Chapter 138

**Hadassah POV**

My mind is its own interphase, a supercomputer—my memories—a search engine. My mind sifts through the pages of the first book, trying to decipher if it’s possible if something old can lead me to something new. It’s not completely crazy seeing that’s how the books were patterned, you need the one to find the other—so technically whether it’s the first or the second. They each hold a piece of the other to hint at another. So there must be an inkling in there, I just need to find it. It’s all I can do, lying on the bed—bedbound—my eyes darting like a humanoid robot processing data.
The door opens, and all the information drains away. Ellis marches inside. His broad, herculean stature exudes quiet power, standing tall with Spartan shoulders and a chest that fills out the contours of his perfectly tailored suit. The fabric of the suit hugs his frame, showcasing his muscular build, yet its sleek sophistication refines his raw masculinity.
“What’s this?” I ask with piqued interest.
I shift to sit up a bit straighter, and the single movement sends a tendril of discomfort in my lower region. His face is a compelling contrast of sharp angles, weathered features that tell of strength with a hint of stubble that magnifies his untamed allure.
“I’m taking you out to dinner,” he says in a naturally commanding tone. “So get dressed.”
“You think I’ve been in this bed because I’m bored?” I say with a wry scoff. “Just walking to the bathroom for a shower was almost impossible. And that’s all your fault.”
He permits a chuckle that rumbles through him as he smiles bashfully at the floor.
“Besides, I don’t have anything to wear.”
His eyes spring back to mine. “We’ll stop at a store on our way there.”
Seeing as he’s this adamant, I surrender a nod. “Then at least allow me to do my makeup—”
“As if you need all that.”
He scoops up a pair of suite-issued slippers before he comes over and drops it on the floor beside the flank of the bed. Shaking my head, I flap open the duvet cover and I slip out to sit upright on the edge. I slide my feet in the slippers before I stand up and I make a careful approach to the double doors and pain erupts between my legs. Wincing, I fold my lips inwards and by the time I reach the staircase. I want to turn back.
“Yeah, no.”
I pivot and he uses the opportunity to lift me up, gathering me in his arms.
“Since I took your ability to walk, so it’s only fair I walk for you.”
Heat stings my face and I find myself flustered like a schoolgirl. And that’s what he does, even out of presidential pad. He carries to the elevator and even through the labyrinthine corridors, drawing curious glances from other passengers and completely unfazed by them. And neither am I as I savor the sound of the strong thump of his heartbeat, resting the side of my face against him, cradled to his chest.
Finally, we reach an exclusive, high-end boutique nestled within the grandeur of a luxury cruise ship. The space exudes opulence, with polished mahogany floors reflecting the soft, golden light from elegant crystal chandeliers above. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping ocean views, allowing natural sunlight to bathe the room, adding a serene backdrop of rolling waves to the lavish ambiance.
It’s only then Ellis carefully lowers me to the ground so I can stand on my own, but still his arm remains steel-braced around me. Mannequins are draped in exquisite cocktail dresses, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon shimmer under the lights, catching the eye with their intricate beadwork, elegant lace details, and perfectly tailored silhouettes. The dresses range from classic, form-fitting black gowns to bold, vibrant colors, each one exuding sophistication and style. Eager attendees welcome us in, inquiring about what we are looking for.
“Whatever she wants,” Ellis says simply.
“If you will follow me,” one of them says in my direction.
I move and so does my hulkish shadow.
“We’ll take good care of her,” the other one prompts. “Feel free to wait in the waiting area. And help yourself to the champagne flutes on the mirrored tables.”
The expression welded on his face is hauntingly blank—just a soulless stare.
I stifle a smile as I rest my hand on his forearm to unlatch him from me as I give him a reassuring squeeze. The two women lead me away and the flag over a personal stylist, impeccably dressed who glides across the room. And they stand me before a standing mirror and shortly the flamboyant stylist struts over, wearing the most abstract pieces and bizarre colors, but she somehow makes it work.
The stylist selects a shimmering, midnight-blue gown from the nearby rack—a dress that compliments my figure and exudes understated glamour. With practiced ease, they help me slip into the gown, the fabric gliding effortlessly over my skin, falling perfectly into place. The dress embraces my waist before flaring out subtly at the hips, its hem swishing softly against the polished floor.
The transformation starts with a dress and transitions to a light enhancement of clean makeup. My own beauty is amplified by the stylist's deft, thoughtful touches. The other attendee helps me into a pair of Valentino Garavani heels—the price of them alone is enough to make my eyes water. And when I come back out in the main area, Ellis is seated on the edge of an ottoman with his elbows planted on his thighs, slanted over—he glances. Each strut in the heels sends a dull surge that I’m mustering the will to ignore. Ellis’s head whips in my direction as I walk in and he stands up, eyeing me slowly from bottom to top—intrigue tugging his lips into a small, sultry smile.
“Sorry about the wait.”
“So worth it.”
I venture closer and he grabs my hips to reel me in until I’m flush against him.
“The price of these Valentinos—criminal,” I whisper to him as I tease the lapel of his suit blazer, fingertips lining the hem languidly. “So I’ll tell them to charge the room so Calum—”
“No, I got it,” he says tightly, his eyes following the path of my tracing. “You think Torin was the only billionaire I headed security for? There’s a reason I went into the private sector.”
“Chasing that bag, I see,” I say with a laugh.
He takes my hand, threading his fingers with my own as he leads me away.
Ellia glances back at me from over his shoulder. “You good?”
“All I’m saying is that on our way back—you’re carrying me.”
***
The restaurant is the epitome of refined luxury—plush white linens drape over round tables, adorned with crystal glassware and candles flickering in silver holders. Soft ambient lighting casts a golden hue over the room, reflecting off the polished brass accents and rich mahogany woodwork. Ellis and I are seated at a four-chair table where the endless horizon of the sea stretches out before us. The deep blue ocean sparkles under the fading light of the golden sunset.
Ellis stares at me as if the world beyond us has faded. His fingers lightly caressing my hand on the table. His eyes reflect the fiery colors of the sunset outside, as if the horizon is alive in his gaze.
The host sat us down, and now a waiter coasts to our table.
“Would you like to order drinks whilst you wait for the others?”
“Others?” I say with a humored snort. “It’s just us.”
“That’s now what the reservation—”
My eyes dart to the interior of the restaurant and on cue, I spot Calum in a slim fit suit. Emilia is walking beside him with his arm tangled around him. The moment he accidentally locks eyes with me, he stops and turns and Emilia breaks away to impede him, whispering zealously. My eyes slice back to Ellis and I yank my hand away and he lurches to try and catch it but I’m faster.
“You set me up,” I accuse with crinkled cheeks. “Is that what you and Emilia were planning when you claimed you were doing a security sweep? And my dumb ass believed you.”
A muscle cuts through his clamped jaw.
Emilia eventually steers Calum to our table, and she fixes on a smile. Calum slumps in the chair opposite me, and Emilia is across from Ellis. The waiter takes all of our orders with adept apathy to the tension quivering in the air between us. And when he leaves suddenly the plain white tablecloth looks real interesting. We languish in the suffocating silence for so long not even Emilia knows how to sunder it.
“Ellis,” Emilia announces, looking up at him with deliberate eye contact. “The restaurant has a fascinating aquarium. Would you like to see it with me?”
Immediate comprehension dawns on him. “That does sound fascinating,” he says mechanically.
She stands up, adjusting her one shoulder viscose dress. “We’ll be right back.”
She passes Calum from behind, but not without trailing her hand across his shoulder blades. Ellis and Emilia walk off together side by side. Shortly, the waiter comes over with a bottle of vintage. It comes uncorked with an earthy, intoxicating aroma—a heady mix of ripe blackberries with hints of oak. When they’re done pouring each glass, Calum and both lunge for our own.
I down a liberal amount, the flavors that unfold slowly—dark fruits like plum and black currant mingle with smoky undertones.
The conniving pair still have not returned. And Calum and I don’t even glance in each other’s direction. In due course, the first platters arrive—Calum and Ellis’s orders. One of the waiter serves Calum his plate and he gawks at it like they gave him the head of a goat or something.
“What is this?”
“It’s what you ordered, sir,” he says cumbersomely. “Well done as you specified.”
“Well done?” he repeats as he picks up a fork to poke the pink bits. “I’m surprised it’s not moving.”
A snort escapes me and I fling my gaze away.
“Would you like to order something else?”
He flutters his hand dismissively. “It’s fine, hopefully it’ll cook better in my stomach.”
Once we’re left alone again. I glance at his eyes and he’s already staring at me.
“You gonna sit there and laugh but not say anything to me?”
“What, your mouth don’t work?” I retort with equal attitude.
His eyes dart to his plate before he drops against his seat. “I’m not going to eat that toddler sized-portioned, raw monstrosity.”
I glance back at him amusedly before I let out a thoughtful sigh. “I know where we can go get some real food.”
He looks back at me with a glimmer of interest over his smile. “Yeah?”
I stand up and he follows suit then he gestures to the empty seats.
“What, just us?”
“You game?”
His smile lengthens. “They pulled one on us—I’d be happy to return the favor since they wanted us to kiss and make up so bad.”
I lead the way inside the restaurant, weaving between the tables as my eyes vigilantly scan the interior for them. Calum slaps my back and points them out in the distant corner. A real aquatic exhibition in the crook of the restaurant and they stand in the center with their backs to us. Calum urges me on faster with his hands on my waist, then drops his hands once we’re passed the threshold.