Chapter 349
“Why are your cheeks flushed?” Sage finally asked, his gaze settling on Katelyn.
“Because it’s hot in here,” she muttered. “Can’t you just turn on the AC p>
“The engine is broken. So, no, I can’t. And if I roll down the windows, we’ll be soaked in seconds. Just bear it for a few more minutes. They’re on their way p>
He reached into the glove compartment, pulled out a water bottle, twisted the cap open, and held it to her. “Drink p>
Katelyn hesitated before taking it, sipping quietly. She screwed the cap back on and let the bottle rest in her lap.
Sage tilted his head, his sharp eyes studying her face. “Do you have something you want to say p>
“No,” she replied quickly, lowering her gaze.
Twenty minutes passed by, yet no vehicle from the hotel appeared. Sage tugged at the knot of his tie with growing impatience, finally yanking it loose and popping open the top two buttons of his shirt.
“What’s wrong with their damn phone?” he muttered under his breath.
Katelyn looked over. “What happened p>
“The line’s busy,” Sage said curtly. He dialed again, jaw tightening when the result was the same. Frustration prickled through him, making him restless. Surrounded by nothing but forest, with Katelyn sitting quietly beside him, he knew staying stranded here wasn’t just inconvenient. It was risky.
“Why the hell did the car have to break down now?” he growled, slamming his palm lightly against the wheel.
“Hey, calm down,” she softly said. “They must be on their way. Can’t you see the rain is too heavy p>
Sage turned his head to look at her for the first time in minutes.
“You’re a princess. They should’ve come for you by now, no matter how heavy the rain is,” Sage muttered, his gaze flicking to the windows, scanning the dark forest for any sign of trouble.
“You’re responsible for my safety,” Katelyn replied softly. “Even if something bad happens… you’ll save me p>
Sage turned to her, brows furrowing. “Is that a threat, or… trust p>
“I’m telling you,” she mumbled, her lips tugging downward. “You always twist my words p>
“I know my duty,” he said. “I’ll keep you safe p>
Katelyn didn’t answer right away. Instead, she lifted her hand and let her fingertips rest against the window beside her. “But isn’t it peaceful?” she whispered suddenly. “If we just close our eyes, we can hear more than the rain pattering down… the rustle of the leaves, the hidden movements of animals out there… even the forest enjoying the storm p>
Sage’s eyes lingered on her. Katelyn had leaned back and closed her eyes. She had a faint smile softening her lips. The serenity on her face stirred something unfamiliar in him, something he refused to acknowledge. His brows furrowed. ’This is impossible,’ he thought, tearing his gaze away. Still, he closed his eyes as well, forcing himself into calm while they waited for the cab.
An hour passed before headlights cut through the rain. A large cab finally pulled up, two bodyguards stepping out to open the doors. They moved quickly, ushering Katelyn and Sage inside before shutting the door behind them with a heavy thud.
As the vehicle rumbled forward, Katelyn swept her damp hair up into a loose bun. Sage found himself stealing glances at her.
’Fuck. I’m not going to soften for her,’ Sage cursed inwardly, giving his head a small shake as if to banish the thought.
By the time they reached the hotel, they finally felt at peace. Katelyn swiped the keycard against the lock, but before she could push the door open, Sage’s hand pressed gently against it, stopping her.
She tilted her head. “Hmm p>
“We’re leaving for San Ravendale in the evening,” Sage said evenly. “Get some rest while you can p>
“When?” she asked.
“Around five p>
Katelyn nodded, her voice softer this time. “Alright. That gives us two hours p>
Sage let go of the handle and gestured to her to go in. She walked inside, the door shutting behind her as Sage went back to his room. He slumped into the chair after removing the blazer and loose tie.
Sage sat tapping his fingers against the armrest, his thoughts betraying him. ’Why do I feel drawn to her all of a sudden? This has never happened to me.’ He let out a low laugh, shaking his head. ’Something’s wrong with me p>
Rising to head toward the washroom, a knock at the door stopped him. He opened it to find Katelyn standing there.
“What happened?” he asked.
Her eyes, however, weren’t on his face, they lingered somewhere near his chest. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. “What are you staring at, Kate p>
Katelyn blinked, startled, and quickly spoke. “Can we… not leave later? I need to see Amelie. She wanted to give me something.” Her tone carried an edge of worry.
Sage’s expression softened despite himself. He stepped back and swung the door wide. “Come inside p>
She crossed the threshold, moving until she reached the couch. Turning to face him, she added, “She messaged me and I saw it a moment ago. Something’s happened, but she didn’t explain p>
“Alright,” Sage agreed without hesitation. “We’ll leave at four instead.” He tilted his head slightly. “But if it’s troubling you this much, why not call her instead of working yourself up p>
Katelyn shook her head. “Sage… Amelie said she’ll only explain once I’m there p>
“Then, ask Gabriel,” Sage suggested.
“My brother doesn’t even talk too well with me. And he won’t tell me either,” Katelyn replied with a frustrated sigh. “And the same goes with my two more elder brothers. Sometimes, I feel I’m the only one who’s unaware of most of things in my family p>
“Because you’re youngest, they desire to protect you. Don’t take it to your heart,” Sage stated. “You can stay here if you want. I’ll be freshening up.” He excused himself, giving her a space.
“Sage, I’ll go to my room. Thank you,” Katelyn said and walked out while he didn’t stop her.