Thomas, Akemi, and Kenji emerged from the Cullinan, their expressions pure astonishment, their faces reflecting the golden light of the Dubai sun.
"Daniel... this..." Thomas began, but the words failed in his throat, unable to describe the grandeur before him.
Akemi placed her hand over her heart, a gesture of deep emotion. "It's... it's paradise, Daniel-san. Truly."
Kenji, his eyes wide, just whistled softly, unable to utter a complete word, absorbing every detail.
Daniel smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "This place was designed to offer the utmost in comfort and privacy. Let's go in. You must be tired from the trip."
They were led into the house, where luxury and spaciousness were evident in every room. The floors were polished marble that reflected the light, the walls were adorned with contemporary artwork by renowned artists, and sumptuous Persian rugs added a touch of warmth. Large floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning views of the landscaped gardens, the infinity pool that seemed to merge with the water, and the Dubai skyline, stretching endlessly.
The main living room was a vast space ofceiling heightA double bedroom, with sofas and armchairs arranged in inviting groups, made of fine fabrics and soft colors that harmonized with the surroundings. A huge, gleaming grand piano in one corner captured the light, and a modern fireplace, built into the marble wall, awaited cooler evenings. Natural light flooded the space, creating a sense of openness and serenity that invited relaxation.
"You can make yourself at home," Daniel said with a sweeping gesture. "Henry will show you to your rooms so you can settle in. There's a full staff available for anything you need."
Henry stepped forward, his voice smooth and professional. "Mr. and Mrs. Reed, Kenji, if you'll allow me, I'll escort you to your suites. Your luggage is already there, and the housekeeping staff will be ready to unpack and organize everything if you wish, so you can relax immediately."
Elara's family, still in a state of pleasant shock and awe, followed Henry, their curious eyes taking in every detail of the house, absorbing the beauty and grandeur of each room. Elara and Daniel lingered behind for a moment in the main living room, the soft afternoon sunlight bathing them.
"It's... it's everything I imagined and more, Daniel," Elara said, turning to him, the gleam in her eyes one of pure ecstasy, and a wide smile spread across her face. "This is a dream come true."
Daniel pulled her close, his arms around her waist, her scent enveloping him. "This is our reality, my love. The first step of our journey together, here in our home. May it be just the beginning of many more, just as incredible, if not more so." He kissed her softly, a kiss that promised everything to come, a future of luxury, adventure, and a life with the man who was her world.
The house in Dubai was just the beginning. It was a sanctuary of luxury and security, the launching pad for the global adventures that awaited them. For Elara, it was the promise of an extraordinary life; for Daniel, confirmation that he could build a perfect world for the woman he loved, even if the secrets of the "Ghost" still loomed in the shadows, ensuring the existence of that paradise.
The Dubai morning burst into golden hues and opulence, the sun casting a bright glow over the vast marble and glass of Daniel's residence. The air conditioning kept the interior of the mansion at a pleasant temperature, a refuge from the intense desert heat that was beginning to rise outside.loungeIn the main building, where breakfast had been served with an abundant buffet of exotic fruits, fresh breads, and local and international delicacies, Elara's family still seemed somewhat dazed by the grandeur of their new surroundings. Thomas leafed through an electronic newspaper with a discreet smile, while Akemi sipped Arabic tea, her eyes lost in the perfectly manicured gardens that stretched to the infinity pool. Kenji, of course, was more interested in the eggs benedict prepared by Antony, eating with almost voracious enthusiasm.
Elara and Daniel sat together, she with a cup of coffee in her hand, watching the family. The night's sleep on the A380 had been restorative, and the feeling of being in Dubai, in Daniel's home, was even more surreal than she had imagined.
"Good morning, everyone," Daniel said, his voice clear and full of morning energy. He smiled at Elara, who responded with a radiant smile. "I hope you rested well."
Thomas nodded. "Extraordinarily well, Daniel. Those suites are out of this world."
"It's like sleeping on a silk cloud," Akemi added, her voice soft.
"And Chef Antony is a genius!" Kenji exclaimed, his mouth full.
Daniel laughed. "I'm glad to hear you're comfortable. We'll have a busy day today. As you know, the Prince is coming to dinner with us tonight, and I need to make some preparations." He looked at Elara knowingly. "And since I hate suitcases and brought you empty, we need to go shopping. Elara grumbled incessantly about 'having to buy everything again,' but I guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience."
Elara gave an amused pout. "It's just... it's a lot to buy from scratch! My entire wardrobe! And shoes! Beauty products! It's a shock to the system."
Daniel smiled, taking her hand. "Relax, my love. It will be fun. And anything you want will be at your disposal. No worries about price or quantity. My housekeeping team is ready to organize each new purchase." He then turned to Thomas, Akemi, and Kenji. "Would you like to join us? It would be a great opportunity to see some of Dubai's main shopping attractions, and perhaps you'll find something you like, too."
Thomas glanced at Akemi, who looked thoughtful. "Hmm, I don't know, Daniel. Maybe it's a little too hectic for us. We might prefer a quieter day here at the mansion, exploring the gardens or perhaps the indoor art center you mentioned."
Akemi nodded. "Yes, Daniel-san. Maybe a calmer day for us. But Kenji, would you like to go? It sounds like an adventure."
Kenji, who was nearly jumping out of his chair at the mention of "shopping" and "attractions," answered before the question was even finished. "YES! I want to go! Daniel, can I go with you and Elara? Please?" His eyes shone with the promise of something great.
Daniel smiled at him. "Of course, Kenji. It would be a pleasure to have you with us. But I warn you, Elara is a picky buyer." He winked at his fiancée.
Elara laughed. "And Daniel is a buyerexcessive."
While the decision was being made, in one of the corridors adjacent to thelounge, out of sight of the family, Victor, the head of the security team, communicated via radio with one of his men, who was in the mansion's underground garage, inspecting the armored vehicles that had arrived on the A380.
"Vehicle status?" Victor asked, his voice low and full of authority.
On the other end of the line, a deep voice answered. "All vehicles cleaned, fueled, and systems checked, boss. The Bugatti, the Mercedes-AMG, the Ferraris, the Lamborghini, the Rolls-Royce... And the Ninja H2R. All ready to deploy in seconds. The logistics are impressive. And the weapons..." The voice paused, a tone of awe mixed with incredulity. "The weapons they never thought they had in a weapons-prohibited area. The stealth technology and firepower of these vehicles, Victor, are out of this world. It's almost an insult to the military vehicles I've operated."
Victor, whose face was normally impassive, allowed the barest hint of a smile to play at the corner of his mouth. "Don't ask questions if you want to stay alive and keep your family safe. That's what Mr. Erik Prince told us before we left the base. Just follow orders and ensure the safety of Mr. Hale and Mrs. Elara. Any deviation is fatal, for us and for our loved ones." The coldness in his voice wasn't a threat, but a statement of fact, the reminder of a silent oath. "Keep a low profile. Be ready for any scenario. Support vehicles and patrol motorcycles with the sniper team must be ready to follow immediately."
"Understood, boss. We'll do whatever it takes," came the reply, firm and resolute.
No loungeDaniel stood up, catching Elara and Kenji's attention. "Well, Elara, Kenji, let's get ready for shopping. Henry, please make sure the cars are ready for Elara, Kenji, and me."
Henry nodded, already calling the garage crew.
As they walked toward the main entrance, Daniel stopped suddenly, turning to Elara with a mischievous glint in his eye. Henry approached, carrying two motorcycle helmets.designsleek and futuristic, a matte black for Daniel and a pearly white for Elara, with gold accents that matched her eyes.
Elara looked at the white helmet Daniel held out to her, a look of confusion forming on her face. "Helmets? Daniel... are we going by motorcycle? Shopping? To Dubai?" The idea seemed, to say the least, eccentric.
Daniel just smiled, a smile that promised adrenaline. He put on his black helmet, the dark visor hiding his amused look. "Surprise, my love." He held out his hand to her. "Come with me."
They left the mansion and headed toward the main entrance, where one of the most ferocious machines in Daniel's garage was waiting, parked with almost feral grandeur. It was theKawasaki Ninja H2R, all black, its aggressive aerodynamics and the metallic shine of its components exuding speed and power. The wide tires seemed to stick to the asphalt, and the low rumble of the engine, even at a standstill, promised a roar.
Elara's eyes widened. She looked at the bike, then at Daniel, and a huge smile, a smile of pure excitement and disbelief, spread across her face. "The... the Ninja H2R? Daniel, you're crazy!" She loved motorcycles, but something on this level was otherworldly for her.
"Let's get a little adrenaline pumping, love," Daniel said, extending his hand to her, his white helmet on. His voice was an invitation to adventure. "A perfect way to feel the pulse of Dubai. Plus, it's easier to maneuver through traffic, if there's any, and more discreet to escape prying eyes." He winked. "Security will follow us in their cars, but this will be our freedom for a few hours."
Kenji, who had come out to watch, let out a cry of excitement. "WOOOOW! It's the H2R! Daniel, are you going to ride it? And Elara is going with you? That's awesome! Can I take a picture?" He already had his phone out, his eyes shining.
Thomas and Akemi had approached, and Thomas shook his head, an exasperated smile on his face. "Daniel, please be careful. That machine looks very fast."
Akemi, despite her concern, couldn't help but feel a hint of amusement. "My Kenji, always so adventurous. Daniel-san, please protect my daughter."
Daniel carefully placed Elara's helmet on, adjusting it. "Always, Akemi-san. She'll be safe with me." He climbed onto the bike, and the H2R roared with a guttural sound, a sound that vibrated the air. "Climb on, my love."
Elara, laughing, climbed onto the back of the Ninja, wrapping her arms around Daniel's waist. The leather of his jacket was smooth and strong beneath her fingers. She felt the power of the machine beneath them, a restrained force awaiting command. Security, in their armored SUVs and support motorcycles, positioned themselves discreetly behind them, their engines also humming at low revs.
"Hold on tight," Daniel whispered in her ear before speeding off.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2R shot down the private street of Daniel's mansion with brutal acceleration, leaving the quiet luxury of the estate behind. The sound of the engine was a roar that echoed through the buildings, and the wind, even under their helmets, was a powerful gust against their bodies. Dubai opened up before them, a constantly moving canvas of glittering skyscrapers and wide avenues.