"Do you have to go?"
Lina was mid-way putting on her pearl earrings when she heard his sullen tone. She glanced at the vanity mirror, where her appealing husband's reflection could be seen. He leaned against the wall. Tall, dark eyes, and sharp jawline, he was the definition of a tragic man too handsome to look at.
"Yes, of course." Lina slid on the final earring and went to pick up her simplistic gold necklace. She saw him kick off the wall and approach her.
"Can't you stay?" Kaden mumbled with heavy reluctance in his tone. He took the necklace out of her hands.
"No."
"Even if you can invite them over?" Kaden persisted.
Lina's breath hitched when his warm fingers brushed on her tender skin. His gaze darkened at the slight caress. With great precision, he unhooked the metal and laid it upon her neck. Slowly and sensually, he ran the tip of his fingers upon her shoulders, savoring the action. Wherever he touched, she felt it burn.
Lina's heart skipped when she glanced at his eyes through the mirror. He was watching her the entire time. Eyes darker than the night sky, yet he saw his emotions reflect. His lips curled into the ghost of a smile. Then, he bent his head and kissed her throat.
"Tell them to come over," Kaden murmured. He slid a protective arm over her collarbone, bringing her closer to him.
"You're changing your tactic now," Lina whispered in realization.
Kaden's gaze flickered with calculation. Instead of disagreeing, he pecked the side of her head.
"Show them around our house, enjoy tea with them in the gardens, you don't have to go to them." Kaden trailed his mouth to her chin whilst she gripped his arm tightly.
"I shouldn't—"
"You're the hospital patient, dove. How could they make you travel fifteen minutes into the city?" Kaden teased whilst sliding his hand over her stomach. Calmly, he brought her to her feet, in the hopes of convincing her to return to bed. They could cuddle a bit more whilst waiting for her friends.
"I'm an immortal, how could I force humans to come all the way here?" Lina countered with a shake of her head. She tilted her face up at him and kissed his cheek.
"I'll be back soon," Lina decided. She stepped out of his grasp and saw how cunning his gaze was. His expression was the epitome of composure. It was then she realized the trap he had laid and almost succeeded.
Sometimes, Kaden reminded Lina of a lethal python. As the understanding settled into her expression, he chuckled under his breath.
"Alright, I'll take you there then. The cafe is near the office." Kaden grabbed her waist and brought her closer to him. He always loved to touch her. Whether it was running a hand over her smooth arms or embracing her hips, something was always alluring about Lina. he couldn't pinpoint it.
All Kaden wanted to do was have a hand on her—to remind him that she's real. In flesh. In the bone. Not a vision of his imagination.
- - - - -
As Kaden drove her, Lina couldn't help but gawk at him. The sun was peeking in the sky, basking the windows with light. One hand resting on the wheel, the other gripping her thigh, he was a vision to behold. Occasionally, his stony face would flicker with irritation, causing his sharp eyes to narrow dangerously.
"Touch is your love language," Lina suddenly explained to him.
Kaden briefly glanced at her, his lips twitching. "Is that so, dove?"
"Yes," Lina confirmed. "I know it."
"I don't doubt you, my dearest dove." Kaden squeezed her thigh. "But if I told you the reasoning, you'd be disturbed."
"I won't," Lina insisted, leaning closer to him with her curiosity on full display.
Lina widened her eyes and waited patiently for him to tell her. When they finally reached a red light, he turned to her.
"I have to know you're real, dove of mine, and that I am not trapped in some asylum. I don't like other people looking at what's mine, but whenever I see you with another, I'm reminded that you're not a figment of my imagination… that you're the real thing."
Lina's face was reddened by her action. She turned her head, a hand over her face, but he saw her burning ears. Holding back his teasing, Kaden continued the drive.
Soon, they reached the cafe where Lina promised Isabelle and Krystal to meet. The second Kaden opened the door for her, Lina was stunned by the private security.
Lina blinked and realized that having this many big shots in one place must've been overwhelming. There were Isabelle's intels standing by the doors, Krystal's lining the sidewalk, and Kaden's getting out of the car with their gun cocked and ready in their suit.
"Mama, are they filming a movie here?"
"The bodyguard company must be loaded."
Lina blinked at the presence of the expensive cars, all shiny and regal with the company brand resembling a shiny beacon on the front of the vehicle. She dryly smiled when Kaden placed a warm hand on her shoulders and guided her inside.
The cafe doors let out a small chime. Lina absolutely adored this place. It was where they usually met up. On the outside, there were three tables for seating, with baroque-inspired furnishing and an enormous wisteria plant hanging over the guests.
On the inside was a wide variety of plants, all suitable for allergies, and certain species of flowers that didn't trigger a pollen reaction. The interior was quaint and private, with simplistically painted folded screens that hid the guest.
"Do you have any meetings today?" Lina curiously asked whilst her gaze swept around the cafe.
"Did you want to get rid of me that quickly?" Kaden mused.
"At least you know," Lina teased with a playful smile. She quickly saw a woman in the distance perk up at their arrival.
"Welcome back ma'am, please, let me guide you to your usual table," the nearest hostess said after returning back to the booth.
"Thank you, I'd appreciate that," Lina warmly responded.
Lina took a step forward, but so did Kaden. She blinked in disbelief and as they followed the hostess, Kaden was right beside her. She gawked at him, wondering if he was really going to interrupt the girls-day.
"Lina!" Isabelle sharply gasped, jumping out of her chair.
Before Lina could even respond, Isabelle dashed for her and embraced her into a rib-squeezing hug. She was knocked back, but Kaden caught her in time.
"Oh god, I missed you so much," Isabelle whined. "I was dying to see you!"
"Hopefully not dying as much as you were in the coma," Krystal commented as she rose to her feet. She was surprised by Kaden's presence. His expression was cold as ice and the atmosphere around him always unsettled people.
"Chairman DeHaven," Krystal greeted.
"Elit." Kaden nodded in address whilst calmly observing the entire set-up. "And the new Chief Editor, Isabelle."
Lina relaxed when she saw Kaden's behavior, but then tensed.
"You were promoted? Congratulations!" Lina gasped, clasping her hand over Isabelle's.
"Yes, well—"
"The cafe is great," Kaden suddenly told them. "But our house has more privacy. Come over next time."
Isabelle blinked, then glanced at Lina, and then, towards Krystal. The three women were baffled by the blunt invitation. Not to mention, Krystal who narrowed her eyes. Isabelle slowly tilted her head, putting the pieces back together.
"No way, you two are married again?!" Isabelle shrieked so loud, the entire cafe might as well have heard them.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel