Sai’s body went still making me worry that what I’d said had been a bad idea. I tried to pull back but he kept me against him, his breathing slow and even as he kissed my neck gently. We sat there for what seemed like forever. Our intimate moment went uninterrupted.
“Thank you for telling me,” Sai whispered, his voice rough as he finally pulled back, his jaw tense and eyes furious but I knew it wasn’t at me.
“You aren’t mad?” I worried anyway.
“I’m furious,” he ran a thumb over my lip, “but never at you, Kitten.”
“I don’t think that’s completely true,” I mumbled, offering him a small smile. I’m positive we would fight eventually...but hopefully it would be about something little, like whether we were making strawberry or blueberry pie this summer. Either way, you both win because you both get pie and while I’d never tried it, it seemed very doubtful someone could stay mad while eating pie.
He grinned although his eyes were still tight. “Is there anything else you saw that stood out to you? I want to make sure we get you something to eat before we head back or else they will freak out at me.”
I looked over the cushion of some of my favorites that we’d just been talking about and focused on the delicate rose colored bracelet. My fingers traced over it and I nodded, “Can we get this one? I love it.” I had mostly gotten earrings and rings so this felt more unique, nothing else I’d gotten was the same pink-ish hue, the other silver, gold, or diamond. Honestly, I sort of wanted to wear all of them at the same time. Was that weird?
“Did we find something else we love?” The woman, whose name I found out was Colette, asked.
“Yes,” Sai grinned and she took away the cushion along with a black card that Sai had handed to her, to the register with my pile of sparkly gifts. I smiled thinking about something else I’d told the woman I wanted while Sai had gone to look at something, that was not for me, but for someone else. I loved getting gifts for others.
“Can I wear it now?” I whispered as Sai’s chuckle echoed through the space.
“We can do whatever you want, Maya.” I believed that he meant that.
***
IT WAS COMPLETELY POSSIBLEthat I was still sleeping in my bedroom back in Seattle. I mean this was actually unreal, like a dream. I stood on a small window scape platform, my mates at the bar behind me, relaxing before our dinner. I could not stop looking over the Paris landscape, the Eiffel tower’s restaurant giving me the perfect view. There were only a few small groups in here tonight and the media had been crowding the downstairs elevator foyer. I had a feeling it wasn’t for us but I figured that it was a lot of work to ask who it was for. The boys probably didn’t even know.
I had my dark black jacket folded over my arm and I was warm, despite the cooler weather. The dress I wore was a pale blue silk with short sleeves and matching heels. It was probably one of my favorite dresses I’d worn yet and I hadn’t even purchased it. Apparently, some designer had sent it over to our room. I didn’t know that was a thing...I was not complaining. In fact, I was wondering if they would do that everywhere we went. When I’d asked why they had, the guys explained that when I got photographed their work would be recognized, so it benefited the designer. It was actually pretty smart. With my gaze, I followed a small cab traveling down one of the main streets, letting out two smiling people in front of a restaurant.
“Enjoying the view?” a woman asked with a thick french accent.
I turned with a smile to find a woman around my height, dressed in a cream colored dress. She was older than me and very elegant, her blonde hair short against her tan skin.
“I am, it’s absolutely stunning. I had no idea that this was possible, I think this may be one of my favorite places I’ve been so far.”
She laughed. “I am glad to hear that, I haven’t heard someone express that much enthusiasm for our country in a bit.”
“My name is Maya,” I offered a hand as her eyes sparked, “it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Brigitte,” she smiled softly, meeting my hand. “It’s refreshing to meet someone that has no idea who I am.”
My eyes widened in concern, “Should I? I’m so sorry, I have had...a fairly sheltered life up until recently, so I am still learning a lot.”
“No, I’m glad you don’t,” she winked. “Now, I am going to go find my husband, but enjoy dinner, won’t you? Next time you are in town, give me a call. I have some more places that may become your favorite.”
I offered an ‘absolutely’ as she handed me a pale gold card with her name neatly written on it. I slipped it into my little purse, still a bit miffed that Bella had to stay in the hotel room. Not that she was suffering in the least, the hotel staff brought her a plush personal bed. But honestly, I knew she liked my purse way more.
“Enjoying your talk?” Anani asked, his eyes sparkling with some type of amusement.
I nodded taking his hand as he wrapped an arm around me, “Yes, actually, she was wonderful. She told me to give her a call for a personal tour around France next time.”
“Marco,” Ledger chuckled, “are you hearing this shit?”
“What?” he arched a brow as both Atlas and he listened in.
Henry was making a call and my eyes found Sai and Croy laughing about something with the bartender. I was really glad that Croy seemed to get along with everyone but it didn’t surprise me a ton, they were all so amazing.
“Brigitte Caron, just offered to give Maya a personal tour around France next time we're here.” He grinned as Atlas shook his head looking down.
“What?” I was confused.