Elena's POV:
No! No, no, no, no, no!
What have I done?
I feel my throat constrict as I lunge forward, more vomit pouring out of my mouth onto Adrian's suit.
Tears prick at my eyes, my chest is tight, and I'm feeling lightheaded. But, more importantly, I'm terrified at the fact that I just puked on Adrian's expensive suit.
No matter how hazy my mind is at the moment, I know I've done something terribly wrong. I'm about to push back so I can apologize, but I'm taken aback when his hand lands on my back again, and he starts rubbing it in small circles.
"It's okay. Let it out," he whispers softly by my ear, then pulls me closer so I can't move.
"But… your suit?" I croak out.
"Don't worry about my suit."
"But…"
A low, grumbling, disapproving sound erupts from his chest, and I swallow my words back.
I allow myself to lean on his chest, shame flooding me.
He keeps patting and rubbing my back gently. I gag a few times, but it seems I've already poured out all the contents of my stomach onto Adrian's suit.
His chest is warm and comforting, and I can't help but lean in closer, burying my face near his armpit. And God, he smells so good.
I turn my face a bit so I can take in his scent, when a soft groan leaves his lips.
I stop immediately. Is he uncomfortable in this position?
His breathing is heavy and hot against my skin, his chest heaving up and down in unsteady breaths.
His heart was pounding so fast too, before I… you know, puked on him.
I realize he's still on one knee on the floor.
Now that the feeling has subsided, and I feel a lot better, I raise my head and slowly lean out of his hold.
"I… I'm fine now," I say softly, catching his gaze.
There's a dark glint in his eyes as he stares back at me. And the weight of his stare makes me want to hide away.
I swallow tightly and catch my bottom lip between my teeth.
His eyes fall to my lips, and his mouth opens slightly as he draws in a deep breath.
Slowly, his hands come up to my face, and he uses his knuckle to brush the side of my face.
I shudder under his touch, and my eyes shut close, as shivers spread through me. But I don't move away. Instead, I lean into his soft touch.
I open my eyes again, staring at him through my lashes, as his hand comes down to my lips. Heat settles low in my belly.
He rubs the pad of his thumb gently over my top lip. My lips tingle. Then he brings it lower and pokes through my teeth, setting my bottom lip free.
"Don't do that," he rasps.
I knit my brows together, but I'm not even able to comprehend what he says fully, before he stands to his feet, towering over me.
His heated eyes scan me for a moment and then he swallows.
"Wait here," he says, not looking at me, then he walks away.
I exhale deeply, falling back into my seat.
My heart is pounding so fast, and my body feels warm all of a sudden.
What was that?
Why do I feel so hot?
Footsteps sound behind me again, and I force my breathing to steady. Adrian comes into view with a bottle of water in his hand.
"Here," he nudges it in front of me. "Drink it."
Slowly, I sit up, and take the bottle from him, opening and gulping some of it down.
My eyes dart to the stain on his shirt again. I swallow heavily.
I was so excited to fly. Who knew I'd be fucking airsick. And now I've ended up ruining his suit.
I clear my throat. "I'm sorry… for ruining your suit," I say softly.
His eyes dart down, then come up again and narrow on me. "I've told you not to apologize to me, especially for things you can't control."
I sigh. "I know, but…"
"Apology accepted. Now let it go."
My eyes scan his face, and I can see he's in no mood for argument. I wouldn't even want to anger him further, so I purse my lips and say nothing.
"You can rest. We still have some time before we land. I'll go get changed," he says.
"Okay," I nod and look away, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes.
Once he's out of sight, I release a deep breath. This isn't going the way I planned.
Moments later, he returns in a fresh suit and takes his seat beside me, acting like nothing happened. I face outside the window. If I don't see his face, I won't even think he's here, and then the embarrassment won't be so much.
Now, his attention is back on his phone. He's back to his usual self. Not the caring, and touchy one I experienced just a few minutes ago.
And I know that I don't understand a lot of Italian, but I know I'm not wrong when I say he called me… dear. I'm very sure I heard it.
He always says things like that to me when I'm not in the right state of mind. Or maybe when he thinks I'm not listening.
He called me baby the other day when he helped me while I was having period cramps. I didn't want to think much of it then. But now, it's just another word of endearment.
I don't know what to think of any of it, but I like it.
I like it when he calls me baby. Or dear. Or any other name aside from my real name. And though there are times when he calls me by my name and it sounds so, so, so… hot.
But when he calls me other names, I don't know, it just makes me feel… wanted?
I sneak a glance at Adrian. His gaze is focused on his phone. Jaw tight as he types away on the device.
I look away, sighing deeply, and sink deeper into my seat.
I don't know what I'm thinking. I think my mind is still hazy or something. Or maybe I'm just tired.
Maybe I should sleep.
I twist a bit so I'm half-facing the window. Then I close my eyes, shutting out every thought of the man beside me, as I will myself to sleep.