“This time I plan to squeeze in a road trip with you. It won’t be just a work trip,” said Alexander, finishing his drink in one gulp, unaware of the disappointed look on her face. Eva had definitely expected him to admit that the trip was special because of her!
“Can we do all that in just five days?” She couldn’t afford to extend her leave, having taken a lot earlier.
“Yes, we’ll be back in time. Don’t worry.” They boarded the flight and sat beside one another on perfectly reclining seats, absorbed in watching movies of their choice. Eva took a nap after lunch while Alexander worked on his laptop. Later, she took out a book she had been wanting to read for a long time. It was a bestselling romance novel that both Hayley and Sienna had recommended to her. Alyssa bought it immediately, but being busy with her own real-life romance, she hardly got time to read it.
“What’s that? Oh, romance? Don’t tell me you believe in that shit?” he teased her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Of course I do. It’s what the entire human race depends on! Without romance in their lives, no one can find happiness, their completeness. We all need love to survive!” Alexander smiled, his eyes searching hers as she vehemently defended it. He wanted to ask her about her feelings! He wanted to hear her say that she loved him and then admit his own feelings to her.
“Maybe you’re right.” He went back to his work, but Eva felt he was lost in his thoughts, all the while staring at the screen. What was there to think so hard about? All he needed to do was set his priorities correctly. If he wanted love, he should break off with Beatrix immediately after talking to his parents. On the other hand, if he wanted the business empire, he could forget her and go ahead with the wedding. Either way, he should stick to a single woman!
For the next few hours, immersed in the story, she forgot about everything around her. They had dinner and finally landed in Paris after seven long hours.
“How was the story? Did you finish it yet?” asked Alexander, and Eva sighed.
“No, I didn’t finish it. I’m in the part where the lead characters are separated forever. It’s so heart-breaking when two people hopelessly in love separate ways because of external pressure. I’m afraid the story will end in a tragedy with a sequel coming up soon,” she said with a sigh, wiping her eyes. Her words got Alexander thinking about their own love story. What if they met with the same fate? With Eva shedding tears for her fictional characters, how would she react when it happened to her? Maybe she wouldn’t survive it. She would surely land up at the hospital! No, he couldn’t break her this way. She was too precious to him. He would marry her without his parents’ acceptance!
Eva sighed, her mood destroyed by the story. She felt choked with emotions, comparing herself to the female lead. Being in the city of love made her feel desperate to find her happiness with Alexander. If he was hers, then why couldn’t he break off his engagement?
“Cheer up, Eva. Maybe the sequel will have a happy ending. Every love story goes through its difficulties. They just need time.” Eva somehow had the feeling that he meant theirs more than that of the fictional characters.
“Hopefully! So, what’s your schedule for the next few days?” So late at night, there wasn’t much to do than head to their hotel and sleep.
“I have lunch with a client tomorrow and then off for the rest of the day. On Monday, I have two meetings lined up with a press conference the next day.” Eva looked at him with disappointment clear in her eyes. Why did he bring her along if he wasn’t free? “I’ve canceled the lunch tomorrow. We’ll go on a day tour all around Paris. Happy?” he leaned in to whisper. Eva’s face brightened up, and she nodded at him, feeling the excitement return.
“Yes, very happy. Thank you.”
“On Monday, I’ll arrange a guide and a car for you to go sightseeing while I wrap up my meetings. I know it won’t be the same without me, but at least you won’t be bored,” he said with a chuckle. Eva grinned, knowing it was true, anyway. She would miss him, but it was better than staying alone in the hotel with nothing to do.
“Wow! Sounds like fun. I wouldn’t have to tolerate you for an entire day!”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Mademoiselle. Tuesday, I have a press conference at 8:30 in the morning and we can set out on a road trip like the last time.” Eva smiled, feeling her excitement multiply upon hearing his plans. She was so glad that she had agreed to come with him to the city of love. Maybe her own love story would get a boost here! She watched the vibrant nightlife whizzing by as they sped off towards their hotel. The architectural wonders, the opera and nightclub-hopping people on the streets, the beauty, the splendor overwhelmed Eva. Under the glittering lights, the city held a charm, a magical vibe that gave her hope.
In sixty minutes, they reached the Golden Triangle of Paris, where their hotel was located, just off the historic Champs-Elysees. As they drove through the gigantic gates of the palatial structure, Eva just couldn’t help but feel in awe of her surroundings. She hated these grand, expensive places, preferring homely and friendlier options instead.
“Why are we staying in a palace, Alexander? Doesn’t it cost a fortune?” she grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her to whisper in his ears. Alexander looked at her with amusement.
“I can afford it, Eva. Don’t you like it?” Eva shook her head vigorously as the car cruised to a stop in front of the grand structure. Several uniformed attendants came to help them and she couldn’t answer his question in their presence. In a few minutes, they were escorted to their suite, which was a one-bedroom, extravagant unit overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Eva discreetly glanced at the only double bed in the suite. To her dismay, the sofa in the living room wasn’t big enough to accommodate her. Why did Alexander book such an expensive room with only one bed? He could have booked two rooms instead at some affordable hotel where she could have shared the tariff!
After the attendants left, Eva turned to Alexander with concern. “Where’s my bed? Why do we need to sleep together?”
Alexander watched her warily, not wanting to admit that this was the catch she had asked him about earlier. He wanted to sleep with her and hold her in his arms. That’s why he took all the pains to bring her here, far away from everyone he knew. He wanted a few days with her all alone!
“Please go to sleep, Eva. It’s already well past midnight.” He wheeled their luggage into their bedroom and pulled out his night clothes while Eva went to check out the sofa. It was semi-circular! How could someone sleep on such a sofa? Not finding any other options, she stormed into the room to find Alexander already in bed. She rolled her eyes and took out her pajamas, going to the en-suite to change.
Did Alexander book this room on purpose? She was sure there were larger suites fit for families! Maybe they cost more than he could afford!
She returned to the bed to find Alexander fast asleep! Was he really that tired? She smiled at his sleepy face, her eyes softening as she watched him tenderly. She was uselessly getting so worked up. Climbing into bed beside him, she snuggled under the duvet and closed her tired eyes at last. The bed was too comfortable not to fall asleep instantly!
She smiled as Alexander invaded her dreams. “I love you, Eva,” he said, pulling her into his arms and showering kisses all along her jawline and neck. It was the most beautiful dream, and she didn’t wish to open her eyes. They kissed passionately and if she could, she would have fused her lips to his forever. He was so addictive, almost like a drug, and she needed him in her life.
“I love you, too, Alexander.” She moaned his name again and again as his warm hands roamed all over her body, igniting a fire wherever he touched.
“I want you, Eva. I’m tired of this distance between us. Let me make love to you, to take you somewhere far away.”
“I want you too, Alexander. Take me away with you, please.”
“Will you elope with me?” he whispered hoarsely.
“No, Alexander. I want to marry you first,” she whispered back.
“I promise I’ll make that wish come true.” Eva smiled at him, not wanting the dream to end. She could sleep forever if Alexander invaded her dreams every time.