Days Are Numbered

51. The Butler: Arnold

As Noah stepped into the bustling airport terminal, the air was alive with the hum of conversations, the clatter of luggage, and the soft chime of departure announcements echoing through the vast space like a rumbling sky would. Bright lights illuminated the bustling crowd, casting long shadows along the polished floors.

He was guarded by Julius and Mark as his body gaud trailed behind with the luggage, Their presence provided a sense of reassurance in the middle of the noisy and busy airport, which Noah secretly hated. Together, they navigated through moving crowds of travelers, Noah's gaze scanning the signs overhead for the check-in counters.

The line at the check-in desk snaked around like a restless serpent, each traveler waiting patiently with their luggage in a row. Noah joined the queue, his posture tense with anticipation as he approached the counter where a brunette with flawless skin smiled at clients and helped through their papers, she looked like the typical model on a TV screen with beautiful eyes that lit up her whole face when she smiled, her hair was pulled in a very neat bun giving her face more charm. Noah could tell, she was putting up the show for people, she might be depressed, hating on the job or her home might be falling apart. To him, the process was tedious, filled with paperwork and formalities, Julius who seemed like God-sent at that point helped him go through. They filled out forms, presented identification, and checked in his luggage, each step bringing him closer to his departure.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Noah couldn't help but notice the diverse array of people bustling through the terminal. Families with young children, business travelers in sharp suits, and weary tourists laden with souvenirs all moved with purpose toward their destinations.

Finally, they made their way to the departure gate, where the final boarding call echoed over the intercom. Noah turned to Julius and Mark with a blank expression shutting all his emotions in a metal closet, particularly his insecurities. "Thank you, both of you, for everything," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion but they seemed to understand.

"Right." Julius cleared his throat, "Don't ignore her calls, you'll make her worry." He said it sounded like a plea.

Julius could see the displeasure that flashed in Noah's eyes, "When I'm settled I'll text her, and." He paused, "Look after her, I don't trust Alfred, whoever he is." then he turned to face Mark, "We keep in touch, and I hope the other is as good as you."

Mark bowed slightly. Noah turned and headed towards the waiting aircraft. As he boarded the plane, he glanced back one last time at Julius and Mark, their figures receding in the distance. With a mixture of anxiety and fear, Noah settled into his seat beside him was his bodyguard. The engines roared to life as the plane taxied down the runway, then it soared into the sky.

******

They stepped off the plane, and Noah's gaze immediately landed on Arnold Barrister, their designated Butler. Arnold was a sight to behold, with his dusty blond hair, hazel eyes, and charming smile. Despite his striking appearance, Noah couldn't shake off the feeling of dislike that brewed within him as he observed Arnold. Arnold's slim yet muscular physique suggested a level of agility and strength that Noah begrudgingly acknowledged even if he was bulging with bog muscles and veins like Bob his bodygaurd. However, Noah couldn't ignore the sense of unease in the pit of his stomach as he took in Arnold's appearance. Despite his outward charm, there was something about Arnold that rubbed Noah the wrong way, he was spookily around Avgustin's age group.

As Arnold took the wheel, Noah couldn't shake the discomfort that nibbled on his chest. He watched Arnold cautiously from the corner of his eyes, his mind swirling with apprehension. Noah couldn't deny the fact that Arnold's physique hinted at a level of strength and agility that made him insecure. The thought crossed Noah's mind that if Arnold were to attempt to overpower him, it would undoubtedly lead to a fierce struggle. Despite Noah's own combat skills, he knew that Arnold possessed the physical prowess to potentially overpower him. The idea of being pinned down or knocked out by his butler sent a shiver down Noah's spine.

Desperate to alleviate his discomfort, Noah reached for his phone, intending to send a message to Mark. He wanted gone! Far from him as possible.

"We're here, Mr. Merridew," Arnold announced, his voice clear and light, a stark contrast to Avgustin's. Noah stepped out of the car and headed into the hotel, Arnold trailing behind him. With Arnold's assistance, Noah quickly checked in and made his way to his room.

Noah selected the main room and entered, shutting the door behind him with a sigh of relief. He tossed his headphones onto the bed and took a moment to collect his thoughts. Despite his initial unease, Noah was grateful for the opportunity to finally settle into his accommodations and begin his stay in Boston.

As Noah rummaged through his bag, his phone buzzed with notifications from his mother. Ignoring them, he tossed the device onto the bed without much care, his focus entirely on finding what he needed.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his search, causing him to pause. Quickly, he reached for a pen and slipped it into his pocket before making his way to the door to see who it was.

"Who's there?" He called out gently as he listened for any other sound with his hand dangerously lurking near the pen that could become a weapon any moment.

"Arnold sir, your meeting is in an hour, if we don't get going in 20 minutes, I'm afraid you will be late." He announced.

Noah sighed heavily, "I know." He replied, before retreating to his search. The reminder of the impending meeting only added to his stress, but he knew he couldn't afford to be late.

Noah quickly showered, the warm water soothing his tense muscles. He then slipped into his black pants, followed by a crisp white button-down and a sleek black sweater vest. After applying his favorite perfume, he attempted to tame his unruly curls, but they stubbornly refused to cooperate. His frustration grew as his curls cascaded like curly noodles around his face and forehead, giving him a somewhat innocent appearance, reminiscent of his freshman years in high school. Noah let out a low growl of annoyance, resisting the urge to simply chop off his locks. For a split second, he was taken back to the number of times he had his hair brutally chopped off with scissors or clippers.

Noah reached up to his hair, pulling it back into a low bun, exposing the slim scar that traced from his ear into his hairline. The memory of that day flooded back with vivid clarity as if it had happened only moments ago. Avgustin's expression had been blank, devoid of any emotion, which had always unsettled Noah. He hadn't anticipated the sudden burst of rage that followed. Before he could react, his head had been violently slammed against the thick wooden kitchen cupboard, causing the door to come off its hinges with a loud crash. Pain had exploded through Noah's skull, and his vision had darkened as a sharp whistling sound filled his ears, blood was oozing out his open flesh. And then...

The knock sounded again, jolting Noah out of his reverie. He instinctively traced a hand over the scar, the memory of the bloodied wound still vivid in his mind. Dhakirah had been the one to come to his aid that day, finding a way to wrap the wound despite the bleeding.

Noah unlocked the door cautiously, only to find Arnold standing a meter away, much too close for comfort. Noah's discomfort was evident as he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of threat, "Keep your distance," he commanded, his tone firm and authoritative. "Three meters," he added, setting a clear boundary. Arnold complied without question, though confusion flickered across his face.

A/N

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