Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'13

Are you comfortable?" Czar asked as he glanced at me.

We had just gotten ourselves situated on his private jet and it was getting ready for takeoff.

"I'm not a big fan of planes," I breathed as I looked out the window.

"It's not a plane. It's a jet," he said, like I was supposed to be impressed.

I rolled my eyes but said nothing more. As the jet lifted off the ground, I gripped the armrest and shut my eyes tight. It wasn't until we were soaring smoothly above the clouds that I finally relaxed. I opened my eyes and caught Czar watching me.

"What?" I asked softly.

"Nothing," he muttered, looking back down at his phone with furrowed brows.

"Will you be busy the whole honeymoon?" I asked.

"Why would you care?" he said without looking up.

I didn't respond. Maybe he was right. Why would I care?

~

Czar was glued to his laptop and phone the entire flight. He only closed them when it was time to land. Meanwhile, I kept my eyes closed until we touched the ground, eager to get out and stretch.

"After we get settled at the hotel, I have a meeting," he said.

I walked past him without a word. If he wanted to be distant, fine. I was going to enjoy myself regardless.

Czar took care of the bags and loaded them into the black car waiting for us. I texted Lada to let her know we landed safely. She'd hoped this trip would help us bond. Clearly, it wasn't working.

Czar stayed buried in his phone the entire ride. I stared out the window and wondered what my life was turning into. Was this how marriage with him would be? Silent cars, lonely rooms, pretending we were a real couple when all we shared was a legal agreement?

Maybe I could use the time away to start sketching ideas for my fashion line.

When we arrived at the hotel, I grabbed my bags before he could and walked inside. The woman at the front desk lit up the moment she saw Czar. She was stunning—golden brown skin, sleek black hair, curves in all the right places. And she was clearly ready to flirt.

"What can I do for you today, sir?" she asked, practically purring.

Czar barely looked at her. "I booked the honeymoon suite."

Her eyes flicked to me, and her smile faltered. "Name?"

"Kuzmich," he said.

She typed on her computer and handed him the keys. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."

Czar ignored her. I muttered a polite "thank you" before following him to the elevator.

"I'm going to be late for my meeting," he muttered, checking his watch.

No kidding.

The suite was breathtaking. Rose petals lined the floor and formed a heart on the bed. Sheer white curtains flowed over a massive canopy bed. The view of the beach was panoramic, glowing under the sunset. The bathroom looked like something out of a magazine—black and white marble with a freestanding tub.

"This is amazing," I whispered.

"I should be back by nine," Czar said, setting his bags by the door. "Text me if you leave."

I didn't answer. I unpacked while he left without another word.

~

Once night fell, I changed into a sundress, slipped on sandals, and let my hair fall freely. Grabbing the room key and my phone, I stepped out.

The night air was warm and breezy. I made my way to the beach, passing the front desk. The same woman gave me a strange look but didn't say anything.

The beach was nearly empty. Waves kissed the sand, and the moon hung low, silver and full.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice said beside me.

A stranger stood nearby, gazing at the ocean.

"I love the beach at night," he said.

"Yeah. Me too," I replied.

"I'm Mark." He extended a hand.

"Zariah," I said, shaking it.

"What's a beautiful woman doing out here alone?"

I didn't respond immediately. He noticed my ring.

"Where's your husband?"

"Business meeting."

"If I were him, I wouldn't leave you alone," he said.

I laughed. "If you're flirting, I suggest you stop."

"I suggest that too," said a voice behind me.

Czar.

Mark turned, squaring his shoulders. "Just keeping her company. Something you should've been doing."

Czar smirked. I stepped between them.

"It was nice meeting you, but we're leaving," I said, tugging on Czar's arm.

He wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked.

Once far enough, I pulled away and slapped his hand.

"I'm gone a few hours and you're flirting with some guy?"

"I wasn't flirting!"

"Bullshit."

Heads turned.

"Screw you," I hissed, stomping back to the hotel.

I ignored Czar's string of Russian curses. I marched past the front desk and into the elevator. He followed.

The ride was silent.

When the doors opened, I stormed to the room. He tried to grab my wrist.

"Don't touch me!"

"You're acting crazy."

I unlocked the door, slipped in, and slammed it shut before he could follow.

"You're being childish, Zariah. Open the door."

"No thanks."

I grabbed my shower stuff, tuned out his knocking, and locked myself in the bathroom. I showered slowly, washing away the stress and sand.

When I emerged in a towel, brushing my teeth, Czar sat at the edge of the bed.

"That was cute. Luckily the front desk gave me another key," he said, waving it.

I rolled my eyes and went to the closet. He followed.

"I told you to call me if you left."

"Guess I didn't hear you," I snapped.

He pinned me against the wall, his gaze dark.

"You know you make me crazy, right?"

"The feeling's mutual," I whispered.

*~*

Chapter 13! I am so excited to began updating this book way more now that the "LUST" series has ended. So, be on the look out for more updates. Don't forget to comment, vote, and share. Until next time my lovelies.