Promises

ALEXANDER'S POV

I watched her from where I sat. She frowned and her tiny hands fondled the fray threads of her sweater. The way she sat calmly stirred up my caged i-want-an-escape libido, and my chest tightened in approval. She looked so cute and vulnerable right now.

“What’s your favourite colour?” I asked. I’m not sure why I do, as I’m not one to engage in leisure conversations. Especially with a lady.

Ashely turned, shifting her gaze to the window. Not that there’s anything fascinating to see, except a sea of white fluffy clouds below us.

“I like blue. But I also prefer white and nude colours. Let’s just say I’m a natural when it comes to colours.”

A faint musical laugh escaped her lips. Whatever that was, it was a good sign. And I’m glad she beginning to settle in with me.

“Okay. I like blue too, all shades of blue,” I responded. Now that I know we share same taste in colours, that’s a good start for us. For me. “Your turn,” I added sharply before she had any chance to reply.

“You didn’t tell me we’d be taking turns at this.” She muttered.

“Well,” I shrugged, throwing my hands in the air. “Let’s just say I want you to get to know me. I want you to be comfortable around me.”

Ashley stared wide-eyed at me, her lips pressed together. I watched on in amusement as she finally tore her gaze away and settle it on the travel magazine placed on her laps.

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-eight,” I answered.

“Wow. I had no idea.” She said, her hands clasped to her mouth in sheer shock.

“Mm-hmm.” I set my iPad down to study her for a moment, I’m sure she would be very young. “How about you?”

Ashley bit on her lower lip, a habit I guess. “Twenty-eight.”

Dammit. She was ten years younger than I.

What was Mother thinking of when she made this arranged marriage? I’d have preferred someone in my age range, someone with sexual exposure and experience. Not that it matters, but I’d have picked that to this if I was given any chance.

Ten years was a wide gap for a new generation.

“Any family asides your mom?”

She shuddered and clutched her chair's armrest in trepidation. What’s with this reaction? This would be the second time I’ll mention her Mother and she’ll react like a monster was coming for her.

Except if that’s what her mother truly is. A monster.

My protective instincts sparked brightly within every fibre of my being and rose to the surface. I assured myself it’s nothing, but I knew it was a lie. Whatever she must have suffered in her hands won’t happen anymore. I would see to that.

“Father died when I was seventeen.” She said as she fought hard to blink back the tears which threaten to spill down her cheeks. “He died in a motor accident on his way to visit me in college. I still blame myself for his premature death.”

Silence.

Sobs…

More silence.

For my selfish interest, I had stirred up buried emotions. Grief tore helplessly within me as I watched her cry.

I sucked in a deep breath and exhaled as I stood from my chair to take the seat beside her. My hands found its way to the nape of her neck and rubbed gently.

“It’s okay, little angel,” I whispered into her left ear. “You’re not alone anymore. I’m here with you.”

I wasn’t sure what I was saying. I had made a commitment I promised myself I won’t make, not for love or anything. But I couldn’t bear to see her in so much emotional pain.

It’s just for three month anyways, I reassured myself.

Ashley’s eyes squeezed shut as she quietly reached for my hands. I took that as a cue to lift her off her seat and onto my laps.

“A-Alex –“ Ashley stutters.

My big palms cupped her chin and lifted it to my face. “Yes, little angel.”

“Promise me you won’t hurt me. Promise me you won’t let anyone hurt me. P-Promise me you’ll keep me safe.”

“I promise with my heart.”

We were less than three hours into our journey, and I was this soft already. A Jordan makes no promise, except it’s one to destroy a corporate rival. Yet, here I was making uncountable promises to her.

What did she do to me?

Ashley buried her head in my chest. I had seen the fear and trepidation in her eyes, but now she had found her safe haven.

A temporary one.

We are close, dangerously close. Her soft breath caressed my skin, making my hairs stand on ends. There was a raging war between my hormones and I. A war I knew I was bound to lose when a low groan escaped my throat as Ashley shifted on my laps.

My hands dropped to her sides and came to rest on her round butt. I cupped each cheek firmly. Her calves curve perfectly as my hands worked its way on her.

Her lips parted slowly, inviting me in with a flick of her wet tongue. Her eyes had become damp with pleasure, wanting more. I grabbed her arm and pressed her to my chest, leaning in for a kiss. Her mouth welcomed mine and I slowly pillaged my way down her throat, taking time to savour every moment of this. She smelt like vanilla and female flesh – scents appealing to my testosterone. Her hands circled my neck as she slowly wraps one leg round my hips, sitting her hot core on my bulging erection.

I want her right now. I want to drive into her and hear her moan. I want to hear her scream my name in pleasure as I watch her come, and I fill her with my seed. What it would feel like to know my baby is inside her.

Baby???

That was all the self-control it took as I yanked my mouth from her with much effort. I wanted her, but the thought of a baby was fast in cooling off my libido than a bucket of ice water. There’s no way I’m getting Ashley pregnant, adding an innocent baby to this mess.

“I-I’m sorry, Ashley,” I muttered as I lifted her off me.

Her cheeks still flushed red as she straightened the hem of her dress and sat back in her seat. Ashley sat silently, shut the window visor and reclined in her seat so she can sleep. She closed her eyes, but she won’t fool me in thinking she is fast asleep already.

I also do the same as I shut my eyes but I let my mind replay what happened earlier. I’m so sure I’ll be her first. I can’t doubt that. But damn, she’s such a good kisser. I had seen the burning fire in her eyes, her silent plea for more.

But I don't want to have her in our hazy moment. I don't want to take advantage of her. When I do it with her, I want it to be on her own terms.

I want to do it right with her.