CHAPTER 12: God no! Not now!

Declan Voss

The plane landed.

And the pilot announced we had reached our destination from the cockpit.

I carried my bag and climbed down the stairs of the plane that was already rolling out.

The plane attendant helped Zara with her luggage. Zara came down the stairs holding a laptop bag and her tablet.

What I still don't understand is why she packed so many bags for just a three-day trip.

Wait… must really be a coincidence. Three bags for three days—a bag per day perhaps.

Ridiculous.

I walked straight to the rented car while she strode after me. The cool morning breeze was blowing up her hair.

The driver opened the door for me, and I got in. He turned around doing the same to Zara.

I nestled my neck into the seat. I pulled out my sunglasses and put them over my eyes.

It's about to go down. Yes… down!

To ruin Victor's life has always been my biggest priority. And the thought that his daughter will be helping with this blow that will stun him, added to my happiness.

Zara Langford. The real game has already begun.

★★★★

We got to the hotel Zara booked online.

Zara walked over to the reception. Two gold swipe cards were handed over to her.

Impressive. Booking a gold room. In the most prestigious Hotel in China. She really is expensive.

She turned to me. I signaled her to lead the way. She struggled with her bags as she walked toward the Gold elevator.

She swiped the card over a scan URL on it and the elevator opened with a chime. We got in and she typed something on the digital buttons on the wall and the door closed back together.

She turned. Handing me a swipe card. Then brought out her tabs. “What would you like to have for breakfast, Sir?” She asked, her eyes fixed on the screen of the tablet.

What would I like to have? I ain't feeling hungry. Lemme see how good she is with picking out dishes.

“Order whatever you feel will go well with me”

“Okay, sir” she replied and her eyes returned to her screen. Her finger is scrolling through pictures of Native dishes.

The elevator door opened. I walked out leaving her behind. I got straight to the number on my swipe card.

I scanned the card. A clicking sounded around the hallway. I pushed open the door and walked in.

★★★★

Zara Langford

That guy is a total jerk!

He couldn't even give me a hand with all these bags. Coming with so many bags wasn't my intention.

Natalie?

Yes… You guessed right. These were all Natalie's doing. I didn't notice till when the Limo driver came over to give me a hand.

Boom!

Extra bags I knew nothing about lay there in my car boot. There is absolutely no way I would leave them there for three days.

I was left with no choice. But you involve those unplanned bags.

I was shocked, which is even an understatement. How she managed to place them in my car boot without me knowing, still left me confused.

Natalie. She knows how to scheme without getting caught.

I sighed and pushed the bags with me. I kept pulling and pulling. But it feels like it was the bags pulling me.

I rested on the wall of the hallway. My room was at the end of the hallway.

Just why will my room be this far? How do I go about these bags right now?

An idea came into my head. Take a bag with you to the room. Come back, take another and before you know it you have successfully taken all the bags.

But nah! That seems to be a bad idea. My legs still hurt and walking to and fro is not healthy for them.

“Need a hand?” A voice asked behind me.

Phew! Thank God. I didn't even need to let him ask twice. I turned around to meet a tall muscular man standing in front of me.

The guy looks big. Sorry, scratch that. Huge… definitely huge. He has a smile on his face.

Not like I'm left with any choice. “Yes please” I nodded at him, forcing out a smile.

“Adrien” He said with a stretched hand. I took the hand. My hand disappeared into his big palm.

Why is he so big? He looks like he is Goliath reincarnate.

“Zara”

“Zara… Zara, that's a name that really suits you” Adrien said, still refusing to release my hand.

Huh? Red flag! Big one.

“I know, right?” I stylishly removed my hand from his grip. “Uhm… please can you..” I gestured to the bag.

The least of what I wanted right now is him starting a conversation.

“Yeah, sure” He laughed, picking up two bags. Holding each in a hand.

“The last room on the right” I directed him to pick the last bag.

He nodded and began walking in that direction. I heaved a sigh of relief.

I stroll after him. I couldn't help back neither how broad his shoulders are. Bigger than Declan's.

Huh? Did I just mention that jerk's name? Did I just compare him to this huge guy?

I exhaled. It's because I'm stressed. I guess. My normal mind won't do that shit.

Compare that dried bone to this muscular guy? Nah, I'm not that dumb.

We got to my room. ADRIEN dipped the bags. He smiled at me and pointed to the door next to mine.

“That's my room…” He scratched his head. Eyes avoiding meeting mine.

My eyes automatically went to the door of the room. Then at him.

It took everything literally in me not to scorn.

Ridiculous! Some guys are just so insane. You just met a girl randomly in a hotel and you are already showing her your room.

Sighs.

I can't understand them no matter how I try.

“Sure” I smiled… Searching for my room card among the files in my hand.

I just needed to get away from him. Before another conversation pops in. I'm not ready for that, all I need right now is to crash out on the bed.

I already had enough for the day.

I took the card, scanning it on the scanner QR on the door. It beeped open. I turned to him. “Guess I will have to leave you now… got a lot of unpacking to do”

He laughed out a short laugh and nodded. “Sure… you look like you could pass out anytime from now”

I laughed. But no kidding… I could really pass out if I keep standing here in my stilettos.

“Touché” my hands went to my chest. I tugged at a bag, pushed open the door after smiling at him, and went in to discard the bag and returned to pick up the remaining ones.

He was leaning on the wall. Hands in his pocket, hair over his left eye… he was giving out this bad Playboy aura.

But, he definitely isn't my type of guy. Yeah, he isn't my type. Of course yes! I have a spec, spare me those questions.

I lifted the remaining two bags… relief washed over me.

“It's time I leave you alone, Adrien… Thank you so much for your help.” I thanked him.

He waved a finger at me. “Nah, that was nothing really…. You could treat me to a coffee or a drink tomorrow, what do you say pretty?” He asked. He took a step forward, and another towards me.

Okay, now why is he coming closer with that look I can't tell on his face?

My legs instinctively moved backward and he kept coming closer. My eyes shot over to Declan's door, saying a short prayer to the heavens to hold him in.

And as if Declan heard my thoughts. The door to his room opened.

Thud! My heart skipped a beat and it stopped beating for one thousand seconds.

God, no! Not now! Hold him.