Zara

The next day, I chose flared jeans, pumps, and a lace travel top. Alpha Kane informed me that we would be checking into a hotel where we would meet his clients for dinner before the party.

So I had plenty of time to get ready. The cold asshole I called boss was wearing his usual black button-down and dress pants. Today, he was wearing Ray-Bans, and that damn cologne of his hit me full force as I sat down next to him and said hello.

"Good evening, sir."

"Okay."

The flight to Alpha Kane’s private jet was quiet and calm, with him almost completely absorbed in his phone. I looked outside, watching the trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter.

We soon arrived at the airport and were escorted to his sleek jet, the same color as his coffee. The fading sun reflected off the shiny surface as we climbed the stairs and entered the plush cabin.

The shiny black leather seats were comfortable and inviting, and Alpha Kane let me take control and settle into my preferred position.

I slung my bag over my arm and took the window seat. Alpha Kane settled across from me so that we faced each other. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

His toned legs were spread apart but not touching me. He rested his elbow on the armrest and his fingers tapped against his full lips.

Olphie joined us, his bald head like a large boiled potato as he moved back to sit far forward.

As soon as the plane began to taxi and take off, I unzipped my bag, pulled out the black leather case, and handed it to Alpha Kane.

"Here!"

His eyes widened in surprise, and he froze in place for a few seconds. I began to feel foolish for holding out my hand, and just when I thought Alpha Kane wouldn’t take it, he held out his hand, wrapped his slender fingers around it, and took it.

"You weren’t listening." Alpha Kane didn’t waste time asking if it was for him; he knew that.

I just shrugged smugly and replied.

"I take my job seriously."

His lips twitched. Was he holding back a smile?

He looked down at the box in his hand, turning it gracefully so that the lock faced him.

I held my breath as Alpha Kane’s thumb poked at the silver lock.

Alpha Kane opened the small latch and lifted the lid. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, his curiosity was visible through the dark lenses.

As far as I knew, Alpha Kane loved limited edition items, and this watch was exactly that. I came across it a few days ago and fell in love immediately.

I had to ask for help to find out about it, since Rolex only made three pieces.

The atmosphere was appropriate for this handsome CEO who liked to wear the darkest colors in the world.

The Rolex was completely chromed, and the hands resembled silver stripes on a dark background. The time only appeared when the owner looked directly at the dial; otherwise, the dial looked like a circle filled with resin.

A thin chain fit tightly against the skin and determined the mood of the owner using temperature sensors.

"Sometimes the watch showed a quote, determining the mood of the owner, including witty jokes. I bet this watch could give him countless jokes, assuming he was usually in a bad mood," Nova chuckled.

Trying to keep a straight face, Alpha Kane took the watch out of the box and put it on his wrist, staring at it for a moment.

Sliding it onto his thick wrist, Alpha Kane gripped it tightly and twisted his wrist a few times. The watch was light and fit snugly on his wrist.

"Congratulations, Zara! The arrogant CEO accepted your gift." Nova smiled.

"Yeah, I can’t believe it." I was shocked.

His lips pressed into a thin line, and my heart sank as he glanced at me. He asked quietly.

"How did you get this, Zara?"

My jaw dropped in disappointment.

"Why?"

"It’s a limited edition, A7-10. It’s not easy to get." Alpha Kane’s face remained impassive as usual, but excitement danced in his eyes.

"Are you implying that I’m poor or don’t have the connections to buy my fake boyfriend a gift? Even though he’s not real and seems disappointed with the gift," I stressed fake, leaning back in my seat and trying not to pout like a child.

Alpha Kane pursed his lips again and hid his smile, trying to hide it after my answer.

"I didn’t mean anything like that, and I’m not disappointed. But you shouldn’t have spent so much money on this. Your money should be spent on yourself..."

I shook my head vigorously, tried to control my big mouth.

"It’s my money, let me decide where to spend it. If I’d said the same thing when you bought me a pendant, would you have agreed?"

I countered, and a rare smile still crossed her face. Alpha Kane looked even more handsome when he smiled: the stern features of his face softened, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes became thinner.

"Okay, but you won’t do it again."

"I can’t promise," I said. But Alpha was adamant.

"Next time, I won’t accept, Zara. I’m serious, so I won’t. I don’t like gifts."

"Predictable," Nova said.

"Was there anything, His Highness...What did he like, other than brooding and forcing his opinions on others?" I rolled my eyes.

"As you say, you’re Highness." I raised my hand, deliberately curling my lips, and Alpha Kane just rolled his eyes.

Wow! Billionaire Alpha Kane Sterling rolled his eyes. He wasn’t so bad after all.

I remembered Miranda’s words: if you break the hard shell, there’ll be a heart.

’But what lies inside that heart? Only time will tell if Alpha Kane ever opens up.’ Nova was so predictable. I like that thing about my wolf. My wolf understands my feelings more than anyone.

***