Chapter 41

"About what I said the other day… I'll go to the bakery later. . His cheeks turned pink as he looked at her. Of course it would be cute to apologize. Why should she be angry with him now? "They said we were from different worlds. 'What's changed?'" she said, surprised by the question that came up so quietly. It was very strong for a long time. Who would have thought that one confused billionaire would destroy her confidence? "Me and I both heard some confusing news." . . I couldn't handle it very well," he held out his hand. "Can we start over?"

Atiya looked at his hand and bit his lip. To tell her truth, she was tired of holding on to her irritation. She just wanted to forget the past and move on. She grabbed his hand. "safety."

He nodded. "Okay. Well, it must be somewhere…" . He nodded at the helicopter. "Are you going there?"

"yes."

"So where are you going?"

He smiled at her. "You just have to see."

After a quick safety check, Page was quickly strapped to the helicopter with a slightly oversized helmet. Her headphones covered her ears and the mic was just outside her lips. She felt like an alien. In the movies, flying in a helicopter looked more glamorous. Aquila dove after her, buckled her seat belt and climbed in. Finding her seat, he glanced at her. "Are you okay?" his voice came through the headset. She nodded and shook her head. "I'm a little afraid of heights."

He smiled behind the microphone. "It's okay. Theodore is the best in the business."

Atiya glanced at the pilot turning the dial to flip the switch. "I wish it was," she said, but then all thoughts were shattered by the sound of the helicopter coming to life. The flight over New York State was beautiful. Even though the trees are bare in winter, the difference in topography is amazing. And so close to the action, Atiya gasped. As she approached Cape Vincent, she turned to Aquila . he studied her. "I grew up there," she exclaims, nodding at the small town flying overhead. "I know," he said. What does that mean? Was he stalking her? "Look?"

"April told me."

Was your aunt with him? "When did you talk to April ?"

His expression became uneasy. "Well, a few days ago."

Why didn't April tell her? "So what were you two talking about?"

He became more and more interested in his crossed hands. When he didn't answer, she tried again. "What were you talking about?"

He sighed. "She wanted me to help you. Tell me about the villa."

Looking out the window, Atiya saw Theodore hovering above the mansion she had dreamed of since childhood. Her heart was pounding and sinking at the same time. "Have you bought a villa?"

Aquila laughed. "Not yet."

Theodore landed in a nearby field. Atiya wanted to ask what they were doing here, but she couldn't. When the pilot tried to jump out of the helicopter so it could take off again, it didn't seem like the right time. Aquila told Theodore that he would call when he was ready to leave. Theodore nodded back to the helicopter, and silence soon enveloped them. Atiya wrapped her coat around her and looked at Aquila . "Come on," he said, beckoning her to follow her. As they approached the dilapidated mansion, the St. Lawrence River was only a few yards away. It looked beautiful and majestic, even in the cold November air. His potential always rocked Atiya 's mind. It was the corpse of a beautiful house. I wish an investor would buy it and fix it. As they walk around the house, Atiya finds a white tent that has been pitched. The central flap faced the river. Smoke was rising from the chimney sticking out of the roof. She looked at him what happened? Have you come here from the silence of the last few days? "What are you doing?" she asked. Did she want to know? He opened the tent flap and glanced at her as he invited her inside. As soon as she entered her, her warmth enveloped her. In her corner was a small wood-burning stove. Inside, bright orange and yellow flames were burning. A table was placed in the middle. Well stocked with plates, cutlery and wine glasses. A rug was also laid out on the lawn. "That's great." She gasped. Why did he do that As her gaze continued through the tent, she settled on a familiar object. Her stomach tightened as she swallowed the familiar golden vase. It was her father. "What…?" She didn't know what to say. A warm hand grabbed her own. She had never seen Aquila come closer to her, but now she could feel him standing inches away from her. "I spoke with April . She said you were in trouble." His thumb stroked her knuckle. She wanted to take her hand off. She wanted to jump out of the tent. She wanted it. . . something. "I know how hard it is to want to hold on to something. I'm scared to let that person go. When Rose passed away, I thought my world would never be the same. But you." When I met ' His voice softened. She swallowed. His voice contained too much emotion. It frightened her and fascinated her at the same time. Her heart pounded as she stared at him. He looked at her as if he wanted her to see how he felt. Read her emotions burned into his soul. But what about her determination? What happened to her father, whose remains were just a few feet away? What would he say With all her strength, she pulled her hand away. If she is there and she warms to his presence, she will never want to leave. And now she had to go. He looked sad as she took a step back. For a split second he thrust her hand into her front pocket and she shrugged her shoulders. He gave her an understanding smile and nodded to the table. "Aren't you hungry? I think Debbie left some food somewhere." His eyes circled the tent and stopped on the white cooler. "Oh, there," he said as he walked. Atiya went to one of the chairs and sat down. Immediately Aquila took out two plates protected by metal covers. He went to the table and sat down in front of her. Then he did the same to himself. Atiya was grateful for the distraction. She took the lid off her plate and welcomed the wonderful aromas emanating from her meat and puree. She picked up a fork and knife and dug into it. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't. The meat literally melted on her tongue and the other ingredients of the dish mixed in her mouth creating a symphony of flavors. She ate the plate in record time. She looked up as she reached for her napkin. Aquila ate and still had half his plate left. He looked worried, which embarrassed her. What should he have worried about? After covering her plate again, she put down her napkin and leaned back in her chair. The warmth of her stove and her fullness swept over her and made her relax. She looked at Aquila Why did he want her to go on like that? What was his story? "Tell me about Rose ," she said. He looked at her and raised her eyebrows. "What do you want to know?"

Atiya smiled. "All."