We land smoothly in Osaka at 12:25 p.m. Stephan brings the plane to a halt a little way from the main terminal, and through the windows I spot a large VW minivan waiting for us.
“Good landing.” Bible grins and shakes Stephan’s hand as we get ready to file out of the jet.
“It’s all about the density altitude, sir.” Stephan smiles back. “Beighley here is good at math.”
Bible nods at Stephan’s first officer. “You nailed it, Beighley. Smooth landing.”
“Thank you, sir.” She grins smugly.
“Enjoy your weekend. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Stephan steps aside to let us disembark and taking my hand, Bible leads me down the aircraft steps to where Chen is waiting by the vehicle.
“Minivan?” Says Bible in surprise as Chen slides open the door. Chen gives him a tight, contrite smile and a slight shrug.
“Last minute, I know,” Bible says, immediately placated. Chen returns to the plane to retrieve our luggage.
“Want to make out in the back of the van?” Bible murmurs to me, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
I laugh. Who is this man, and what has he done with Mr. Unbelievably Angry of the last couple of days?
“Come on, you two. Get in,” Barcode says from behind us, oozing impatience beside Jeff. We climb in, stagger to the double seat at the back, and sit down. I snuggle against Bible, and he puts his arm around the back of my seat. “Comfortable?” He murmurs as Barcode and Jeff take the seat in front of us.
“Yes.” I smile and he kisses my forehead. And for some unfathomable reason I feel shy with him today. Why? Last night? Being with company? I can’t put my finger on it.
JJ and Us join us last Chen opens the lift gate to load the luggage.
Five minutes later, we are on our way. I gaze out the window as we head toward Osaka. The trees are green, spring is evident here and there are no yellowing in the tips of the leaves. The sky is a clear crystal blue, though there are darkening clouds to the west.
We’re in the winter playground of the rich and famous. And I own a house here. I can barely believe it. And from deep within my psyche, the familiar unease that’s always present when I try to wrap my head around Bible’s wealth looms and taunts me, making me feel guilty. What have I done to deserve this lifestyle? I’ve done nothing, nothing except fall in love.
“Have you been to Osaka before, Bui?” Jeff turns and asks, dragging me out of my reverie.
“No, first time. You?”
“Us and I used to come here a lot when we were teens. Dad’s a keen skier. Mom less so.”
“I’m hoping my husband will teach me how to ski.” I glance up at my man.
“Don’t bet on it,” Bible mutters.
“I won’t be that bad!”
“You might break your neck.” His grin gone.
Oh. I don’t want to argue and sour his good mood, so I change the subject.
“How long have you had this place?”
“Nearly two years. It’s yours now, too, Mr. Sumett,” He says softly.
“I know,” I whisper. But somehow I don’t feel the courage of my convictions. Leaning in, I kiss his jaw and nestle once more at his side listening to him laugh and joke with Jeff and JJ. Barcode chimes in occasionally, but Us is quiet, and I wonder if he’s brooding about Jack Hyde or something else. Then I remember. Osaka... Bible’s house here was redesigned by Naphat Vikairungroj and rebuilt by JJ. I wonder if that’s what’s preoccupying Us. I can’t ask him in front of JJ, given his history with Na. Does Us even know about Na’s connection to the house? I frown wondering what could be bothering him and resolve to ask him when we’re on our own.
YOU ARE READING
A Thousand Deaths (Sumettikul's Universe Three)
FanfictionNow, Build and Bible have it all-love, passion, intimacy, wealth and a world of possibilities for their future. But Build knows that loving Bible will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of the would anticipate. Ju...
