Page 18 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)
Selma informed me that I'd be picked up by a car and taken to the airport, where the company plane would fly me the short distance to our destination. This is my first trip as Vice President of Finance, so as much as I would rather be at home, I pushed myself to get out the door this morning. I’m also exhausted from last night, and I have a throbbing pain in my right hand.
Not to mention my apartment is a disaster.
I can’t believe I lost control like that.
What was I thinking? I was so overwhelmed.
Shit. I hope the painkillers kick in soon, but focusing on the pain distracts me from spiraling.
I exit the building, looking around for the car, but I don’t see it.
I pull up the email, yeah, here it is. Pickup at eight in the morning.
I look around but only see a man leaning on a red sports car, a bit ostentatious if you ask me, but to each his own.
He’s just standing there, wearing a black shirt that shows off his tattoos.
The multitude of designs starts at his fingers and continues all the way up his arms. I bet if he took off his shirt, he'd be covered in them. He’s wearing dark jeans and combat boots, like something out of an action movie.
His body is lean. He reminds me of the fighters I see at the gym.
He looks like he could do some damage. Shit, I need to stop staring.
“Serena Nerva.” Did he just say my name?
“Y-y-yes.” My reply carries hesitation because who the fuck is this guy? And after the last twenty-four hours I’ve had, I’m in no mood.
“I’m Caleb. Ian sent me to pick you up.” He moves toward me, and I step back.
“Did he really?” I say sarcastically.
“Yeah, no. I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t know you. I can take a cab or car service to the airport.” He laughs and pulls out his phone, typing something, and less than a minute later, my phone buzzes.
Unknown
Get in the fucking car.
Serena
Who’s this?
I know exactly who it is just by the bossiness, but fuck him for assuming I’d get into a car with a stranger. He’s a hot stranger, but a stranger nonetheless.
Unknown
Stop being a brat and get in the fucking car, or I’ll have him drag you.
Serena
No. Just have him try.
Serena
He could be a serial killer for all I know.
Unknown
Get. In. The. Car.
Serena
No, thank you, Mr. Kayde.
Unknown
Option B it is.
I look up from my phone, and Caleb is just laughing like this is some sort of comedy show. The phone in his hand vibrates.
“Well, I guess we are doing this the hard way.” Then he starts walking toward me.
“Okay. Okay,” I say, lifting my hand. “I’ll get in. Just promise you won’t kill me.” He looks at my hand, then back at me.
“I promise, but I can’t say the same about Ian.” He says it with a wink.
Serena
In the car. You’re an asshole.
Unknown
Well aware of the asshole status. And you're hardheaded.
On the way to the airport, Caleb lets me know he’s Ian’s cousin and makes it clear that he has no plans to kill me.
“So, you’re the famous Serena.” His smile never leaves his face. “I’d like to personally thank you for giving my cousin such a hard time. It’s nice to see him humbled, especially by someone as beautiful and intelligent as you.”
This guy is a natural flirt. “Are all the men in your family this charming?” I ask with amusement because he has a nonchalance about him that is refreshing, and it’s something that I need at the moment.
“They wish. Unfortunately for them, I got the best genes in all departments.” He winks again.
I lean my head against the window, enjoying the relief from the pain, now that the medication is kicking in.
“What happened to your hand?” I’m not surprised he asked, but I need a moment to come up with a lie.
“I was cooking dinner last night, and the knife slipped.” He looks at me and then turns to face the road.
I’m thankful for the silence for the rest of the car ride.
When we arrive at the private airport, I’m so ready to get away, even if it's to work.
“Thank you for the ride, Caleb.” I extend my left hand.
“A pleasure, Serena. And do me a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Next time, come up with a better lie.”