Destined

Chapter 8 ~ Welcome Home

Chapter 8

"Tired?" He asked. She'd been looking outside the window for the past few minutes seeing nothing but pitch-black darkness. They were supposed to leave London early morning but Luca and James have to settle some last-minute concerns. It was just a 3 1/2 hours flight but she realized she was, indeed, tired.

"Yes." Luca tipped her head to rest on his shoulder. "Just close your eyes, but don't sleep. We'll be home in 20 minutes."

"Where is your home?" She asked, too tired to resist. "Our home," he said emphasizing the word 'our,' "is a little less than a half hour ride from the airport. We have several townhouses in Kolonaki, but our main house is on the northern part called Ekali. You will like it there," he promised while his hand idly rubbed her left shoulder in a soothing manner.

He knew he would be swamped with work for days from being away this past 2 weeks. But he will make sure he'll make time to be with Kayla. How else can he convince her to remain permanently in Greece? He has his work cut out for him, for sure. But he had gotten her here and he will make her stay, one way or another.

James reported earlier that he had accomplished everything he instructed to be done before their arrival. He smiled. He had already started his campaign to win her. What he wants, he gets. Kayla will raise hell for sure. But he is prepared to fight her for this. After all, they haven't discussed sleeping arrangement, have they? If she thinks she'll get to stay in her own room like the other night, she's in for a big surprise. He conceded then because he wanted her to spend time with her best friend for the last time. It would be sometime before they will be able to see each other again and he wanted to give her time to say goodbye.

He wanted her to be near him all the time. No matter how he tells himself otherwise; to give her time to adjust, he just couldn't take being far from her. Thanks to his son for helping him with his selfish desires.

He felt the limo slowed down when they're approaching the gate and he looked out the window. The entry way is well-lighted and he can see the beauty of his home. It seemed like everything's changed since the last time he was here. For the first time, he noticed the well-manicured grass, the brown cobbled stone pathway from the flower garden to the patio that reminded him of her eyes, the lake beyond the house that seemed to shimmer like blue crystals...he smiled. He knew why. Knowing Kayla had changed his perspective in life.

The house staff were alerted and stand in readiness for their arrival. He mused while the convoy traversed inside the gate up to the house. They stopped directly near the entrance to the main door where the household staff were standing at the side. Alexio alighted and stood on his side of the door, ready to open it upon his signal.

He looked at the woman sleeping contentedly on his shoulder. Yuri was secured in her arms, as sound asleep as she was. He was loathed to disturb these 2 most important people in his life. So he stayed put for another couple of minutes.

"Baby," he murmured closed to her ear. "We're here."

Kayla slowly opened her eyes and saw him smiling down at her. "I could carry you inside," he offered.

That got her instantly awake. "Sorry," she murmured. "Shh, it's okay. Take your time."

He slowly took the sleeping Yuri from her arms, opened the door and handed him to Alexio who in turn, handed him to one of the maids in waiting. He closed the door again and watched her fussing over her hair and straightening her wrinkled clothes. He wanted to tell her to stop, that she's gorgeous no matter what state she is in. But he humored her and patiently waited.

"Ready?" At her nod, he opened the door and stepped out, holding his hand out to help her alight. Once she's out, he interlaced their finger and turned her to him kissing her lightly on the lips. She didn't disappoint him. She blushed which was the reaction he wanted. He didn't want her to appear like a pale ghost in front of their servants at first meeting.