Chapter 45

Atiya grabbed him by the hand and led him out of the store. "Then I'll help you. I'm also honing my ninja skills. If either one wants to throw, I'm ready."

Aquila followed her, moaning. "Okay, okay. But if her drunken behavior turns ugly, don't say I didn't warn you. "

Atiya nodded. "promise."

They rushed into his limousine and slammed the door. As they walked down the street, Atiya snuggled up to the bend of Aquila ' arm. She put her hand on his chest and made a circle with her fingers. He reached out and took her hand. "This has to stop," he whispered. Atiya chuckled. "Forgive me." She pushed back and looked at him. He was staring at her with her strained expression. "It felt a little too good."

"I took it."

He held her hand as Georgia drove through the city streets. Light flashed around them. Atiya sighed. Everything felt perfect. "How are you? Because of what happened yesterday," he said. She leaned back to look at him. He smiled. "OK." She took a deep breath and exhaled again. "It feels like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. I feel like I've been holding back all this time. . . It felt so good to let go of everything. ' She leaned over her and brushed his lips with hers. He grabbed her by the back and pulled her closer. The limousine stopped and he moaned. "May I ask Georgia to close the circle?" Atiya walked away with a laugh. "Cheer up. They'll probably be waiting for you. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can go," she told him, laughing. The truth is, I was a little nervous about seeing Raquel again, but I probably wasn't. When Raquel saw how happy they were together. Her son's happiness must mean something to her. After all, she was his mother. Atiya reached out and pulled the door handle. The cold winter air blew into the car. She shivered as she stepped onto the sidewalk that stretched along Park Avenue. In front of her was a tall building with white columns. Men in tuxedos stood outside the door to greet guests who offered invitations. Aquila stood next to her as she closed the door. Atiya slipped her hand inside her as he stuck out his elbow. Several reporters stood on the sidelines and took pictures of the prominent guests. When they saw Aquila , they turned their cameras on him. Aquila smiled and nodded, as if he was used to being in the spotlight. A nervous butterfly flew through Atiya 's stomach. Deep down in her heart, she knew there was a good chance she would slip and take this billionaire into the abyss. Luckily, they got past the reporters and ushers without incident. Atiya took a deep breath as they entered. It was great. The whole room has become a Christmas specification. Large trees surrounded the room and towered towards the sky. It was adorned with huge ornaments and twinkling lights. A table was set up In the room. They were covered with white tablecloths with holly ornaments. An orchestra sat aside playing Christmas ballads. "Christmas was Rose 's favorite time of year," Aquila whispered behind her back. As he took off his coat, she felt his hand on her shoulder. "I think Rose and I hit it off," Atiya said, watching Rose hand the coat to the woman who handed the ticket. He watched her for a while. "Rose must have loved you." He smiled and pulled her closer. "Just like I love you," he whispered, burying her face in her neck. Atiya smiled as she pressed her hand to his chest. "Now introduce the people of your world." She stepped back and took his hand. Aquila groaned. "People in my world are boring. The only interesting ones are Debbie and Lemuel … ' He paused, his eyes on the inhabitants. "I may introduce you to Lemuel ." He ushered her into the small crowd gathered around the table.

They stopped in front of a large table under a large window. A man with blond hair was laughing and talking to a woman in a plunging V-neck crop dress. She was covered in black sequins and glittered. She looked so royal. So Atiya wore a simple satin dress that made her feel small and silly. The man turned around as Aquila approached. "Aquila , you are here," he said, holding out his hand. Aquila met him and they crouched for a man's hug. As they moved away, the man's eyes fell on Atiya . She gave him a small smile. "Is that girl?"

Aquila cleared his throat. "Lemuel , this is Atiya ."

Lemuel held out his hand. "Atiya , so you're the baker who pissed off my stoic friend." He leaned forward. "I have to say you did well. Not many things in his life made him smile like that," he nodded in Aquila ' direction. Atiya smiled and grinned as he shook hands with Lemuel , who held him. "I think I drank a little too much eggnog," Aquila said, reaching out and tearing her hand off. Lemuel had a hurt look on his face. "Hey, don't knock until you try," he said, lifting a glass to them and taking a sip. Aquila ' expression turned worried. "Have you seen a dragon?" he asked in a low voice. Lemuel raised an eyebrow. "About half an hour ago. She was looking for you."

Atiya leaned forward. "Who is the dragon?"

"His mother. The infamous Raquel Murillo ."

Atiya stepped back. Did he say Murillo now? Where had she heard her name before? Her belly turned her around. It looked familiar, but she didn't know why. Aquila grabbed her hand and pulled her away from Lemuel and his date. "Dance with me?" he asked, putting her arms around her waist and leading her to the dance floor. Atiya grabbed her hand and pulled her towards her, and she smiled at him. She put her head on his shoulder and followed him. Everything felt perfect when he took her to the dance floor. The only thing Atiya was sure of was that they were going to be. "We will win this tournament next month," he whispered in her ear. She nodded. "Agree."