Chapter 10 The honeymoon

Aria looked through the plane window as they landed into Paris, the city of love.

Earlier on, Maverick woke her up at dawn. "Get ready. Our flight leaves soon" No gentle words, no warmth. Just another reminder of their contract marriage.

Aria had quickly dressed, her mind racing with thoughts of the week ahead. Staying in Paris for seven days, all alone with a man who doesn't tolerate her presence and doesn't see her as his wife.

As they stepped out of the plane, Maverick led the way as Aria tries to keep up with his long steps.

Their luxurious golden Rolls Royce awaited, driving them away to the elegant 5-star Hotel Plaza Athénée. Aria's eyes widened at the gorgeous Eiffel Tower views from their suite.

Their valet, Jacques, greeted them calmly, offering a vintage wine and welcoming them to their honeymoon suite. Maverick nodded, dismissing Jacques before turning to Aria.

"This is our schedule" he said, handing her a portfolio.

"We'll have dinner at Le Jules Verne tonight. Be ready by 7pm"

With that, he turned and disappeared into the suite's adjacent room, leaving Aria feeling like a solitary traveler in a beautiful, yet hollow, city.

Aria decided to explore the hotel. She left the suite and ventured out.

In the elegant hallway, she gazed at the chandeliers and mind blowing artwork. The sound of people conversing, glasses clinking, and a live piano filled the air.

Some minutes later, her phone beeped with a text from Jacques.

*Your massage and spa appointment is at 2 PM. Shall I send someone to accompany you?

Aria smiled at the text, remembering the schedule. I guess this honeymoon wouldn't be so boring.

Aria decided to return to her suite. As she walked down the hallway, she felt a sudden shiver down her spine. It was as if someone was staring at her.

She looked around, scanning the whole environment, but she couldn't find anyone.

Aria shrugged, thinking she was just hallucinating. As she continued walking the feeling persisted but she hastened her pace.

She looked around again, this time she was extremely careful. Still, she could not find anyone.

"Am I going nuts?" She asked herself.

The doors of the elevator opened, and she stepped in, pressing the button for her suite floor. As the doors closed, she caught a glimpse of someone watching her.

But when she turned, there was no one.

Aria became worried and her heart beat faster. Was she really being watched, or was her imagination playing tricks?

The elevator stopped on her floor, and she walked out with so much fear.

Aria quickly entered her suite, shutting the door behind her. She rest against the door, inhaling deeply to calm her racing heart.

She saw Maverick sitting on the couch, holding a cigarette.

"Done exploring?"he asked.

"So you.....smoke?" she asked, without responding to his question.

Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow. "I do, occasionally"

"I felt like someone was watching me downstairs"she told him.

"Probably just hotel staff"he said and Aria didn't push the discussion.

Maverick stood up, walking towards her and Aria instinctively stepped back.

As he closed the distance between them, Aria retreated further.

Aria's back touched the door, halting her escape.

Maverick held Aria's waist, grabbing her neck seductively, sending shivers down her spine.

"You can't run away from this, Aria" he whispered.

"You're my wife, Aria" he reminded her.

"I don't care" Aria said.

"I do" Maverick whispered, his breath caressing her skin.

"We had an agreement" Aria insisted.

"Our agreement said no sex until Tuesday"she added.

"Chain Play isn't just sex" Maverick said.

"It's intimacy" Aria said,she actually looked up the meaning yesterday night when he left.

"Exactly"

"I still stand by our agreement" she declared.

"We'll see about that"

Maverick's gaze dropped to Aria's lips, then lower, to her heaving chest. His fingers on her nape tightened, drawing her closer.

Without hesitation, he slide under her top and his other hand gently massaging her breast. Aria's eyes widened, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Maverick smirked hearing that and Aria regretted reacting to it.

"Tomorrow night, you'll surrender to me, body and soul"he whispered.

"I'll shatter your walls, Aria. You'll beg for my touch, my kiss, my dominance" he squeezed her boobs and Aria's lips parted, a soft moan escaped her lips instantly.

<7PM: LE JULES VERNE, PARIS>

Aria's eyes sparkled as they entered the renowned restaurant, its elegant ambiance and breathtaking Eiffel Tower views leaving her breathless.

Just hours ago, they were in their hotel suite,his hands exploring her body,his lips tracing her skin. The memory made her cheeks to turn red as she remembered what he said, "Tomorrow night, you'll surrender to me,body and soul"

As they settled in, a waitress presented them with menus, and Maverick makes an order without consenting from Aria making her frown.

Throughout the meal, Maverick's phone kept on ringing, moving his attention away from their table.

The main meal finally arrived and Aria attempted to break the silence.

"Maverick, is everything-"

"Don't bother yourself with my business, Aria" he said which made her angry, the food in her mouth suddenly irritates her.

Maverick's phone rang again, and he went out, leaving Aria alone.

She watched, feeling isolated, as he stepped outside.

Maverick stepped outside, leaving Aria alone at the table.