Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

06 ~ The Unexpected

"Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected expected?"

Ruhanika

"Looking for something, darling?" His voice sent a jolt through my body, freezing me in place. I lost all mental clarity the moment I heard him, every coherent thought slipping away. All I could process was that he was standing far too close to me—close enough that his breath grazed my skin. What do I do now? The panic set in as my mind raced. Had he seen me snooping? What would happen if he knew what I was really after? I don’t want to die this early.

His hands rested on the shelf above me, trapping me between his strong arms and the wall of books. His breath was warm on my nape, and when my back brushed his chest, my breath hitched. My entire body tensed as my heartbeat thundered in my ears. Think of something! Now! But my body wasn’t responding to my mind. Instead, it seemed to be relishing the closeness, savoring the heat radiating off him. Meanwhile, the logical part of my brain was frantically trying to conjure up a reasonable excuse. But nothing sounded believable. I cursed myself inwardly. This isn’t me! Why was I acting like a lovestruck fool, like one of those girls from the trashy dramas I’d spent too much time watching?

I wanted to explain, but my throat felt as dry as a desert, and no words came out. What is wrong with me? I’m not this weak, easily flustered person. This man’s effect on me was terrifying, and I hated it. Even though he wasn’t actually touching me, my heart was pounding as though he were, as though his proximity was enough to unravel me completely.

“I... these books caught my... attention, and I was just examining them,” I stammered, trying to sound casual, but the lie felt weak even as I said it. Really? That’s the best you could come up with? I mentally kicked myself. So much for all those hours spent reading spy novels and watching crime thrillers. This was pathetic. He’d never believe it.

"Or," he said, his voice dripping with amusement, "you were searching for something, hmm?" His tone was taunting, almost playful, but there was an edge to it that made my skin prickle. Damn that commander! He must’ve told the prince something. I clenched my fists. I’d deal with that later, but right now, I had to make this ridiculous excuse sound credible.

"Your Highness, I was just looking at these books," I repeated, this time more firmly, trying to infuse my voice with confidence. Confidence is key, I told myself. Please believe me.

He stepped back slightly, but the intensity of his gaze didn’t waver. “Very well then. If you're so interested in books, tell me which one caught your eye. I’ll let you borrow it,” he said, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “You can return it after you’ve read it, Rooh.”

There it was again—that nickname. His use of it always made my heart do strange things. I swallowed hard as I felt heat rise to my cheeks. He finally moved away, giving me room to breathe, and I exhaled shakily. I thought he’d let it go. Maybe he believed me after all.

“I... I... like this one,” I said quickly, grabbing a random book from the shelf without even looking at the title. Anything to avoid his piercing gaze.

"Are you certain, darling?" His voice took on a teasing note, his green eyes twinkling with mischief. What was wrong with him? Was he messing with me on purpose?

"Yes, I’m sure. This book looks good. I’ll return it after I’ve finished reading it," I replied, feigning interest in the volume I now held in my hands. I had no intention of actually reading it. I just wanted to escape this situation as quickly as possible. But instead of looking convinced, his smirk deepened.

“I have a condition,” he said, his tone suddenly serious, though his eyes still gleamed with amusement. “If you want to take this book, you’ll have to agree to my terms.”