Page 19 of Lustful Secrets
Her father is tall, a well-built man, who takes his health seriously. He is very handsome, though the stress of his job has added a bit of gray to his hair and a few wrinkles around his eyes. Her father always smells of comfort, a curt whiff of cologne and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Probably because he drinks coffee around the clock.
Mallory approaches her father, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. "Dad, I need to talk to you about something important."
Ted leans forward, his brows furrowing slightly. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Mallory begins "Dad, Sebastian has business in Paris, and he's invited me to go with him. He says there's a lot of work to be done, and it's normal for a personal assistant to travel with their boss."
Ted looks thoughtful, concern etched on his face. "Paris? With Sebastian? Mallory, that's quite unexpected. Can you tell me more about this trip?"
Mallory hesitates for a moment, knowing that her father has questions, and this will be an important conversation.
"Dad, it's strictly business. He needs my assistance while he's in Paris. I'll be working closely with him during the trip."
Ted studies his daughter for a moment, then sighs. "Very well, Mallory. I'll get your passport for you."
Mallory's heart swells with gratitude. "Thank you, Dad. I promise I'll stay focused on the work and keep in touch while I'm away."
As Ted retrieves her passport from a drawer, he gives her a fatherly smile. "Just remember, you're my little girl, and I worry about you. Take care of yourself and do your best to assist Sebastian during the trip."
"What's this about a trip to Paris?" Penelope, Mallory's mother, strides into the room. Her eyes narrow inquisitively.
Mallory turns to her mother. Penelope's eyes travel back and forth between her husband and daughter. Suddenly, she smiles brightly and walks toward Mallory, looks her into the eyes, and embraces her tightly and kisses her head.
Penelope is a tall, imposing woman and towers over Mallory. Her face is stern and angular, her hair always sleek and a shimmering amber.
Her voice steady, Mallory pulls away from her mother enough to look up at her. "Mom, Sebastian has a business trip to Paris, and he's asked me to accompany him. It's for work, and he needs my assistance while he's there."
Penelope exchanges a glance with her husband before turning back to Mallory. "This is rather sudden, dear. Are you sure about this?"
Mallory nods, a determined look on her face. "Yes, Mom. I'm prepared for the responsibilities, and it's a great opportunity for me to learn and grow in my role."
Ted chimes in, offering his support. "We trust your judgment, Mallory, but please stay safe and focused on the work during the trip."
With the understanding and support of both her parents, Mallory feels a sense of reassurance. She hugs them both, grateful for their encouragement.
With her passport in hand, she hurries off to pack. The plane leaves at 4AM.
Chapter Fifteen
The airport terminal buzzes with the usual hustle and bustle as Mallory stands at the designated meeting point. Her heart races with anticipation as she waits for Sebastian's arrival. She has never been on a private plane before, and the prospect of the upcoming journey to Paris both thrills and unnerves her.
Finally, she spots him approaching, his dark, enigmatic presence commanding attention even in a crowded airport. He is impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an aura of confidence and authority.
"Mallory," he greets her with a warm smile, his eyes holding a promise of the adventure to come. "I hope you're ready for this trip."
Mallory nods, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it."
As they make their way through the airport toward the private jet, Mallory can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the luxury and exclusivity of their mode of travel. The sleek, elegant aircraft stands waiting on the tarmac, ready to whisk them away to Paris.
As they board the private plane, Mallory realizes that it is just the two of them. There are no other passengers or flight attendants, only the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit. She turns to Sebastian, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Is it just us on this plane?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian nods, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Mallory. It's a private jet. Besides the pilot, co-pilot and one flight attendant, we have the entire plane to ourselves for the journey."
Mallory's heart races as the enormity of the situation sinks in. She will be alone with him for the entire twelve-hour flight to Paris, with no distractions or interruptions. It is both exhilarating and daunting.
As they settle into their seats, the engines roar to life, and the plane taxies down the runway. Mallory can't help but steal glances at Sebastian, her thoughts filled with anticipation for the journey that lies ahead.
