CHAPTER 7

"Date me, Kelsey."

What the hell? I cannot function well from what happened earlier. Until now, I couldn't sleep. All I wanted was a calm and free vacation.. free from all of my family's expectations. I didn't imagine my vacation to turn out this way.

There's a possibility that Xavier was just messing around with me but the thing is.. what he said was not impossible. Growing up, I was told that I shall marry well. That I had to be best and the epitome of perfection, though, I was far from perfection.

I tried so hard to reach their expectations for me... maybe if I was a man, I wouldn't be pressured to marry well. I hate to be born in this family. I love them, though. But, most of the time they are unreasonable.

It's currently two o'clock and I'm still wide awake. I took a deep breath before I stood up from my bed to pick up my phone. I texted Kairro if I can call him but I didn't need to wait for his reply because he called me up few minutes after my text was sent.

"What happened? Everything's fine?" I didn't answered. I don't know. I wanted to talk to him about what I've learned but it might just trigger something.. like.. they will know that I am with Xavier.

"Kelsey? Are you okay? Did something bad happened?"

I blew out a sigh. "Kai."

"Why?"

"I was just thinking what will happen to me after college?" I asked only to realized that I might give him a hunch that I know something.. or does he even know? "I mean, do you think I can start off my own company, too?" I asked while giggling. I faked giggles so he won't get suspicious, if he knows about something.

"Well.. of course. I believe in you," he said then scoffed. "What business do you want to start up? Make-up? Clothing?"

"Both."

"We can invest. I'll be your first investor," he cheered me up. I couldn't help but smile... Kairro had always been the sweetest and most supportive.

"Do you think grandpa will let me? Do you think mom and dad will agree?" I asked.. it took him few second before he talked. He told me that no matter what happened, he got my back.

Maybe... Kairro doesn't know about anything?

*****

"Good morning, Kelsey," I heard a very familiar baritone voice. I looked at him when he occupied the seat in front of me. "Good thing no other man is around to bother you."

I didn't mind what he said. All I wanted was a nice vacation and I will have that. I won't let anyone hinder my peace. I decided that I'll enjoy it and if Xavier intend to come along with me then he's allowed.

"I want to try skydiving," I said. He stopped sipping his tea before looking at me with a crease on his forehead.

"Too dangerous," he commented.

"If my memory serves me right.. you introduced that to me."

"But that's too dangerous."

"I want to try it."

"I don't want to repeat myself."

"I am not in any way asking for your permission," I shot back that made him glare at me. I couldn't help but let out a smile because of how he looked. He looks so mad.. but still hot? Gosh, am I alright for this?

"Fine," he gave in. I smiled.

"After that let's roam around the beach? The cruise will sail for hours. Let's roam around the cruise ports, okay?" I waited for his reply but all he did was nod.

"I was thinking if we can explore the city," I whispered. "If you're not interested then you can stay here, just don't let my brother know about it."

"I don't care about them," he swiftly said. I rolled my eyes.

"They're my brothers! Be nice!" I hissed.

"Not my brother."

"But we're dating! So respect them in front of me," I defended. He scoffed before he laid his eyes on me. He was about to argue but good thing he chose to shut his mouth.

"So, you'll explore the city? Then go wander from different city? What about your stay here?" He asked.

"It doesn't matter. I want to enjoy the whole vacation. I've enjoyed the amenities here, though. I liked everything about this cruise ship! Hopefully, I can go back but I just really want to have the most of my stay." I explained. "What about you?" I asked.

"With you. I'll go with you," he said with finality in his voice while staring at me. My heart suddenly raced with that small gesture and words.

I watched him eat his meal. I am enjoying the view.. the sea and the man in front of me. My eyes shifted to a man meters away from us who is looking at me intently. I didn't mind him, though. I don't care about Marco Martini. He looks good but not good enough for me. And he's annoying, too.

"Something's wrong?" Xavier asked when he saw how uncomfortable I am.

"Nah."

"Let's swim," Xavier offered. I smiled at the thought!

"Sure. Let's go," I said while my eyes glitters in excitement.

I chose a white boho dress and I wore a red tube two-piece underneath. I am seriously excited for this!

I have planned everything in my mind now. Explore some cities. Visit Paris and do a lot of shopping. Roam around Italy, visit Greece, Amsterdam, and Spain!

Xavier's back figure welcomed me when I opened my door. He was talking to someone over the phone and when he felt that I was looking at him.. he gave me a small nod and a hand gesture telling me to wait up so I patiently waited for him.

"I'm sorry. It's business," he said.

"I don't mind. What about it? Do they need you there?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Someone's managing it while I am away. They can function even without me.. just maybe for a month. But, I do read all the reports and give orders, still."

When we arrived at the pool area, it was just the two of us. Some were on the other pool area, I guess...

Xavier held my hands as we get into the pool.

"Are you always on cruise—" I was cut off... when both of Xavier's hand landed on my waist. He was holding me like I was a tiny creature. But even though his hands were on my waist, his eyes were on something else. He was looking around... as if someone should not see us.

When his eyes landed on my eyes, I could feel my heart beating so fast... as if it is ready to go out of its cage and run as fast as it could. He was staring at me so I did stare at him with the same ferocity.

My heart was beating so fast and it was so loud to the point I could hear it. But, even then... the man in front of me was the only thing in my eyes.

Am I getting myself into trouble?