Tangled in Desire

Zara's eyes fluttered open again, feeling refreshed and content after her meal. Still restless from the hours in the air, she glanced over at Xavier, who was still immersed in his laptop, earbuds in place. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and without warning, she gently slipped his headphones off and placed her own over his ears.

Before he could react, she got up, stifling a smirk as he raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. She couldn't resist a chuckle as she left him with her playlist. She took a few steps forward, deciding it was time to explore this opulent flying mansion.

The jet was like something out of a dream. She stepped into the lounge area, which was tastefully designed with plush leather sofas, golden accents, and a custom-made coffee table that held an array of magazines and high-end books. She ran her fingers over the marble surface, impressed by the attention to detail.

To her left, there was an actual bar. Not the cramped corner you'd find on commercial flights but a full, glossy counter stocked with every drink imaginable. The bartending area gleamed with crystal glasses and vintage bottles—some of which she was sure would cost as much as a luxury handbag. Above the counter, ambient lighting cast a soft glow, adding a chic vibe to the whole setting. She could imagine hosting a full party in this space, though the thought of doing so with Xavier made her laugh to herself.

Zara then walked down the hall, peeking into one of three private suites. Each room looked like a compact luxury hotel suite, complete with a king-sized bed, satin sheets, and velvet cushions. There was a soft, calming light overhead, adding to the ambiance, and the walls were adorned with subtle, tasteful artwork. The bathrooms matched the extravagance—marble floors, a full-sized shower, and even a vanity stocked with high-end toiletries. It was beyond anything she could've imagined.

Finally satisfied with her tour, Zara returned to her seat with a faint sigh. She'd spent about thirty minutes admiring the jet's splendor, but eventually, her curiosity had run its course. She sat back down, reached over to a bookshelf on the side of her seat, and pulled out a book, flipping through the pages to pass the time.

But after reading a few pages, boredom crept in again. She looked at Xavier, who had, at some point, removed her headphones and resumed his work, expression as stoic as ever. Zara tilted her head thoughtfully, deciding she would find a way to make conversation with him, even if it killed her. She leaned over, and with a cheeky smile, said, "So… how's life?"

He barely looked up, giving her a sidelong glance. "Busy."

She rolled her eyes. Of course, he'd be short with her. Not one to be deterred, she decided to change tactics. "Okay, new approach. I ask questions, you answer. You don't have to elaborate; just answer. Deal?"

He paused, then nodded slightly, finally closing his laptop. Zara took it as a minor victory.

"Alright, how old are you?"

"Twenty-nine," he replied simply.

"Only three years older than me," she mused, making a mental note. "Alright… any siblings?"

"No. Only child."

"Parents?"

Xavier's face shifted, a hint of something softer in his eyes before he replied. "They passed away when I was young. My grandparents raised me."

"Oh… I'm sorry," Zara said, genuinely, her playful tone disappearing briefly. But before the conversation grew too serious, she brightened up and fired another question. "Favorite color?"

"Black."

"Of course," she chuckled. "How original."

He gave her an amused but silent look, so she continued. "So, what do you like to do when you're not working or being all… you know, serious?"

"I work," he replied dryly, though there was a hint of a smile on his face.

She groaned. "Oh, come on, everyone has a guilty pleasure. Like… do you watch cheesy movies, or read romance novels? Don't tell me you're one of those people who's serious all the time."

His eyes sparkled briefly with amusement, but he didn't answer. Zara took that as a challenge.

"Let's see," she started, narrowing her eyes in mock concentration. "If I had to guess… you secretly love action movies. Or wait—do you actually like cooking?" She tried not to laugh as he rolled his eyes.

Zara leaned in a bit closer, still grinning. "Do you have a girlfriend? Or, wait, let me guess…" she said dramatically, tapping her chin as if deep in thought, "are you secretly married to your work?"

He smirked. "No girlfriend," he said, humoring her with a rare moment of openness.

"Hmm…" She pursed her lips in mock seriousness. "Then maybe… you're gay?"

He chuckled this time, a genuine sound that caught her off guard. "No, Zara, I'm not gay."

She leaned back with a satisfied look on her face. "Ah, so you're single and straight. Good to know."

Xavier shook his head, watching her with a bemused expression as she kept guessing random facts about him, from his favorite foods to his biggest pet peeves. The questions seemed to roll on, one after the other, as she probed deeper, determined to break down his cool exterior bit by bit.

After a while, she let out a contented sigh, leaning back in her seat. "Alright, I think I've got you all figured out," she declared confidently, crossing her arms and meeting his gaze. "Underneath all that cold, detached exterior… you're actually just a workaholic with a soft spot for black coffee and action movies."

Xavier gave her a quiet smile, though his eyes betrayed nothing. "Think whatever you want," he replied smoothly, not confirming or denying her theories.

But Zara didn't mind. She leaned back with a pleased grin, feeling like she'd peeled back just a tiny layer of the enigma that was Xavier Steele. And though he'd given her only glimpses, she felt oddly satisfied.