The Cursed Pharaoh's Bride

Chapter 23: Getting To Know You

Author's Note: Hello, my readers! I apologize for any delays today. I just returned from a trip I took this weekend. But my posting schedule is staying the same. Hope you all enjoy the long chapter! -- M.H.

Carolina

It's Sunday night. Charles is finally no longer staying in his car. He officially moved into the apartment facing mine across the street yesterday. I tried to offer him some help but he insisted that wasn't necessary. I can tell he still feels weird around me, like he doesn't know how to act. He did spend a portion of the day on my couch doing some light reading while the movers brought his furniture into the apartment, which I consider progress.

Tori is in my room helping me review some material for an upcoming test. We don't have the same classes right now, but Tori has taken some classes that I'm currently taking right now, which is one of the many perks that comes with having her as my roommate. Just as we finish one topic, we hear a car honking on the street right outside my window. We ignore it for a moment until the honking starts again.

Tori and I climb onto the fire escape to see what all the commotion is about. In the middle of the road stands a brand new black Audi. The driver revs the engine as if trying to show off. "Damn, who does that guy think he is?" Tori says.

I suddenly hear my phone ping. I open it to find a text from Elijah. 'Do you think you can join me for a drive?'

"Um, I think that guy thinks he's Elijah Seka because that's exactly who's in that car right now," I reply warily.

Tori's jaw drops. "Elijah Seka is down there? Does that have anything to do with you, by any chance?" She asks. I give her a timid nod. A huge smile breaks out on her face before it quickly morphs into a smirk.

"So, you've been seeing him, huh?" She teases as she jabs me with her elbow.

"It's not like that," I protest, "Well, it's really complicated."

Tori just raises her eye brows at me. "I would love to get complicated with a millionaire, Carol," she states. "So, are you going to keep him waiting or are you going down there?"

Honestly, I don't know what to think right now. I know I told Elijah I'd let him take me out for a drive, but I didn't think he'd be spontaneous about it. Normally, I don't like surprises. Yet, the thought of running off with him instead of being a good girl and staying in feels almost exciting. What is that man doing to me?

"Would that be okay?" I ask.

"You tell me," Tori replies.

I'm soon in a pair of fitted jeans , a hoodie and a pair of skater sneakers. I put my hair up in a bun before meeting Elijah, who is now leaning against his car expectantly. My eyes quickly rake over his tall form. He's in a pair of fitted jeans of his own, a light sweater with a v-neck that accentuates his toned chest, and his leather jacket. His hair is a bit messy as if he's been running his hand through it but it still looks unbelievably attractive. He completely shaved off his beard giving him a clean cut look. Something about seeing Elijah dress this casually makes him look even sexier, if possible. It doesn't help that he's looking at me with this twinkle in his bright blue eyes and a lopsided smirk.

"It's been a while, love," he purrs. The sound of his voice sends a chill down my spine. It has been a while.

"Where are we going?" I ask as I timidly step closer to him. I can't help but gravitate towards him. It's taking everything in me not to bury my head in his strong chest and let his arms engulf me in his warmth. Why does seeing him now make me feel like I'm seeing him for the first time all over again? It's been a week yet it feels like forever and that doesn't sit well with me for some reason.