Baggage Claim

The Road Back to Geneva

Chapter Three: The Road Back To Geneva

“You’ll see Layla, I’m going to live in Paris one day.”

“Why Paris?”

“Because no one can ever be sad in Paris, It’s not allowed.”

 

Layla shook as the voice echoed in her mind, cringing as ice-cold hands reached out and grabbed her, wrapping around her neck, stifling the scream she could not form. She trashed about as a sudden bright white florescent light forced itself into her half shut eyes.

“What happened?” Layla’s eyes snapped opened, taking in the full force of the cabin lights on her retinas. A sharp pain shot through her back, flooring her before she could even attempt to stand up.

“Just stay there Hun. You can’t be moving about till we land.” Alex’s drawl was suspiciously controlled, void of any of its normal seductive playfulness.

Layla attempted to move her head, but a slight shift to the left sent another shooting pain surging through her body. Alex’s handsome smile appeared before her, his hands gently clasped on each side of her face, preventing any movement on her part.

Staring up at Alex at this angle Layla deduced she was laid flat on the ground. She moved her arms slightly, turning her palms and scraping the rough thread of the cabin carpet with her nails.

“What happened, why am I on the ground?” Layla’s question caused her back to pulsate and it was making her want to buckle, something she felt uncomfortable doing in front of Alex.

“You really shouldn’t move Miss Chander. You have had a bit of a nasty accident I’m afraid.” Alex leaned in closer to Layla, his lips lightly brushing the top of her ear lobes. “It seems two very large hippos fell on you, and you my dear doe, could not take it.”

Alex moved back into Layla’s view, his emerald eyes sweeping over her face with concern.

Layla felt her face flush with embarrassment as she stared back at Alex, her body refusing to allow her to look anywhere else with out administering a heavy dose of mind numbing pain.

“Um, I take it they fell on my back.” Layla shifted her eyes, eyeing the sign indicating first class. She was lying in the front of the first class rows, out of the walkway and away from prying eyes.  

“The Marshall had a bit of a misunderstanding with another passenger, as you saw. It’s been resolved now, but unfortunately at your expense. There was a nurse on board and she advised us to lay you flat until we arrive. I offered to watch over you, seeing as I am all alone in this area.”  Alex beamed at Layla, who grimaced as her back riveted under the torture.

“Thank you Mister Buchanan but…”

“Alex.”

“I don’t think…”

“I think I’ve earned it Hun.” Alex cut Layla off again with a wink, his playful demeanor returning now that she had woken up.