Chapter 2 2. I Need a Ride (The First Meet)

Paris POV

The car screeched to a stop, drawing the attention of two men walking on the open tarmac

"Are you going to get out?" I asked, sarcastically, staring at Kyle who looked pale like a corpse.

She barely settled into the passenger seat earlier when I slammed my foot on the gas pedal, speeding down the driveway, leaving her to hold on to the door handle for her dear life

I watched her hesitantly step out of the car. She looked like she was going to faint any minute.

"Don't be dramatic," I said after her. With a roll of my eyes, I opened my car door and stepped into the cool morning breeze, flailing my hair into my face as we made our way into the so-called airport

It's a chaotic mess and doesn't look like an airport. It's said to be owned by a man who fell from grace centuries ago. He runs this small business of renting out his choppers for a stipulated time. I can't believe I subjected myself to this inconvenience, I should have just gone with my family's private jet. I can't wait to hop onto my private helicopter and get the hell out of here.

I walked towards what was left of the terminal, my heels clanging against the tiled floor, glancing at the two men engrossed in a conversation. One of them is chubby and short, wearing a suit that I can tell is fake and worn out even from afar while the other is impeccably dressed in a simple long-sleeved top and trousers. He is quite tall, with a good physique. I'm assuming he is my pilot.

"Go find out what is going on. My flight is in ten minutes." I commanded, dismissing Kyle as I settled on one of the chairs she just cleaned. This is one of the things I admire about her; she maintains a professional demeanor while on the job and doesn't mix business with pleasure.

"Alright ma'am," she said, walking towards the two men as the pilot walked away. After what felt like minutes watching her engaged in a hushed conversation with the chubby man while the pilot was already standing beside the helicopter, ready to go. I angrily walked over to them, unable to take it anymore

Their hushed talks ceased abruptly as they caught sight of me, the chubby man turned pale and his eyes widened while Kyle just looked at me with the same bored look she always carries around when in work mode.

"What's going on here? What's delaying my flight?" I barked, my impatience evident in my tone

They exchanged nervous glances, probably waiting to see who would speak first.

"I apologize, Miss Paris. There seems to be an issue with the pilot. He's fallen sick, and they're trying to find a replacement" Kyle said calmly not seeming nervous under my glare

I narrowed my eyes in confusion and looked from the chubby man who was shaking with fright to the man standing at the far end of the building in front of the helicopter.

"What do you mean by the pilot being sick? Isn't that other man a pilot?" I asked, gesturing to the other person.

He turned to follow my gaze and then faced me again, "Him? No, he's not a pilot. He.... He is a client like you" he explained

Oh!

"So in short, you're saying my flight has been delayed because of an irresponsible pilot?" I scoffed, "Unbelievable! Who are you by the way?"

The man straightened his stance "I'm the owner, ma'am. And I'm doing my best to resolve this. Unfortunately, there's no available pilot right now"

My temper flared "You're doing your best, yet you're standing here looking unkempt. Are you in your Goddamn senses? Are you telling me to reschedule my flight? Is that it?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, it's an unforeseen circumstance" he stuttered

I scoffed and let out a dry chuckle. The nerves of this man "Unforeseen?" I take threatening steps toward him while he takes some steps backward in fright

"I give you just two minutes, just two minutes to get a chopper ready with a qualified pilot, or else I will ruin what's left of this shitty place for incompetence if you don't get this sorted out immediately" I seethed and he jerked up shaking like a leaf

With that, I turned on my heel before his annoying voice stopped me midway

"What about that man? He booked the second-seater helicopter and he's going your way" he stuttered again

I halted in my steps, looking over my shoulder

"I could ask if he can share the ride with you since he's traveling solo?"

I raised my brow, clearly interested and I turned to face him fully, my arms folded together under my breast

"So what are you waiting for? Get on with it" I snapped. I could manage a ride with a commoner for today. I just hope the person doesn't turn out to be talkative and wishes to mingle.

He nodded and ran in the opposite direction, my eyes fixed on him as he made his way to the other man who appeared ready to board the plane.

I turned my attention to Kyle whose eyes were fixed on her tablet

"Get me my breakfast," I said taking my seat back on the chairs

She glanced at me before unzipping my duffel bag to get me my usual breakfast. It's a rolled and sliced sandwich that contains vegetables, cheese, and hummus.

I was halfway into my food when the man nervously sauntered towards me, his forehead glittering with sweat

I raised my eyebrow at him when he stood with his hands crossed in front of him without talking

"I...I tried but he...he refused ma'am and he's leaving soon" he stuttered

"Did you mention who I am?"

"Y...yes, I did" he stuttered again

I dropped the foil and gulped down my water, my appetite disappearing immediately and I could feel anger rise inside me.

Nobody, I mean nobody has ever refused me. I am always the one to say no not the other way round and this unknown person refused me even after knowing my identity?

"Lead me to him," I said, rising from my seat

~

We made our way to the other man who was standing in front of a helicopter. His brown hair moved with the wind. I noticed he was on his phone as the phone was pressed to his right ear. He turned his head towards me when I stood in front of him, finally acknowledging my presence.

If I thought the man was tall from afar, then I sure wasn't expecting him to be taller when closer to him. I feel intimidated, like an insect in front of him while he looks down at me through his sunshade as he continues talking to the person on the other line.

I dislike tall people, their height makes me feel small. That was the reason I fired my last assistant when Kain fell sick because she was taller than me even with my 5-inch heel.

The man brought the phone from his ear, his eyebrows raised. I cleared my throat, and faced him confidently, but couldn't see his eyes behind shaded sunglasses. Despite that, he's undeniably attractive. I bet his eyes are just as gorgeous.

I stretched out my hand for a handshake, "Hi, I'm Paris Adam." I introduced myself while he just stood, eyeing me through his dark sunshades.

He didn't say anything for a while and I was going to retrieve my hand when his rough hand clasped around mine sending a sweet shiver down my spine. That's strange, I thought

"Constantine Donovan," he said, his voice soft and husky. We held on to each other's hand with me staring up at his shielded eyes and him staring down at me with a smirk dancing around his lips revealing a tiny dimple. My knee buckled at the beauty. How I love dimples but I wasn't gifted one.

I let go of his hand and cleared my throat, "I need a ride" I informed him