Temptation Of The Knight ✔

Chapter 32: Bonfire

"Mr Agnor!" Judith exclaimed and Gerbert's eyes widened.
"Judith!" He exclaimed and a smile sprouted on his lips as his eyes took in her form. "It's good to see that you started flying again!" Gerbert laughed heartily and Judith smiled.
"Yes, Dad wanted to see me fly again."
"How is my friend?" Gerbert asked.
"He's holding up well and thanks to you our business is standing up again."
"It was all Fabian dear. He always gets back up again." Gerbert stated and a proud smile graced Judith's lip.
"So where are you off to dear?" He asked.
"I just landed here so I have some paperwork to file and then I'll head to the crew lounge, I'm on call." Gerbert nodded as she informed. "What brings you here Mr Agnor?" She asked and Gerbert shrugged.
"Same old boring business meetings with a bunch of old people. Nothing as interesting as your job! Look at you flying from country to country flying those jumbo jets!" Judith chuckled and said, "Those meetings can be interesting too, I mean-" she paused when the memories of the day of the meeting with a potential partner flashed through her mind. And that brought back memories of him. "-I mean business is an interesting occupation too." She finished her words and Gerbert nodded. A moment of silence passed by while a question lingered on her mind. She hesitated but couldn't help but ask,
"Is-is Drazhan here with you?"
Gerbert look as though he hadn't expected the question and his eyes slightly widened. Judith noticed how his eyes looked over her shoulders for a brief second and she turned her head back.
Warmth and a new ray of hope washed over her being with just the sight of him. There he was, finely dressed in a white double-breasted blazer with navy blue plaid trousers. His hair was effortlessly styled and his full lips were in a thin line. Judith smiled at the mere sight of him but she could hear her heart crack when a woman came to his side and clung to his arm. And he didn't seem to mind. Judith's eyes bore holes at joint her hands had touched him and Judith's eyes soon made their way to his eyes. Drazhan's sharp browns turned to her and the moment their eyes met he pulled the woman close by her waist and pressed a kiss on her lipstick coated awaiting lips.
The pain of a million knives thrusting into her heart swept over her. She was left speechless by his actions and before the tears welled up in her eyes could fall, she hurriedly excused herself and dashed to the bathroom.
Judith entered the nearest available stall and closed the door shut. Standing against the cheap wood door she felt her cheeks getting wet with tears streaming down. She slowly pulled herself forward and sat down on the closed toilet seat. The image of him kissing the woman played through her mind on repeat and she felt her chest tighten and slowly her breathing got heavy. She clamped her hand over her mouth muffling the loud sobs as hot tears cascaded down her cheeks.
'Why does it hurt so much!' She wailed in pain but the hurt flashing through her didn't subside but only grew. A heartbreak is a whole-body reaction, affecting everything from the stress systems to the heart and brain function. We are born with the ability to form loving bonds and to sorrow when they fail. Nature's approach of training us to be loyal and in love is brutal by biological and evolutionary necessity. She knew that but she didn't know the extent of the pain. She knew he was a heartbreaker just by his looks but she didn't expect it to hurt this way. Her sobs turned into wails of loss and pain. And she tried to console herself saying that it was for the best. But the thought of him just abandoning her like that and moving on even without a goodbye, only fueled the pain.
-
-
Days went by and she gathered herself focusing on flying. Even though it was not recommended, she took every call and opportunity to fly move. Just so her mind would not think about him and pain her already broken heart. After she maxed her highest flying time, Judith was sent to mandatory rest. And as much as she was upset about the resting period, she knew she should not push herself any further and risk the passengers' lives.
"Yes, Dad. I landed safely." Judith sighed as she replied to her father on the phone. She walked straight towards the crew lounge with her pilot bag in hand and cellphone pressed against her ear.
"I'll be here for the next two days." She replied again and rolled her eyes. "Of course, I'm taking good care of myself and it's you who is sick, not me."
The father and daughter finished their conversation and after goodbyes, Judith hung up the call and slipped it into her pocket. She took a right turn and collided with someone. A grunt left her mouth and she steadied herself breaking her fall. Judith looked up and saw a pair of cold brown eyes looking down at her. She gasped when Drazhan opened his mouth and only bitter cold words came out.
"Watch where you are going, Captain. You might hurt someone."
Judith was left speechless as Drazhan walked around her and left. For a moment she stood there trying to wrap her head around how a person can change so dramatically in a span of two months! How someone can even forget your existence and the shared moments. How a person can change from claiming to be your fiancé to being a total stranger!
-
Judith collected her belongings from the crew lounge and headed outside the airport after getting clearance to leave. As Judith was leaving the Madrid Barajas Airport her phone vibrated in her pocket. She saw Leighton's name flashing across the screen and picked up the call.
"Hey," she said and Leighton's cheerful voice came through,
"Hey, little crow! Where you at?"
"Spain. Why?"
"You are in Spain?" Leighton screamed over the phone and Judith cringed.
"Yes, I'm leaving the Madrid Barajas Airport right now."
"What!" He screamed again and Judith groaned.
"Will you stop screaming! You're bursting my f*ucking ear!" She growled.
"Wow! What's gotten your panty in a twist?"
"Cut to the chase please Leighton." Judith sighed.
"Ok ok. I'm coming to pick you up. Wait for me." Leighton said and Judith's eyes widened.
"You what? You're in Spain?"
"How else would I pick you up? See ya little crow." Leighton hung up the call and Judith shook her head as she walked out of the airport. And as promised Leighton was there to pick her up after ten minutes of wait. Leighton and Judith had restored their friendship and were as close as ever. And she couldn't be happier about that. At least something was going in a positive direction in her life. Judith smiled as Leighton jumped out of his car and rushed to her and pulled her in a hug which she happily returned.
"What are you doing here?" Judith asked and Leighton grinned.
"I was here on business but the old people were nagging me and I just escaped somehow." He said pathetically and Judith laughed.

He watched with clenched fists as the man wrapped his arms around her body and she hugged him back. He pulled her towards his car and said something that made her laugh throwing her head back. They soon got into his car and drove away. Another wave of raw jealousy surged through him as he got into his awaiting car and drove away.
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-

"What do you want Pablo?" Judith groaned into the phone as she received her Co-pilot's call.
"Hey, Captain. I and Miller are going out for breakfast at this very famous restaurant. I heard they make the best Moussaka in all of Greece. Want to join?" Pablo enthusiastically asked and Judith sighed falling back down on the bed.
"I don-" she started speaking but stopped when Pablo spoke again.
"I mean it's okay if your boring self doesn't want to get out of the boring hotel room and chill with poison aka black coffee."
"You asshole. When are we going?" Judith groaned and Pablo laughed.
"See you in the lobby in an hour. Aντίο, Captain." [antío]
(Bye)

Judith once again glanced at her watch and Miller groaned in annoyance as they waited for Pablo in the hotel lobby.
"Where is that lazy ass!" Miller groaned out and Judith chuckled as she pointed at a cheerfully waving Pablo.
"Oy Milly bear. Let's go!" Pablo hollered and Miller looked as though he could fry Pablo and eat him whole. "You're alive just because they are Greek!" He hissed and Judith chuckled.
"Let's go." She ushered an annoyed Miller and Pablo joined them as he draped his hand over Miller's shoulders and Miller brushed his hand away. Pablo pouted and grabbed Miller by his waist. Miller yelled in annoyance and brushed Pablo's hands away. Pablo once again tried to drape his arms across Miller's shoulders and before Miller could punch Pablo in the face, Judith stood between them and prevented their fight.

"Den Här Arnoult säi Sekretär hunn hir Konditioune weiderginn, Här." Lilian started speaking and he turned his head towards the window, peering outside watching the people in the streets. (Mr Arnoult's secretary has forwarded their conditions, Sir.)
When his gaze fell on her, his bored, annoyed, and mourning eyes twinkled. Her raven hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her slate-blue eyes were masked beneath sunglasses. She was dressed in a black turtleneck crop top, black skinny trousers, and black boots. Her denim jacket sleeves were folded all the way up to her elbows. Her full lips were curved in a smile. As she stepped into a small restaurant with two men, he unknowingly smiled.
"Halt den auto!" He barked and threw open the car door as the car came to a stop on the side of the road. He didn't, however, get down. After a brief moment of contemplation, he took out his phone and, after a brief period of typing, he directed the driver to move. And they drove away.
(Stop the car!)



"-I ate those doughnuts coated in mustard and vegemite! And I didn't hate them!" Pablo finished his adventurous eating story and Miller gaged while Judith laughed.
"You are gross Pablo!" She laughed out loud and Miller nodded his head.
"Seriously you ate those jelly doughnuts with vegemite?" Miller asked in disbelief and Judith turned to him.
"How come you are not mentioning the mustard?" She asked and Miller shrugged.
"Donuts with mustard isn't that bad. But vegemite! Gross!" He shuddered and Judith stared at them in disbelief.
"You both are impossibly gross!" She shook her head. Her gaze was drawn to the restaurant's entrance when she heard loud and familiar laughter. When her gaze met the person's, he exclaimed.
"Judith!"
"Sage!"
Sage dashed over to her, followed by Drazhan's private crew. Sage and Judith hugged each other, and she shook hands with Albert and the two flight attendants. She later introduced them to Pablo and Miller. They hung out together for the remainder of the day, and she could feel Albert's gaze on her the entire time. She knew he had his eyes on her all the time, but it was subtle. Now he wasn't hiding it, and she didn't seem to mind.
They finished their day with dinner at a well-known Greek restaurant, and when it came time to say their goodbyes, Albert finally approached her.
"Hey, Judith." He greeted without losing eye contact, and Judith nodded.
"Nice to see you again, Albert."
"How about we go for a walk?" He inquired, and she nodded.
They walked along the Mediterranean Sea's shoreline. They talked, he made her laugh, and much to her surprise, she felt some type of interest towards him. His personality and laid-back attitude.
"I was convinced there was something going on between you and Mr Agnor," Albert remarked and she stopped laughing.
"Why did you think that?" She couldn't think of anything else to ask.
"I don't know, the looks you guys gave each other. His possess- leave it be. How's everything going in a new airline?" He abruptly shifted the subject, and Judith shrugged.
"Everything is wonderful, except for the fact that I'm based in Dubai." Albert nodded as she informed him. They walked in silence Albert cast an occasional peek at Judith, who was focused on admiring the lovely waves crashing on the shore.
Albert suddenly stopped and she did too. She turned towards him and asked in surprise. "What happened?"
Albert rubbed the back of his neck nervously and hesitated to speak.
"I've been wanting to say this for a long time but never had the courage. I assumed you were with him and didn't want to push you." He took a step closer and resumed speaking. "I like you, Judith. I have been for a long time now. And now that I know you aren't with anyone, I wanted to ask if you would like to go out on a date with me?" When he asked, Judith's eyes widened slightly. She was certain of her response.

So there she was, waiting for Albert in a black velvet midi dress with an illusion neckline and cap sleeves and a huge bow above her mounds. Albert picked her up at seven o'clock sharp and they were on their way to the restaurant Albert had chosen. They had been seated, and the server had handed them their menu book before leaving. Judith's gaze was drawn to the names of the dishes, while Albert's gaze was fixed on her. She looked up and Albert flashed her a charming smile.
"You look stunning today." He said staring at her with soft eyes and Judith smiled mumbling a small thank you.
After dinner, they went for a walk along the enormous Mediterranean Sea's shoreline. Albert continued to speak while she listened, enjoying the salty, warm breeze from the sea. They came to a halt when they noticed a bonfire on the beach.

The bonfire was a blossom of flame that opened heavenward, showering golden sparks on everyone. It lit up everyone's faces as they swayed to the dimotiki music. Albert drew her to the bonfire, and they danced with bare feet to the exotic music on the sand. Albert smiled down at her as he spun her around in his arms, and she laughed. There was an open bar near the bone fire, and Albert went to grab them a drink. Judith took a step back from the couples who were dancing in front of the bonfire. Her eyes twinkled with the fire that danced in the sea breeze, and she felt a heated gaze bore holes into her skull. A chill ran down her spine and her skin sizzled with excitement. It didn't take her long to spot the pair of brown eyes seated away from the crowd on a wooden chair, accompanied by a woman. His eyes glowed brightly as they locked on her, and she averted her gaze. Albert soon returned with their drinks, which she graciously accepted.
"Would you like to go for a walk down the beach?" He inquired, and she cast a glimpse at the blazing, envious eyes. She smiled and nodded as she turned her head towards Albert. She could feel his gaze on her as they walked away from the crowd and towards the damp sands. As she walked on the dappled beach with Albert at her side, something overcame her. The desire to hurt him in the same way he did filled her, and she turned towards Albert. She glimpsed at those brown eyes at afar, and as if he sensed what she was about to do, his eyes grew large in a warning. But who was he to stand in the way of her wish, and she drew Albert's collar and brought their lips together.