sorry… I don’t know what came over me. You’re the first woman I’ve ever—”
She raised a hand, stopping him. “It’s okay,” she said with a small smile. “I didn’t hate it.”
They both laughed lightly, the tension easing.
On the quiet ride back, Rylo suddenly stopped the car before her street.
“Desire, I don’t want to overstep. I meant it when I said we can be friends. But something about you… I don’t know, it’s pulling me in.”
Desire looked at him, truly seeing him this time—not just the quiet charm, or his unexpected wealth—but a man with a story, maybe even pain, like hers.
She smiled. “Friends for now, Rylo Braylor. One day at a time.”
He nodded. “One day at a time.”
Desire stepped out of the car, her heels clicking gently against the pavement. Rylo watched her walk off, but before she disappeared, she turned and waved at him—just once, simply.
Rylo drove off, the corners of his mouth tilted upward.
- Writer
