Emperor of Destruction [EDITING]

xliv.

XLIV

I spent the entirety of the flight sleeping. That's what Silas Westbrook's tongue and a heavy ograsm will do to you. We eat and talk. Well, I talk. He just eats—me.

At the end of the flight I had to physically distance myself from him. You never truly know how clingy a boy is until you're trapped with him on a jet.

"Allow me to take your suitcases and bags." Said a middle aged asian woman. She smiles at me and I smile back, offering her the handle. It isn't her beauty or soft voice that made me stop in my tracks. It was the words that followed. "Welcome to Vietnam. I hope you enjoy your stay, Mr Westbrook."

My eyes shot open. I have to blink repeatedly
to not dry completely dry out my eyes, and I turn to Silas.

"You didn't."

He just grins and grabs my hand, leading the way through the private airport.

I was in awe the entire time. I stepped outside for the first time in years. Nothing sparked memories more than the fresh Vietnam air.

Waiting for us outside of the terminal was a black SUV with a personal chauffeur. Upon seeing us, he rushed to open the door. I thanked him and got in. Silas followed.

"Dad?"

My body went cold and my breathing rigid. I blinked, unable to believe my eyes or my predicament. Suddenly I'm a little girl again, wishing under the tree on Christmas eve for Santa to send my dad back to me.

You know that feeling when life doesn't feel real anymore and you feel as though you're living in a fantasy world, awaiting the day when you'll finally wake up and be brought back into the life you've learnt to despise?

Tears pricked my eyes and my jaw began to lock in place as I tried and failed to silence my sobs.

A deep chuckle escaped my dad's lips and he brought me in for a tight-squeeze hug. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, wetting his white t-shirt with my salty tears. "Why is my princess crying? Are you not happy to see your old man?" He teased in a mocking tone.

I shook my head no and hugged even tightly, fearing that if I let go, he'd disappear into thin air and I'd never see him again, just like all those years ago.

Silas ran his hand down my back in a comforting motion. I'd forgotten he was here for a second. But without him, none of this would've happened.

Him touching me was the power I needed to open my mouth and conjure words. "I've missed you so much."

"I know, princess.. I know." He said, then kisses me on the forehead. My eyes lit up. Forehead kisses were always our thing. We hug for a few more minutes before I finally pulled away and hugged Silas.

He hugged me back, bringing us closer until our lips met.

I could practically feel my dad cringing in the background.