章節 6: First Meeting (updated)

- Present. In the car -

Coming back to his senses Alex finally asked;

"Are you 100% sure they were the Greydale guards?"

Derek nodded confidently, "No one would dare impersonate Cain Greydale's guards or, even more, claim someone as his woman."

Alex absentmindedly nodded his head and again fell into silence. After some time he talked again;

"Do they somehow know each other or what?"

"From what I understand Siana doesn't know him at personal level and she doesn't seem to be lying. From our short interaction I could tell that she is an honest person. So I believe when she says that she has never met him before."

Alex fell silent again and soon started mumbling to himself;

"Are you telling me that it was love at first sight? Nah, that's impossible. Even if she is as incredible as Derek described, the devil isn't someone to be deceived by looks only..." his mumbling was interrupted by Derek who announced that they reached his villa.

Alex exited the car in deep thoughts. Even though Derek trusted Siana's words he was still unsure. There was no one who didn't know about Cain Greydale and his power. The fact that she so openly went against his words in front of so many people meant that she was either ignorant, or was very close to him. Needless to think about the former possibility, even if she was his friend, no one had ever gone against Cain. One thing was crystal clear though: whichever case it was, it was no good news provoking Cain Greydale.

With these thoughts in his mind he quickly showered and went to bed. Tomorrow was Sunday so he had been looking forward to sleeping more but now he couldn't even stay still in the bed let alone sleep.

- Next day, morning -

Alex got up with a throbbing headache as he couldn't slept at all. After finishing his morning routine he started walking downstairs. His nostrils were soon invaded by the smell of pancakes, so he started walking towards the kitchen.

As he entered the kitchen, he caught the sight of the back of a girl with platinum hair. She was wearing a pastel pink robe that reached her knees allowing others to wonder at the beautiful shape of her long legs.

He was still observing her when she turned his way and said with a bright smile on her face;

"Good morning, Alex! How are you? Did you sleep well?"

Alex looked at the face of the now turned girl but failed to say a word for.

Not minding, Siana turned to the pancakes, flipped them quickly and turned back with an eager expression.

"Umm, good morning Siana... I am okay, slept well. How about you?"

"Really? You did? Your panda eyes say otherwise though," Siana chuckled at him. "I am good. The bed was so soft and fluffy that I fell for it straight away and quickly entered a beautiful dreamworld!" She said enthusiastically. "By the way, just call me Sia."

She took the pancakes from the pan and after turning off the stove asked with anticipation evident in her twinkling eyes,

"Now tell me about yesterday. Did everything go well? Any interesting events?"

Alex looked at her childish behaviour with surprise. It seemed like manners were the last thing she cared about. She hadn't even introduced herself properly but he didn't mind at all. Her positive aura was kind of contagious. Unknowingly, his headache had subsided a lot since he started talking to her. At her eager expression, he held back a chuckle and said amusedly,

"Everything went as planned. Nothing out of ordinary happened really. People were quite happy with all the arrangements and many invited celebrities actually expressed their interest and the desire to collaborate."

Their question-answer session continued for a while. He recalled a few important parts of the event but skipped the part where Will sent his clingy date away. Sia gave him a good vibe but he needed to observe her more to make sure that she was what she appeared to be.

Now, that he looked at her, thoughts of the airport incident came back. Actually, it wasn't impossible for Cain to fall for her from the first sight. Her energy and bearing attracted a person without much effort. Her bright smile helped one to relax and somehow feel happier.

After they sat down to have breakfast he asked,

"Now that I've told you everything, mind telling me about you and Cain Greydale?"

She took a moment before answering. Her answer came naturally and it was filled with tinges of annoyance;

"Cain Greydale and me? My dear cousin, there first needs to be something for me to tell you about unless you want me to make up stories."

"If there really is nothing, how do you explain yesterday's incident?" Alex asked not wanting to back away.

"Well, do clarify me the whole situation as soon as you get answers to your own question."

Siana stopped for a moment. Her countenance became more serious.

"Alex, we just met so I don't expect you to trust every word I say, but I ask you to believe me when I say I have nothing to do with that man. Knowing all the stories about his bad temper with women I am as surprised as you are with the whole situation."

Realising that the topic was making her uneasy and angry, Alex quickly started a new topic;

"Wow, you should have told me you can cook so well! I would have even personally bought your tickets."

Sia chuckled at his words and they continued their conversation in an already lightened mood. Soon, Alex spoke again,

"This is your first time in Veturia right? How about we go for a bit of sightseeing?"

"We? You mean you are coming as well?!" She exclaimed happily.

"Yep, I am. So, are you coming or not?"

"Of course I am! Give me a few minutes and I am ready!"

Alex couldn't help laughing at her antics. She literally ran from her seat.

Seeing her excitement, he actually found it weird that she was so attached to him. Nevertheless, he decided to let time give him the answers.

- 10:00am. In a black Bugatti Veyron -

"Hey, we aren't even at the nice places yet and you are already gawking like a kid. Are you sure you won't faint of excitement when we get there?"

Alex was in a good mood. It was weird but Sia made him feel comfortable and positive. Yes, for the first time in a long time he felt positive and generally happy to go outside and be around people. Even his medication didn't have such an effect on him.

Sia just pouted at his words and then continued joyfully looking at the scenery of one of the most advanced cities in the world. She was enjoying the view while listening to Queen when Alex's phone rang.

"Hi. Good, you? ... With my cousin, touring around the city ... No, mind your business, no need to join us... Ren! ... I'm gonna kill you one day I swear! ... I have booked the Veturia wheel from 11:00am," Alex talked through gritted teeth and then angrily disconnected the call.

"You know you look like a tomato now?" Sia said laughing.

"No, I don't!" came the defensive answer.

"Yes, you do. I don't know how that Ren guy got you so angry but I give him my respects for that," she teased.

"Firstly, I am not angry or red or anything! Secondly ..."

And so went the argument until the car came to a stop at a private parking area near the Veturia Square: the centre of the city.

All around were historical buildings which were perfectly fitted into the modern city. One could see to what extent the idea of 'being sustainable by not building anything new' was applied here.

All around were gardens where people were enjoying their time: some were reading books, others having picnic, others sleeping etc. In the centre one could also see big dancing fountains that added to the overall vibe of the city.

Though Sia was wearing a cap and sunglasses, it did nothing to hide her beautiful curves and her aura.

Noticing people's stares, Alex protectively held her hand and pulled her closer protectively. Not minding his gesture, they continued walking with Alex commenting on some attractions from time to time.

They soon reached their destination. From afar they could see two regal figures standing in front of the ferris wheel. At their sight, Alex couldn't help but slightly furrow his brows in annoyance.

They soon stopped in front of Ren and Will. Without letting Alex talk, Ren said with a broad smile on his face,

"Hi! Happy to finally meet you! Call me Ren!".

Seeing that Will stayed silent, Alex pointed at him with his chin and continued the introductions,

"This is William, but call him Will, like we all do. He is quiet but is a nice person so you can actually get along well with him. As for Ren, if he pesters you just let me know."

"Hey!" Ren protested desperately.

Not minding him Alex continued,

"And she is my cousin Siana. Now that introductions are over let's go inside the wheel."

Not waiting for an answer he pulled Sia and walked towards the ferris wheel.

Meanwhile, the two neglected people followed them filled with surprise. They were contemplating as to when and how Siana got so close to their friend. Seemed that it was going to be more interesting than expected.

However, they forgot about all these whens and hows the moment they entered the passenger compartment...