I cupped the back of her head with my hand, leaned down, and kissed her again. When we parted, her face was as red as a ripe apple, her breathing rapid.
"Go pack," I said, gently stroking her cheek. "I'll have Dmitri arrange everything."
"Okay." She nodded, that glow in her eyes captivating me.
The next morning, we boarded my private jet.
Noelle stood at the cabin entrance, staring at the Gulfstream G650, eyes wide with astonishment.
"This is yours?"
"Yes." I took her hand and led her inside. "From now on, you can use it anytime you want to travel."
"Oh my God..." she whispered. "I've never seen a plane this luxurious."
I glanced around—the cream leather seats, the solid wood coffee table, a small bar. At the rear, a private bedroom with a large bed.
"Just the basics," I said, guiding her to a window seat. "Once we're airborne, you can watch the sea of clouds."
She sat obediently, fastening her seatbelt. I settled beside her, watching her eyes shine with excitement, my lips curving into a smile without effort.
The plane taxied, accelerated, and soared into the sky.
Noelle pressed against the window, watching the ground structures give way to clouds, then an endless expanse of white, her wonder never fading.
"It's so beautiful..." she murmured. "It's been ages since I've seen anything like this..."
"I'm glad you like it."
She turned to me, eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you, Kholod. Really... thank you."
"No problem," I said, taking her hand. "It's what I should have done." Should have done much sooner.
The plane reached cruising altitude, the flight steadying. The flight attendant brought champagne and snacks, then tactfully withdrew to the front cabin.
Noelle unbuckled her seatbelt and returned to gazing at the clouds. Sunlight poured through the window, making her entire being seem to glow.
I watched her intently—the excited flush on her cheeks, her slightly parted lips, those eyes overflowing with delight.
A scorching impulse began eroding my self-control.
"Noelle," I said, my voice already husky.
"Yes?"
I didn't say anything. Instead, I stood, wrapped my arm around her waist, and drew her into my embrace.
"Kholod?" She looked up at me, puzzled.
I bent down and lifted her into my arms, bridal style.
"Kholod!" she exclaimed, her arms instinctively looping around my neck.
I said nothing, carrying her toward the rear bedroom.
"Wait, we're on a plane—"
"I know." I pushed open the door and laid her on the large bed with its silk sheets. "But I want you right now."
