Elena's POV:
I don't know how long I'm asleep for, but when I wake up, we're no longer in the air.
I stir and sit up, facing Adrian, and gently rubbing my eyes. He's still busy on his phone. Does the man rest at all?
"Have we landed already?"
His eyes lift from his phone and find my sleepy ones. "An hour ago, to be precise."
My brows shoot up. "What? Why didn't you wake me?!"
"You looked like you were having a nice nap," he shrugs me off. "Now that you're awake, let's head out," he says, standing to his feet.
What in the world? Why didn't he wake me if we landed over an hour ago?! So what? He was just going to sit there and let me sleep even if I was going to wake up in four hours or some shit?
I run a hand through my hair, then hurriedly unbuckle my seatbelt and follow behind him, trying to match his strides.
Outside, some men are sliding our luggage into the back seat of our car, while Adrian opens the door for me to enter, before he comes to sit beside me.
"Uhh… Where are we going now?" I ask, buckling my seatbelt.
"The Mirage Pointe."
My brows crease. "Where's that?"
There's a beat of silence before...
"It's a hotel suite."
My hands pause on the seatbelt.
Of course. A hotel. Where was I thinking we'd stay for the three days we'll be here? I'm sure he's probably booked separate rooms.
I clear my throat and finish buckling my belt.
"Okay." I lean back in my seat and face out the window.
So many questions are in my head to ask, but I keep them to myself.
My eyes move along all the tall, beautiful buildings as we drive. The city is so beautiful, just like I've always heard.
I still can't believe I'm here. Only, I would love it if Anya could see this too.
My lips tilt up slightly as a small huff escapes my lips.
I force a wider smile. I don't need to be sad while I'm here. Only good times. And new memories.
I'd love to look around the city while I'm here. Go some places. Just have fun naturally.
Hopefully, I can convince Adrian, and I can squeeze out time while we're here.
We arrive at the hotel in about 15 minutes.
The Mirage Pointe
The building is huge and luxurious, with bright lights shining out from the inside.
Adrian steps out first, and I follow after him.
The door is opened for us. Adrian strides ahead, calm and exuding power, while I trail behind him, trying to keep my nerves in check.
We stop in front of the registration desk. He turns to me, putting a hand out. "ID."
I hurriedly reach into my back pocket, take my ID out, and place it in his huge palm.
He reaches into his suit pocket for his, then passes both to the clerk.
The lady takes it from him with a sultry smile on her face, running her fingers along his hands.
I frown, suddenly agitated.
Adrian snatches his hand out of hers almost immediately, irritation marring his face.
"Could you hurry up?" He grits, jaw tight. "My wife and I had a long flight."
I stifle a smile. Was he being petty by saying that?
He did put a lot of emphasis on "wife."
If he was, then it sure worked because the lady finally looks to me, acknowledging me, but the look on her face is not a happy one. She's straight up glaring daggers into my eyes.
Her gaze shifts to Adrian again, then she bows her head slightly as she mutters an apology.
After confirming our names and room number, she passes Adrian two badges and a key card.
My brows crease together. Why only one key card?
He passes me my badge and ID and slides his into his pocket.
I want to ask why there's only one key card, but I decide to wait it out. Maybe I'm the one overthinking it.
"Here," he hands the key card to one of his men, and they move ahead of us with our luggage in hand.
We head for the elevator. Once we're inside, I can't hold it in anymore.
"Uhmm, Adrian?"
"Mmm?" he hums, facing forward.
"Uhh… why's there only one key card?"
I watch from behind him as his shoulders tense.
He's quiet for a beat.
"We're staying in one room."
One what?!
My heartbeat picks up instantly.
I can barely think straight when I'm around him. How am I supposed to stay in the same room as him for three whole days? And are we going to sleep on the same bed?
Oh God.
"Why?" My voice comes out panicked.
He exhales deeply. "All attendees are meant to stay in this same hotel. Everything is happening here. And I told you we needed to make an appearance together."
"And since we're a married couple, we need to play the part. That means staying in one room."
No.
I don't know what to say. What can I say? He's right. We're married. We can't stay in different rooms, or else there'll be speculations about our marriage.
But being in the same room with Adrian is not a good thing, too. And on the same bed!
The elevator opens and Adrian steps out. I follow behind him, swallowing heavily.
This is not real.
This is not happening. This can't...
Adrian pulls the door open. The first thing I see is the king-size bed in the room.
This is happening.
I scan the room. Our luggage is lined up on one side, the key card is on the bedside table. My gaze lands on the bed again, and I stare at it like it's a live cockroach.
As if Adrian notices my discomfort, he tells me. "Don't worry. I'll take the couch. You take the bed."
"What? You won't be comfortable on the couch."
"And would you be comfortable with me on the same bed?" His gaze narrows expectantly.
I swallow but don't say anything.
"I thought as much."
He moves past me toward the bathroom.
"I'll shower first. You can unpack your things."
"Adrian…"
The bathroom door slams closed behind him.
I let out a deep breath and press a hand to my pounding chest.
If I don't die from this forced proximity, then I'm definitely going to die of a heart attack because my heart is beating so unbelievably fast right now.
What even is this?