Shaylene

💌Chapter Seven

Nathan closed his eyes as he nestled in next to Eleanor. Ethan and Liam sat across the couple. They were all on the Embraer, URBANE's private jet on their way to Rio de Janiero.

The flight attendant, Emily, walked in through one of the connecting doors into the cabin.

Embraer had enough space to fit five to eight people comfortably. It had five large cabin zones that fit couches and comfortable leather seats with a TV. There was also a master suite that housed a large bed and a private bathroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign and you may now move around the cabin."

She paused with a smile and turned to Liam who had immediately unbuckled the seat belt.

"However we always recommend to keep your seat belt fastened while on your seat. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the flight."

Eleanor followed Emily's gaze and scoffed when she saw Liam who looked like a deer caught in the headlights. How was the duff so smart? If she didn't know him better she would've called him stupid.

Eleanor and Nathan met two years ago at a young developers convention in New York. They had sat beside each other and immediately he was drawn to her sense of humor. She made fun of the notes he made and the boring keynote speaker.

At a point he had to switch seats to pay attention because he couldn't stop staring at the curve of her lips whenever she tried to stifle a laugh.

She had distracted him so much that even seats apart from her, he still couldn't concentrate on the speaker's words.

He never had a problem with boring but a glimpse at Eleanor made him question himself.

It wasn't love at first sight. He was drawn to her. Like a weird desire to figure her out. And that led them to exchanging numbers.

Eleanor waved Emily off.
"Thanks Ems. You know how Liam is."

She pursed her lips and shot him a glare. He ignored her without a care in the world and walked over to the mini bar towards a stack of magazines. Eleanor turned back to Emily.

"We'll be fine alone."

Emily smiled.

"Okay."

This wouldn't be their first time on the jet so she had "little" to worry about. She saved the "little" for Ethan who caused trouble and Liam who while trying to salvage every situation had a way of ruining things to get it done.

"Is there anything you'd like? For both of you."

She looked at Nathan who still had his eyes closed.

Eleanor looked at her and shook her head.
"No. Not yet."

Emily nodded, and left the room but not without sparing Ethan a glance. He was staring through the window and had a distant look.

Eleanor leaned against Nathan and was about slip her earbuds on when he opened his eyes. He looked at her, his expression softened.

"Hey"

She gave a hint of a faint smile.
"Hi. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." His gaze darted towards Ethan who was still staring out the window.

"Just a little bit worried"

"About Ethan?" She sighed. "He'll be fine. He had it coming. It's something he should've settled a long time ago."

Nathan hadn't told her the full story. It wasn't his to tell but he'd told her enough to understand what had happened.

"That's my fear. Once they both discover the truth about each other there would be no truce. There's more to it."

"There's more?" Eleanor sat up, surprised. He nodded. Questions flooded her mind but she saved it for later.

"It can't be that bad. You tried to get him to see it, Nate. And if Shaylene is half of all you've described her to be, then, there wouldn't be much to settle."

That was Nathan's hopes before he saw Ethan that morning but now he wasn't sure of how things would turn out and it frustrated him.

Ethan had arrived early with Liam looking all set with eyes filled with determination. Nathan almost couldn't believe he had been reluctant to travel.

He looked willing and almost eager to leave. But his voice had betrayed his lack of sleep. And Nathan wondered if he'd spent the entire night ruminating on the issue.

There was also the issue of his impending proposal. He planned to make it happen in Brazil and hoped it'd work out. His years with Eleanor was no small feat and he was willing to make it permanent.

"I'm just grateful Liam's here." He said.

Eleanor took his hands in hers and slowly rubbed circles on it in a repeated motion.

"I am too."

She turned to look at Liam, who's head was now bent in what looked like a medical journal.

Under his playful demeanor, Liam was the smartest doctor and nicest person Nathan had met. He was the type of person that treated girls with utmost respect. And if anyone could get Ethan under control, it was him.

Ethan looked at the clear clouds. It reminded him of quiet days with the MacKenzies. Days when they'd sit together and make fun of themselves.

He missed her.

"I'm leaving."

Those words struck Ethan like a heavy blow. He felt more of anger than shock. He didn't expect her to look so... unhappy. It was a mixture of anger, irritation and disappointment.

"Stay. Away. From. Me"

Those words from her felt foreign. That wasn't the reaction he'd expected. If anything, he felt he had proposed a good deal. A deal she was meant to jump at _gladly. She fancied him, didn't she?

The contract had been drafted to suit their tastes. To provide a sense of security for both of them. Though, he had to admit his motive was quite selfish.

She turned, about to stomp off when he held her hand and turned her to face him.

Towering above her, he met her gaze. Her eyes blazed in anger and he flinched. He'd never seen her so furious.

He refused to be deterred.
"I'll let you go. But not before I know why you're being such a princess."

Apparently that struck a chord, Shaylene pulled her hands from his. Every fibre of her being radiated anger.

She let out a humorless laugh.
"I'm being a princess? When will you realize when to shut up? I don't owe you anything."

"Dammit, Shay! Just sign the damn contract."

"And if I don't?" She looked serious, daring him to threaten her.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Watch me." Everything about her was on the defensive. She turned and walked away without looking back. That was the last time they ever spoke to each other.

Ethan exhaled, blinking away the past, the rush of pain.

He stood up and walked into the master suite wordlessly. Liam peered at him as if to question him but thought better of it. The sooner he got used to the idea of revisiting his past, the better.

Eleanor let out a sigh and leaned back on Nathan's shoulder.