He Stares Back

Chap. 36: After You, Miss East

* Island of East above *

A loud, dinging sound wakes Emily. The pilot's voice fills the private jet.

"Miss East, we will be arriving at Island of East very soon." The pilot informs the passengers.

The brunette groggily closes her eyes, burying her face into her pillow. She groans annoyed. She feels the sensitive parts of her cheeks where she had cried. She starts to think of Christian but forces herself not to. Afraid of another melt down if she did.

"Miss East," Happy says to the brunette with a small smile, "Mr. Taylor told me at the mansion that he has something special for you in one of your suitcases. He said that once we land, to go pack our things and for you to immediately look for the suitcase."

Emily looks up at Happy annoyed. "And why should I do anything Christian says? He freaking sent me away!"

Happy's face goes stoney, his eyes cold. The look of pain on Christian's face as he forced himself to let go of Emily for her own protection flashes through his mind. Her arrogance angers the dark skinned man. He can no longer hold his tongue.

"Miss East, I know it is not my place," Happy's sharp tone makes Emily jump, "but I am getting tired of you defying Mr. Taylor and his attempts to please you. The man's life is at risk and all he can think about is you and your safety and your selfish wants and damn needs! So, please, shut up and try to do what the Bossman says for once. Okay? The man is sending you on a luxurious vacation for Godsake!"

Emily is quiet for a long time. Happy almost thinks that she may have fell back asleep or that he his words touched her.

"You're right," Emily says coldly, "It's not your place."

Zephyr shakes his head at Happy. The two men remain silent the rest for the jet ride to the island.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

   The pilot opens the jet doors. Foreign strangers board the plane and grab both Emily's and the bodyguards suitcases. They nod to an alarmed Emily. She gives Happy and Zephyr a confused look.

          "Who the hell are they?" Emily says worriedly to the two men, "I thought this was a private island?"

           Zephyr is the first to speak. "I have worked for Mr. Taylor for a long time. He has trusted personal hired help who come and take care of his island while he's away. He must have called and had them come and take care of you before he arrives."

         Emily slowly nods. Okay...

          Emily grabs the leather, fringed backpack Christian had somehow coughed up for her and slings it over her shoulder. It contains Polaroid camera and 200 paper, a video camera, batteries, and two large notebooks with (one leopard print and other sparkly blue & white with paisley designs). She slowly walks towards the jet doors like a zombie, feeling as dead on the inside. Happy stands at the door, his eyes stoney.

        He motions for her to walk out. "After you, Miss East."

         Emily begins to turn to go walk out of the jet but is blindsided by the bright sun. She shuts her eyes and holds out her hand to try and cover the sun from ear view. She can feel already feel the hot, humid air hitting her skin. The brunette opens her eyes again, blinking as her eyes adjust to the bright sun.

           "Holy shit!" Emily mumbles to herself, stepping out of the plane to the stairs.

             The brunette stares at the beautiful nature around her. She sees a breathtaking jungle that is stretched as far as the island. Emily nearly trips as she tries to take everything in all at once. She sees the jungle that leads down into beaches that are surrounded by a deep blue sea that surrounds the island.

         Suddenly, something bright blinds Emily. She rubs her eyes as her vision clears up again. Happy catches her as she nearly falls. Emily forward to see Zephyr with a portable camera. She gives him a confused look.

         "Where'd you get the camera?" Emily says confused as she steps down from the jet stairs. "I have two in my bag."

          "Mr. Taylor told Happy and I to film you on the island and send it to him in a couple days." Zephyr explains, "He wanted to be here to see your reaction, but considering the circumstances..."

         Emily nods, smiling. "Yeah, I get it."

        Happy stands next to her. "Well, well, well...if I had a billionaire boyfriend who owned a private island, I'd marry that motherfricker."

         Emily smirks at Happy's comment, but then frowns. "I almost did...but I feel like I'll never see Christian again and this will be my home now."