22. Wait for me, I'll look for you

She later found out that they were being kept in severe inhumane conditions and almost starved to death with no food or water. The criminals didn't die but were left unconscious on the island.

A few miles before they arrived on the island town, they came across a group of fishermen who helped to contact the authorities and paramedics.

Xander was also very ill. He had a high fever as the wound on his shoulder had already developed a severe infection.

On the boat, he laid on Aria's bosom slowly losing his consciousness. A flash of panic slightly showing on her eyes, Aria gently and repeatedly patted his head urging him to be strong, assuring him that they'd soon find help.

***

Xander was lying on a stretcher ready to be ferried onto a large military helicopter surrounded by dozens of men in black. His people, Aria thought.

First aid had already been conducted on him and they needed to fly him as soon as possible to a larger hospital for immediate surgery before it was too late. They didn't want to risk him loosing his whole arm.

" Come here. "

Xander nudged her to get closer when he noticed her lost expression and the hot tears threatening to spill from her glistening eyes.

The sad look on her face said it all. He also didn't want to part with her.

" You have to hurry up and leave... you need to go to the hospital. "

Aria forced a smile on her face that did not reach her eyes as she hastily wiped her flowing tears with the back of her hand. What she feared had come, she hated the feeling of being separated from him. Looking at the dozens of sophisticated people surrounding him, the difference between their worlds could now be clearly seen.

" I said come hear. "

With his left hand, Xander pulled the little woman towards his body making her fall hard on his hard chest.

With one hand connected to an IV drop cupping her cheek, the other held the back of her head before he pressed her soft red lips for a kiss not bothering about the crowd that was watching from behind.

Their eyes widened in shock while others turned their gazes to the other side with burning cheeks.

Qin Cheng's lips twitched as he expressionlessly gazed at people's reactions. He had suffered the same ordeal for a week.

Aria felt her brain turning blank for a brief moment.

That was unexpected!

Xander gently savoured the taste of her lips pushing his tongue into her mouth and intertwined it with hers. The fresh taste in his mouth was being passed into her mouth.

Her mind had turned blank and all Aria could hear was the sound of her lips brushing against his and her own heart beating very wildly.

She subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly & clumsily responded the kiss.

She wasn't planning on withholding herself either. She let herself be encased in his warm hug.

When both became breathless, Xander reluctantly broke the kiss unwilling to let her go.

His hands caressed her hair and cheeks before he whispered into her ears.

" Be a good girl and wait for me. I'll come and look for you. "

His voice was hoarse yet warm as he wiped the big droplets of tears that were about to spill from her eyes. He gave her lips a soft peck before pressing a kiss on her forehead.

" I promise. "

Aria's butt sat on the makeshift bed, her upper body completely lying on his chest.

Realizing their ambiguous position, she looked away her face turning redder. She could still feel the warmth of his breath blowing on her forehead. Even that light fragrance on him seemed to be imprinted on her skin.

With her head lowered, she bit her bottom lip before she finally managed to look into his deep and sincere eyes. She nodded.

" Okay. "

She'd wait for him.