The car pulled up to the airport. The driver sensed the storm brewing between them, stepped out silently, giving them space.
Hazel glanced at Francisco and asked, "What happened?"
"Won't we go?"
Francisco didn't answer at first. Instead, he took off his coat and handed it to her with a firm expression.
"Put it on."
Hazel narrowed her eyes, arms crossing over her chest. "Why?"
Francisco's jaw tightened. "Because I don't like it."
Hazel's defiance lit up her face. She cocked her head and fired back, "Oh, you don't like it?"
"Then why did you choose this dress?"
"I found it in the closet."
"I'll wear it, and I have the right to do so."
She reached for the car door, intent on stepping out. But Francisco moved quickly. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, holding her close.
"Only I can see, and you only have the right to show me, no one else," he said, his voice low and possessive.
"Leave my hand! I will do whatever I want," Hazel snapped.
"Really!" Francisco's voice turned cold.
"Then I will see what you can do."
Without another word, he pulled her toward him and threw his coat over her shoulders. Hazel fought back, alarm in her voice.
"Leave me! What are you doing? I will scream!"
Francisco didn't flinch. "Save your energy, Hazel."
Before she could respond, he scooped her up effortlessly in a bridal hold and stepped out of the car.
"Leave me, Mr., or else…" Hazel warned, squirming in his arms.
"Or else what?" Francisco countered calmly.
"Want to scream? Want to create a scene?"
"Go ahead, but don't forget to show me the same energy when we are alone."
His eyes burned with intensity as he carried her aboard his private plane. Inside, he walked straight to his chamber and dropped her gently but firmly onto a seat.
Hazel sat there, breathless, her glare sharp as knives.
Just then, an air hostess appeared, her voice soft and professional.
"Sir, I hope you guys enjoy the journey." She offered wine and a tray of food with a polite smile.
Francisco gave a nod.
As the hostess walked away, he turned back to Hazel.
"You should eat something," he said calmly, "I ordered this special cake for you."
Hazel arched a brow and said flatly, "I hate sweets."
Francisco raised his eyebrows. "Just like me!"
"But you remember the last time I ate your sweets?"
Hazel didn't respond. She turned her head, gazing out the window at the endless stretch of sky.
Francisco reached out and touched her fingers. She tried to pull away, but he held on gently but firmly.
"Try it once," he coaxed.
He picked up the slice of cake and brought it to her lips. Hazel hesitated, eyes locked with his. Then she looked down at the cake... just as he leaned in to feed her, the door swung open.
One of Francisco's men burst in.
"Boss, something happened."
Hazel and Francisco both turned toward the man.
Francisco exhaled sharply, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "Go, I am coming."
But just as he was about to leave, Hazel grabbed his wrist. He turned back to her.
A small, sly smile played on her lips as she leaned forward and slowly licked the whipped cream from the cake with the tip of her tongue. Her gaze never left his. Then she turned toward the man standing frozen by the door. She ran her finger along her lips, touching the remaining cream.
"It's really tasty," she said, licking her finger.
"Thank you for the cake."
The man stiffened, eyes darting away instantly. He muttered something under his breath and made a quick exit—anything to avoid being part of a moment that could cost him his life.
Francisco turned back to Hazel.
"You are really trying to test my patience, aren't you?"
Hazel chuckled, her voice playful. "Maybe I am, or maybe I just enjoy watching the reactions."
Francisco leaned in close, his breath brushing her ear. His voice dropped to a low whisper.
"Be careful, Hazel."
"Testing my patience might have consequences you won't enjoy."
He pulled back, his jaw tight as his eyes dropped to her mouth. Hazel casually licked her fingers, savoring the last of the cream.
He exhaled slowly, then said in a firm tone, "Be ready for tonight."
"I want to see how much you can lick."
Without another word, he turned and walked out of the chamber.
Hazel's teasing smile faded slightly. The heat of the moment passed, replaced by the chill of reality. She stared at the closed door.
She was playing a dangerous game... and Francisco was far from predictable.
Moments later, the plane touched down in Texas. A man entered the cabin, bowing slightly.
"Ma'am, we have landed," he announced.
"Please follow me."
Hazel nodded and stood up. She glanced down and noticed Francisco's coat still draped around her shoulders. She had worn the dress to provoke him... and it had worked. Even so, she left the coat on. It was cold outside.
As she stepped off the plane, her eyes scanned the runway.
Francisco was nowhere in sight.
She turned to the man beside her. "Where is your boss?"
"He is a bit busy," the man replied, avoiding her gaze. "He will join you at the hotel."
Hazel sighed in relief, her thoughts racing.
Finally, some time alone!
I need to contact Mr. Alex as soon as possible.
The man escorted her through the airport, but Hazel couldn't shake the strange tension in the air. People were looking at her... some curious, others wary. It wasn't just her dress. Something felt off, as if invisible eyes followed her every step.
Outside, the car pulled up. The man opened the door for her, but just as she was about to step in, Hazel paused.
"I want to visit here," she said suddenly, eyeing a nearby shopping area.
The man looked startled. "But Ms…" he began.
Hazel cut in, her tone sharp. "What's wrong?"
"Did your boss tell me not to do it?"
"I didn't say I want to roam alone," she added, folding her arms. "You're escorting me, so what's the problem?"
The man hesitated, clearly unsure. He glanced around, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay, but let me get permission."
Hazel held up a hand, her voice calm but firm. "He might be busy, so don't disturb him."
She looked down at the coat wrapped around her, then added with a dry smirk, "Also, I need to buy something appropriate to wear. I can't walk around in this sexy dress, right?"
The man gulped, clearly thrown off by her boldness. "Yes, Ms., please."
He quickly opened the car door for her. Hazel stepped out gracefully, taking a deep breath.
Thank God, she thought. I need to call him by hook or crook.