#1 in the London Universe series:
Anaya Oberoi, a final-year student at a prestigious college in India, was thrilled to be selected for a student exchange at King's College London. But there was a catch-she had to live with foster parents. To her su...
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The excitement bubbled within me as I realized—I was finally going to New York. The city had always held a certain magic, but visiting around Christmas felt even more special. I could already imagine the streets dusted with snow, twinkling lights reflecting off every window. The chill in the air was inevitable, but I didn't mind. I had just finished packing my suitcase when a familiar scent drifted toward me. Noah.
Before I could turn around, his arms wrapped around me from behind, warm and steady. Overjoyed, I spun to face him, throwing my arms around his neck. With that effortless strength I had grown so used to, he lifted me off the ground, holding me close while grabbing my suitcase with his free hand. It never failed to surprise me—how easily he balanced both me and everything else in his life.
"Excited?" he murmured against my hair, his voice low and teasing.
"Always," I grinned, resting my forehead against his.
Minutes later, we arrived at the private airstrip where his jet awaited us. Despite the countless times I had flown with him, the sight of it still made my heart race. It wasn't just the luxury—it was knowing he wanted me there, by his side.
The cabin was warm and inviting as we boarded. I kicked off my shoes, already feeling the familiar hum of the engines beneath my feet. As soon as we settled into the plush seats, Noah pulled me into his arms. His touch was comforting, and grounding, as if the world outside didn't matter when I was with him.
"Long flight," he reminded me softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
I nodded, already feeling sleep tugging at the edges of my awareness. Curling up against him, I let his warmth surround me, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling me into calm. With his arms around me, I drifted off—safe, loved, and completely his.
I woke up after a deep, restful sleep, feeling a familiar warmth pressed against me. Noah was lying comfortably on my chest, his head nestled against me as though I were his favorite cushion. His soft breaths tickled my skin, and I couldn't help but smile. My back ached slightly under his weight, but there was no way I'd push him away—not when having him this close made me feel so loved, so at home.
I gently ran my fingers through his tousled hair, the silky strands slipping between them. Each stroke seemed to make him relax further, and I cherished the quiet intimacy we shared in this moment. I loved how effortlessly he made me feel safe, as though nothing in the world could touch me when I was wrapped up in him.
As my fingers trailed down the nape of his neck, my gaze wandered toward the window of our private cabin. My eyes widened as I took in the breathtaking view. The New York City skyline stretched out before me, an endless sea of twinkling lights shimmering against the dark sky. It was like something out of a dream—the illuminated skyscrapers standing tall, the late-night lights casting a golden glow across the city.
I gasped softly, my heart skipping a beat at the mesmerizing sight outside the window. "Noah..." I whispered, my fingers delicately weaving through his soft hair. He didn't stir, too content and relaxed against me. I let out a quiet chuckle, shaking my head at how effortlessly he could find comfort, even with the dazzling New York skyline sparkling beneath us.
