CHAPTER 41: BOARDING PASSES AND BOUNDARIES

HARLEM

There’s a knock on my door and I go to open it. Ezra Roth stands in front of my one room apartment with sunglasses over his eyes. I rear back and my eyes go wide.

His brow pops us in questioning and he walks in. I didn’t realize the plan or the idea behind inviting a billionaire to my country and I sure as hell had no idea it would be this intrusive.

When I gave him my contact details yesterday after dinner, I thought it was just so we could meet at the train station. I turn towards him and he seems to be assessing my house. I hurriedly close the door and stand in front of him.

I gesture to his sunglasses folding my arms and I see his lips curl up slightly before he takes off his sunglasses.

"Uhh, I thought we were going to meet at the train station?" I tell him.

He pushes his hands into his pockets and I try hard to avoid the intense gaze of his beautiful green eyes. "No idea what you’re talking about."

I scoff "You know? Those fast, long vehicles that people use as a mode of transportation?"

"I have a jet, Harlem." The sound of my name on his tongue causing goosebumps to cascade over my skin.

"What does that have to do with me?" I ask incredulously, not exactly looking forward to his answer.

"You invited me to this wedding and you want us to go on a ’train’?" he asks smirking.

"I mean... maybe ME, but I wasn’t sure we would be going together." I say avoiding his teasing gaze.

"We’re going TOGETHER, Harlem. So, we’re going on my jet. Question answered?" he brushes past me and walks over to where Bimmy is munching on a lettuce.

"So, what are you doing here?" I ask him as he pushes a finger through the cage and brushes Bimmy slightly. The betrayer nudges towards him, abandoning his snack. My brain cells are momentarily distracted by his cologne mixing with the sandalwood scent of the air diffuser in my living room.

"My luggage is in the car. I’m here to pick you up." He says still brushing Bimmy.

"I could always drive myself to your... private jet." I say, blinking akwardly.

He stands up and walks back to me, eyes slowly cascading over every inch of my body. "And why would I let you do that?" he whispers and walks to the direction of the kitchen.

My skin feels like it’s on fire and I’m sweating; even though the air conditioner is on. I bite my lip and thank God I’m wearing extremely baggy clothing; not exactly the right time to greet a billionaire with my Strawberry shortcake two piece nightwear.

I trudge after him into the kitchen, wondering if he kept something there and is trying to retrieve it back, if not, then he has no business there. Not that I’m in the right state of mind to say that to him right now.

He swiftly looks around like a real estate agent and turns back out, almost bumping into me. "Always wondered what your house looks like." He mutters.

I scoff "Maybe you can sit down? Like the VISITOR you are?" I ask and he turns to me, a mischievous smirk adorning his painfully handsome face.

"Ask and you shall receive." He states and takes a seat in front of the playing Television. I swiftly change the anime I was streaming and throw him the remote. Yeah, I seem to be VERY affected by his presence. I tuck my hands deeper into my sleeves nervously.

"How long till the flight?" I mutter to him begrudgingly as his smirk grows wider. Part of me is scandalized he’s in my living room acting like this is normal, but the other half is unfortunately, enjoying the image of it.

"In two hours. I also booked us a hotel." He says staring at me.

My eyes go wide. Ignoring the hotel part, I ask "I have to pack in two hours?" I ask about to sprint to my room.

He tilts his head at me "Thought you would have done that by now."

"Yeah, not exactly something I’m hundred percent looking forward to." I chuckle nervously, already halfway into my room to shower and pack.

I take off my clothes and I’m about to hop into the bathroom when there’s a knock on my room door. I clutch my towel and answer. "Yeah?"

"I can tell the pilot to postpone. How long do you need?" he says, voice muffled from the door between us.

"Uhhhh. Maybe an extra hour?" I shout back.

"Okay, done. Take your time, Ice princess." He says and I hear the smile in his tone and his footsteps retreating.

I bite my lips at the nickname and restrain my lips from moving upwards, lest I betray myself.

------

I ransack my closet looking for a few clothes I’ll toss into my open box on the bed. I see the perfect dress for the wedding and carefully place that. Then I source one more important clothing, in case, and then some casual wears.

I’m in the process of packing up my skincare and makeup when there’s a knock on the door again. I walk over to it and toss it open.

Ezra stands on the other side, holding Bimmy and looking slightly startled. His eyes do a double take of my room and go back to me.

He clears his throat "Hungry?" he asks. I narrow my eyes at Bimmy as he snuggles into Ezra and look back at him.

"Slightly. Why?" I ask.

"I can order us some quick fast food. What do you prefer?" he asks already tapping on his phone.

I sigh because I’m supposed to be staying off fast food. It makes me bloated; even though I have a high metabolism, but my new job needs me at my best at all times.

"Maybe I’ll skip on the food till we reach." I tell him.

He tilts his head at me "But you’re hungry."

I sigh, again. "Yes but... fast food doesn’t seem like the best option right now. You can order for yourself though."

"I can order you something organic? If you prefer. You have to eat, Harlem." I look at him, like REALLY look at him. Trying to figure out why he cares.

"Do they have rice bowls?" I mumble, suddenly fascinated with my burgundy acrylics, hoping I’m not inconveniencing him by being too picky.

"Yes, they do. Do you want the brown rice one? I can take the white rice." He asks, smiling slightly and I nod.

"Okay, I’ll let you know when it arrives." He says and closes the door. I stand and stare at it, wondering how my life became this and how the hell I’m supposed to act with Ezra Roth on the other side of my door.