Kael’s POV.
The private jet landed smoothly on the runway at Le Bourget Airport, just outside Paris. The hum of the engines quieted as we taxied into position. I leaned back in my seat, glancing at Aria, who sat stiffly across from me. She had spent most of the flight looking out the window, her expression unreadable.
“First time in Paris?” I asked casually, breaking the silence.
She turned her head slightly, her green eyes meeting mine. “No,” she said softly. “But last time wasn’t… like this.”
“Let me guess,” I said, smirking. “A school trip with chaperones and group tours?”
She frowned, clearly unimpressed by my attempt at humor. “Something like that.”
“Well, this trip will be very different,” I said confidently. “Stick with me, and you’ll see Paris the way it’s meant to be seen.”
She didn’t respond, turning her gaze back to the window as the jet came to a stop. Moments later, the door opened, and a blast of cool Parisian air swept inside.
A sleek black limousine waited on the tarmac, its glossy exterior reflecting the afternoon sunlight. The driver, dressed in a sharp suit, opened the door for us with a polite bow.
“After you,” I said, gesturing for Aria to step inside.
She hesitated for a moment, then climbed in, settling into the plush leather seats. I followed, stretching out comfortably as the limo pulled away from the airport.
The streets of Paris unfolded before us, a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. The Eiffel Tower loomed in the distance, its iron lattice glowing faintly in the afternoon sun. Cobblestone streets lined with cafes bustled with life, and designer storefronts displayed their wares behind spotless glass.
Aria sat quietly, her eyes darting from one scene to the next. I could see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips as we passed a flower shop with vibrant blooms spilling onto the sidewalk.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I said, breaking the silence.
“It is,” she admitted, her voice soft.
I leaned back, watching her closely. “Don’t get too distracted, though. We have work to do.”
“Work?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Shopping,” I clarified, grinning. “An engagement ceremony requires the right look. You need a dress, and I need a suit. Something that will impress everyone.”
She sighed, leaning her head against the window. “You make it sound like a performance.”
“That’s because it is,” I said bluntly. “But don’t worry-I’ll make sure you look the part.”
The limo stopped in front of one of the most exclusive boutiques in Paris. The storefront was sleek and modern, with gold lettering etched into the glass. Inside, mannequins dressed in couture sparkled under soft lighting, their designs bold and unapologetically expensive.
I stepped out first, offering Aria my hand as she climbed out of the limo. She hesitated before taking it, her touch light and fleeting.
“Welcome to paradise,” I said, gesturing toward the boutique’s entrance.
She gave me a skeptical look but followed as I pushed open the heavy glass door. Inside, the air was cool and perfumed, the soft hum of classical music playing in the background. The boutique was a temple to luxury, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and racks of gowns that looked more like works of art than clothing.
Aria’s eyes widened slightly as she took it all in, though she quickly masked her surprise.
“Come on,” I said, walking ahead of her. “Time to find something that will make everyone forget how boring you usually look.”
She stopped in her tracks, turning to glare at me. “You really know how to charm someone, don’t you?”
I smirked, unbothered by her annoyance. “I speak the truth. Let’s get started.”
A tall, elegant saleswoman approached us, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek bun. Her smile was warm, but her eyes lingered on me a moment too long. “Bonjour, monsieur, mademoiselle,” she greeted, her French accent smooth and practiced. “How may I assist you today?”
“She needs a dress,” I said, gesturing toward Aria. “Something unforgettable. It’s for an engagement ceremony.”
The saleswoman’s eyebrows lifted slightly, her interest piqued. “Ah, congratulations,” she said, her gaze flicking between Aria and me. “You’re a very lucky man.”
“Merci,” I replied with a charming smile. Her cheeks flushed faintly, and I could tell she was already imagining more than she should.
Aria, oblivious to the exchange, wandered toward a nearby rack of gowns. The saleswoman turned to follow her, but not before I slipped a small piece of paper into her hand. Our fingers brushed briefly, and I leaned in just enough for her to hear me.
“Call me later,” I murmured, my voice low and deliberate.
Her lips parted in surprise, but she quickly recovered, nodding as she slipped the paper into her pocket.
…
Aria stepped out of the dressing room a few minutes later in a deep emerald gown that seemed to shimmer in the light. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her curves without being too revealing. For a moment, I was taken aback. She looked… radiant.
“Well?” she asked, turning slightly to look at herself in the mirror. “What do you think?”
I crossed my arms, playing it cool. “It’s fine,” I said, though I knew it was more than fine.
Her eyes narrowed. “That’s it? Just fine?”
“Do you want me to say you look stunning?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes. “Forget it.”
The saleswoman chimed in, clearly eager to please. “It’s a perfect choice, mademoiselle. You look like a queen.”
Aria smiled faintly, smoothing down the gown’s fabric. “I’ll take it,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.
I handed over my card without hesitation. “Add it to the bill,” I said.
The saleswoman nodded, her fingers brushing mine as she took the card. “Of course, monsieur.”
As we left the boutique, carrying bags filled with extravagance, I glanced at my phone. A message from the saleswoman had already come through: “Call me when you’re free.”
I smirked, sliding the phone back into my pocket. The night was just beginning.