Page 74 of Delilah In Discretion

Crossing her arms, she gave into the urge to look over her shoulder and witnessed Sterling speaking to Archer by his gate. Feeling her eyes on him, the redhead gazed over at her for a split second before biting his lip and turning away.

Abruptly, Kimiko turned away and headed to their gate. Anger began to build in her system. However, she remained poised as she rolled her carry-on.

She wasn’t, however, as successful in hiding the blush that threatened to appear on her face. Shaking away her ridiculous thoughts, Kimiko quickened her pace, determined to keep her mind in check as they prepared for departure.

Chapter twenty-four

Delilah

“So we’re going to a nightclub?” I asked Kimiko, confused as she ranted on about how Sterling “appeared out of thin air” and “ruined her entire trip.” We had finally landed in Paris and were now in an SUV, on our way to our hotel.

“Unfortunately. He made me look like a fool in front of the dean and tried to make me the bad guy!” she exclaimed.

I glanced at Avery for a split second to see him giving me a look that told me she was exaggerating.

“Kimi, I think you’re just tired. Let’s get settled, and you can let all that anger out after we finally get some rest… how does that sound?”

“Fine. I’ll relax. I still can’t believe the presidential suite is being occupied... oh please. Did Uncle Killian not offer a higher price for the room?” she asked, referring to the room she and I were supposed to share. By the time my father had stopped acting like a child, someone had already occupied it.

He did offer to buy it out, but the person was persistent and was willing to pay more than anything my father provided. Itwas a penthouse suite and would have been perfect for me, Kimiko, Nathan, and Avery to be in.

“He did, but whoever’s staying there clearly doesn’t care who my father is. But it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we have the next best thing, even though it’s for you and me only,” I replied, and Kimiko shrugged. Avery would be getting his room as well as Nathan, so it worked out in the end.

“I guess so—not the worst thing I had to hear in the last few hours. I can’t believe the dean actually liked his idea! He may even ask the idiot to work with me when we return to the States!” Kimiko started up again, and Avery sighed as he tried to make her relax, but his efforts were barely effective.

We reached our building, and as we stepped out, we were greeted by the students in our group and our chaperone for the trip. Kimiko and Avery went into the building for preparations, and I stood with Nathan as we listened to the woman speak about our agenda for the next few days and other important details.

“...And I know the word has gone around about a nightclub rented out for the students, and although you all are allowed to go, I expect you to arrive back in our meeting spot tomorrow morning at eight thirty sharp. Now, get some rest and unpack. Dinner will be served in the main hall down the street. Keep your tags on you for the entire trip, and check in every morning, afternoon, and evening on your cellphones. Remember, this is the last time you will hear English. Brush up on your French before tomorrow. You are dismissed!” she finished, and I squealed happily as I practically dragged Nathan into the building.

“Aren’t you excited, Nathan?! We’re in Paris!” I said with an accent, and he chuckled.

“In actuality, Delilah,youare in Paris. I am in your shadow.”

I sighed. “You’re allowed to have fun, eat, drink. You’re even allowed to breathe, Nathan!”

“Ask your father if I’m allowed to do that, and he’ll have a different opinion,” Nathan retorted, and I rolled my eyes as we made our way to me and Kimi’s room. After I opened the door, he placed my bags in the corner. “Now get unpacked. Once I give your father my daily report, he won’t want to hear that you were in a nightclub. If I go, it is your choice. I won’t be far, but I can let you enjoy yourself and not breathe down your neck.”

I blew him a kiss. “Stay in, do as you please. Thank you for my freedom tonight.”

He chuckled. “If I don’t give it to you, you will probably kill me in my sleep.”

I gasped and rolled my eyes. “How else should I do it? Make you suffer?”

He nodded. “That’s my cue to leave. Keep your location on and answer my phone calls.”

He moved towards his room, and Kimiko stormed inside. “I wish I could get drunk tonight, because I do not feel like being sober right now with all that is going on.”

I grabbed her shoulders and smiled as she was still steaming with anger.

“Kimi. We made it to Paris! You did it! Even if you have to babysit all of us. Regardless, you’re our president, and we love you for being there for us. And we’re big kids. One drink won’t hurt.”

She sighed dramatically. “I guess one drink wouldn’t hurt,” she compromised, and we both laughed it out as we prepared for the rest of the day.

After unpacking, I ate dinner and sat in my room as I curled my hair. Kimi walked in from the living room and sat on my bed, watching me in the mirror.

“We’re leaving in about twenty minutes,” she said, and I nodded, but I could tell she wanted to say more.

She continued as I expected. “What happened between you and Archer at the airport?”

---