"Yes, you didn't like it? Do you prefer Madam or Miss? I can ask him to call you more respectfully, whatever you like." He had a sarcastic smile on his face.
I just rolled my eyes at his childlike possessiveness and started to look outside the window, appreciating the beauty of the island we were in.
Jake wrapped his arms around my shoulder and moved to sit closer to me. The moment he did, I felt extremely relaxed, my heart bounced in joy.
He was my happy place. I held his hand on my shoulder and interlocked his fingers with mine.
***
"Hello, Jacob. Everything is ready. The weather is a bit rainy, but the air traffic control has cleared us to fly. We can take off as soon as you are ready." A man in his mid-fifties told Jake as he took his business suitcase from Brett and passed it to the steward standing behind him.
"Thanks, Augustin. Let's start without any further delay. I have a crucial meeting to attend tomorrow morning". Jake gave him a small smile.
As Augustin was heading inside, Jake called him from behind, "by the way, this is Emma." Jake pointed at me, while his other hand was placed at the small of my back.
"I thought so. Who else could she be? I am so glad to meet you finally. I have heard a lot about you." Augustin gave me an approving look and extended his hand in my direction.
I took his hand to reciprocate the gesture with a friendly smile. "Emma, this is Augustin. The head of my family's security detail but also a close friend, mentor, confidante. Whatever you would like to call him." Warmth and adoration were evident in Jake's tone.
I remembered Aunt Amy's words. So, Jake visited that small cafe with Augustin? He must be very close to him.
"I am pleased to meet you Augustin," I stated politely.
We all headed inside the plane, and the moment I entered, I was enthralled by the luxurious interiors. It was my first time in a private jet, and I didn't expect it to be so extravagant. There were many sections, Jake and I got seated in a deluxe cabin while everybody else seemed to be in the cabins at the back.
We were now seated on the comfortable sofa-like seats as the plane took off. The moment we took off, Jake took out his laptop and started working. Soon, his skype and phone were buzzing with back to back calls.
I was observing him silently. It took a lot of effort and hard work to run a multi-million company.
He truly worked round the clock. Meanwhile, I was trying to keep myself busy with the available magazines and books. I think almost after an hour; there was a sudden jerk. The aircraft was now shaking due to heavy turbulence.
I was suddenly very nervous; this was one of the reasons I hated flights. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, that's when I felt Jakes arms around me. He suddenly dropped all he was doing and came by my side.
He was now sitting next to me, holding me tight. "Relax Emma. It's going to be fine. It's normal turbulence due to bad weather". He tried to assure me.
I put my head on his shoulder while holding his arm tightly and closed my eyes. He was leaning closer to
comfort me. My breathing became even, and slowly I felt calm in his embrace. We sat like that for more than an hour after that; Jake was still working when one of the attendants came to ask our meal preference for dinner.
"What would you like to eat Emma?"
"I am not very picky. I am fine with whatever you decide."
"Get small portions of all the available dishes."
I looked at him, astounded. "What? I am starving", he shrugged simply.
Soon the food was served. It was like a seven-course meal at any fine restaurant—so much variety.
We both ate together, chatting a bit about work and other random things. After some time, Jake continued his work, and I excused myself to head to the restroom. As soon as I opened the door, surprisingly it was a small bedroom with an attached washroom. I was astounded looking at the way luxurious amenities were made available thousands of feet above the ground. The room was neat and cozy; I took a while to admire the interiors.
I quickly used the washroom and was now adjusting my clothes in a mirror right outside the door.
That was when Jake entered the room.
"What took you so long? I got worried."
"Sorry, I was just coming out. I was looking around and lost track of time."
"That's fine. You can also rest if you wish, we still have a few hours before we land. I need to wrap up one last thing." Jake gestured at the bed.
"Sure, that sounds good. Go ahead; I will be here if you need me." Jake left, and I lied down on the bed relaxing my muscles. Soon, I drifted to sleep.
Sudden ruffle inside the room woke me up.
I looked up to find a shirtless Jake with just his pants on standing in front of me.
"I am sorry, I tried to keep it low and not disturb you".
"It's fine, Jake. What are you doing? And why are you... umm… shirtless?" He gave me a mischievous look, "like what you see?" He chuckled. I was blushing and looking down, avoiding eye contact with him.
He looked so sexy.
He chuckled, "I was changing into formals, I will be heading straight to office from the airport. I have an important meeting."
"But you hardly slept a wink. It’s been more than fourteen hours we have been travelling."
"It's fine. I am not very tired". He was now opening his bag to take
