Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'30

The next morning, Czar and I left before the sun had even risen. As soon as we boarded the plane and got comfortable in our seats, I fell asleep instantly. When I woke up, the sky outside was painted in soft shades of blue and peach. I pulled out my sketchbook and began sketching some new dress designs. New York Fashion Week was fast approaching, and I had a meeting with Darcey Couture later that afternoon at four. We were going to discuss which designs would be featured in the show. She told me I could use her shop for any fabric or material I needed to bring them to life.

"I like that one," Czar said. He was leaning over my shoulder, his chin practically resting there as he studied the dress I was sketching.

"Good, because you inspired it," I smiled.

He raised an eyebrow and sat back down across from me. "Really?"

"Yeah. You're always in suits, so I wanted to design a dress that had some of that structure, something sleek, powerful."

He smiled, a real, genuine one. "I'm glad I inspired one of your designs."

I rested my head in my hands, grinning at him. "So, should I expect to see you front row at Fashion Week?"

He shook his head immediately. "Not really my thing. And I'll be swamped with work the next few weeks. But don't worry, Lada and a few of my men will be there for your security."

Just hearing Lada's name made my heart lift. I missed her more than I realized. The last time we talked, she was still reeling from her mother's death.

"I was thinking... maybe we could grab breakfast before your meeting with Darcey?"

My smile widened. "Is Czar Kuzmich asking me on a date?"

His eyes dropped to his hands, and for once, he looked bashful. "Just trying to make up for being an ass."

"I was just teasing. I'd love to get breakfast. As long as you keep your rudeness in check."

He rolled his eyes, but the smirk stayed.

Something had shifted between us over the past month. Being around him didn't feel like a burden anymore. I actually found myself wanting to be near him. He wasn't as bad as I'd painted him to be, not when he let his walls down.

"How many more hours?" I asked.

"Not sure. I'm gonna go take a nap." He stood and headed toward the back of the plane where the bed was.

I continued sketching until my hand cramped, then leaned back in the seat and stared out at the clouds. The rising sun bathed everything in a soft pink glow. For a moment, everything was quiet, calm, perfect.

~*~

By the time we landed, I was jetlagged and cranky, my ears popping every few minutes. I nearly begged Czar to take me straight home, but he insisted on grabbing breakfast first.

We were quickly seated at a private table in the restaurant. I slumped against the seat.

"I'm really tired," I mumbled.

"Order a coffee," Czar said, flipping through the menu.

"No thanks. I don't drink coffee."

That made him look up at me like I'd just confessed to a crime. "I can't even function without coffee."

"That stuff stains your teeth," I replied.

He flashed his perfect, white smile. "Yeah, I don't think that's a problem for me."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, not everyone is born naturally good-looking."

He laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh too.

Then the waitress arrived, and instantly, I knew this wasn't going to be fun. She didn't even glance in my direction. Her eyes were glued to Czar, practically undressing him with her gaze.

"What can I get you to drink?" she asked him sweetly.

"Black coffee," he said without looking up.

"Tea," I added loudly.

She finally looked at me, her eyes narrowing in disgust. Then she jotted something on her notepad and walked off.

"Well that's annoying," I muttered.

"What is?" Czar asked, still looking at the menu.

"She was incredibly rude. And checking you out."

"That's what's bothering you?" he asked, peeking at me over the top of his menu.

My face warmed. I quickly ducked behind my own menu.

When I looked back up, the waitress was placing Czar's coffee in front of him.

"What can I get you to eat?" she asked sweetly.

Czar finally put his menu down and looked directly at her. "You forgot her tea."

"What?" she blinked.

"My wife's tea. She asked for it, and yet you came back with only my drink."

My heart stuttered at the word "wife."

"I-I thought—"

"I want her tea brought out immediately," he said, voice sharp. "And I want a new waitress. If you come back to this table, you'll regret it."

Her face paled. She stammered something and scurried off.

"Wow," I said. "You didn't have to scare her."

He smirked. "You were about to do worse. I saved her."

We both laughed, and a new waitress, much older and much less flirty, came to take our order.

~*~

The car ride home was quiet. I stared out the window, full and content.

"You do that a lot," Czar said.

"Do what?"

"Pick at your lips when you're overthinking."

I glanced down, my fingers were at my mouth. I dropped my hand to my lap.

"What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing," I lied.

He didn't press. "We're here."

I looked around, he'd already pulled into the garage.

"I'll grab the bags," he said as he stepped out.

I stayed in my seat a moment longer, mind whirling.

How was I going to get Annika to tell me the truth? And once I did... would I even want to know it?

~*~

Hi my lovelies! I decide to give you guys a little update. I can't wait for the next chapter where we learn the truth. Comment your predictions now!!! Also what do you think go Czar's and Zariah relationship, I think we're finally getting somewhere! Anyways don't forget to comment, vote, share and follow. Until next time my lovelies.