Chapter 25_ Fear

"If you manage to keep your eyes on the road until we reach the park, you'll have the whole day to revel in the sights," Arya playfully retorted to Kane.

"Alright, I'll give it my best shot, but this will definitely be a challenge!" Kane revved the engine, "Welcome to Kane's Airlines! We recommend buckling your seatbelt and keeping your hands inside the vehicle."

‘What a unique way to kick off a ride,’ Kane thought before stepping down on the gas pedal and propelling the car forward like a bullet, leaving behind any lingering thoughts.

‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,’ Arya panicked internally, bracing herself in her seat and fixating on the street, blurring past at an unreal speed. The legal limit was nothing to Kane, who continued to push the car faster and faster.

‘He has to slow down at some point,’ Arya reassured herself as the speedometer climbed and the sounds around her became a dull roar. But in an instant, she was transported back to a car from her past, the screams, shattering glass, twisted metal. The smell of gasoline and the two front seats colliding. It was all too real, snapping her back to the present in pure terror.

"Kane, please slow down! Please!" Arya pleaded, and Kane's smile quickly faded when he saw her distress. He smoothly and swiftly slowed down, pulling the car to the side of the road to check on her.

"What's wrong, Sunshine? Are you okay?" Kane asked with genuine concern as he held her in his arms.

Arya's eyes were filled with fear and she was trembling, but as the car came to a stop and she felt the warmth emanating from Kane's embrace, she began to relax.

"I...I am not particularly at ease with high-speed cars," Arya confessed, snuggling closer to Kane's chest in search of solace.

"I apologize, I am accustomed to racing and...never mind. I should have inquired," Kane responded, tenderly stroking her hair and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"It's alright...you couldn't have known. Let's proceed at a slower pace from here, please," Arya replied with a forced smile, far from feeling cheerful and relaxed.

Kane nodded and released her from his embrace, gently guiding her to the backseat. "I'll drive slowly, okay? You'll hardly feel the vehicle moving," he assured her. And true to his word, Kane kept his speedy car well under the speed limit, constantly checking on Arya and smiling when he saw her looking more at ease.

"Kane?" Arya called out, and he turned to her, humming in response. "Thank you for understanding this. I'm really enjoying the ride," she told him, leaning towards him and planting a warm kiss on his cheek.

"You don't have to thank me. I enjoy taking care of you. Plus, I'm so used to racing that I forgot the joy of just cruising. And in the future, please tell me right away if anything feels uncomfortable," Kane commented, causing Arya's heart to flutter and her stomach to fill with butterflies.

"Are you sure?" she asked, a broad smile lighting up her features.

"Of course. I may be a pain in the ass, but I try to be less of a jerk with those who are dear to me, especially my Tigress," he remarked.

"Since when did you consider me dear?" Arya teased.

"Isn't it obvious? Since the day I first laid eyes on you..." Kane began, but before Arya could respond, he shook his head at his words. "That's not something I'd normally say to anyone, but with you...for some reason, things felt different and I don't know when it happened. But I'm glad it did," he confessed.

Arya nodded in agreement. "Me too."

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Following a lengthy yet uneventful journey, they arrived at the park. Kane elegantly parked the car and stepped out to open the door for Arya. "My lady, welcome to one of my cherished spots," he offered his hand with a smile.

They aimlessly wandered around the park, taking in the sights and sounds. They crossed paths with a tranquil pond and after a while, Arya found herself lying on the grass, letting out a sigh of contentment. "I quite enjoy lying on the ground, it's a different experience," she remarked.

"What do you mean?" Kane joined her on the grass.

"I can't quite put my finger on it. There's just something instinctive about it," she replied, nodding as Kane understood.

"Surprising, I never took you for the nature-loving type," he teased, amused at Arya's expression.

"I am not a hippie," she retorted, getting up and playfully chasing Kane who had started running. After a leisurely stroll and casual conversations, they rested on a bench beneath a tree.

"You know, I feel like a teenager again," Kane said, smiling at Arya whose eyes sparkled mischievously.

"If that means being carefree and annoying, you have been a teenager since I met you," she jested, causing Kane to pout.

"Fine, fine. But in this moment, I meant it in a positive way," he clarified, and Arya playfully nodded along.

"Well, I just had to tease you. I am enjoying this day too," she confessed.

"Excellent. And... I do not wish to dampen your spirits, but there is a query that has been brewing within me since our journey began." Kane observed.

"Go ahead."

"Why do you possess such a profound fear of speeding cars and all things related to racing?" He inquired, to which Arya fell silent for a few prolonged moments, walking on before providing him with a response.

"A few years ago, I was involved in a terrible car accident. My father was driving recklessly, and a tire exploded, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, veering into oncoming traffic. We collided with a truck, the front of the car was crushed, and my parents were killed instantly. I was in the back seat, fortunate to only sustain a few bruises and a concussion." Arya recounted, her amber eyes glistening with suppressed tears and grief.

"I am deeply sorry... I should not have asked." Kane stated, drawing her into an embrace.

"No, it is fine. Avoiding discussion of it will not alter the reality of what occurred. From that day forward, I have harbored a fear of fast-moving vehicles. Sometimes, I even feel guilty. If only I had asked my father to slow down instead of being caught up in the excitement of the ride... things might have been different." Arya commented.

"You need not carry any guilt. You are not at fault, alright?" Kane reassured, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I am aware, but I cannot help the thought from crossing my mind. These feelings are inexplicable." Arya replied, understanding nodding from Kane.

"Yes, they are. I have undergone such emotions myself." He disclosed, gaze drifting off into the distance. Before Arya could inquire further, she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

"Arya."