"We should eat a little faster," Luca said, his voice low and even. "We have a long way to go."
Eva nodded, her embarrassment still lingering from being caught staring at him. She couldn't bring herself to look up at him, instead focusing on finishing her meal.
After they ate, Luca paid for the food, his movements efficient and swift. Eva felt a twinge of discomfort, a stranger paying for her meal, but she had no other option. She followed him silently to the bike, her eyes fixed on the ground.
As they prepared to leave, Luca turned to her and said, "There's a sweater in your bag. You can wear it if you want."
His tone was neutral, neither friendly nor rude, simply stating a fact. Eva looked up at him, surprised by the offer, but also grateful for the thought. She nodded, feeling a small sense of relief, and reached into her bag to pull out the sweater.
He waited patiently for her to wear the sweater.
As they continued their journey, Eva struggled to stay awake. The darkness of the night, the fullness of her stomach, and the exhaustion from the preparations for her engagement and the journey all combined to overwhelm her. Despite her best efforts, her eyelids grew heavy, and she felt her head nodding forward.
Before she knew it, she had leaned against Luca's back, her body succumbing to the fatigue. Luca, sensing the change in her posture, slowed down the bike, eventually coming to a stop.
He carefully turned around his head, his eyes checking on Eva's peaceful face in the dim moonlight. He smiled slightly, unintentionally, noticing the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He then proceeded to adjust her travel bag, which she had been wearing, by wrapping the bag's lace around his waist. This ensured that Eva was securely fastened to him, her body completely leaned against his, balanced by his steady grip.
With Eva safe and secure, Luca started the bike again, this time riding slowly and carefully through the deserted night roads. The only sound was the hum of the engine and the occasional hooting of a distant owl, creating an eerie yet peaceful atmosphere that lulled Eva deeper into sleep.
Hours passed..
The sun was slowly rising, casting a warm glow over the landscape. As the morning light crept over the horizon. As Eva sat up straight, Luca's eyes flicked towards her in the rearview mirror, his expression neutral. He didn't smile or acknowledge her in any way, simply focusing on the road ahead.
Eva's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had fallen asleep on him.
She glanced down, noticing how the travel bag's lace was wrapped around Luca's waist, securing her to him. A strange sense of safety washed over her, one that she had never experienced with a man before. It was as if Luca's presence, his strength, and his gentle care had created a cocoon of security around her.
This time, however, she was aware of her surroundings, and the sense of safety that Luca's presence provided.
Without taking his eyes off the road, Luca untied the lace with his one hand, his movements smooth and efficient. The travel bag's lace slid back into its original position, and Eva felt a slight sense of loss, as if she was being disconnected from Luca. But she also felt a slight relief, not from discomfort, but from unfamiliarity.
She tried to look at his face, but his expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Eva wondered if she had imagined the sense of safety she had felt, or if Luca had simply been being practical.
She slightly leaned back, her eyes drifting to the scenery passing by, her eyes widened, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The city's concrete jungle had given way to rolling hills, lush green forests, and sparkling streams. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers.
The winding road they were on was lined with tall trees, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The sunlight filtering through the canopy above cast dappled shadows on the road, creating a mesmerizing pattern.
Eva's gaze roamed over the landscape, drinking in the beauty of nature. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, as if the tranquility of the surroundings was seeping into her soul.
Luca's eyes flicked towards her in the rearview mirror, and she saw that. His expression is still neutral. But she saw a hint of something in his eyes, a glimmer of curiosity perhaps, as he took in her reaction to the scenery.
Her lips slightly curved to a smile, her gaze drifted back to the surroundings.
Eva's eyes lingered on the wooden board, the letters Elyndor etched into the weathered wood.
"Elyndor?" Eva murmured, mostly to herself.
"Yeah, we've arrived," Luca replied, his eyes still fixed on the road as he navigated the bike through the winding paths.
As Eva gazed around, she took in the breathtaking scenery of Elyndor, a picturesque village nestled in the countryside. It wasn't your typical rural village, though - the roads were well-paved, the houses were sturdy and modern, and yet, the surroundings remained lush and green.
As Eva took in the sights and sounds of the village, she noticed that some of the villagers were acknowledging Luca with warm smiles. Although she couldn't see his face, she could sense his smile in response, his eyes crinkling at the corners. It was clear that he was familiar with these people, and they with him.
As the bike slowed to a stop in front of a cozy-looking house, Eva's curiosity was piqued. She turned her attention to the house, taking in its rustic charm and the vibrant flowers that spilled out of the window boxes. Then, she turned back to Luca, her eyes questioning.
"Get down, open the gate," Luca said, slightly turning his head back at her.
Eva was taken aback, but she nodded and hummed in response. She slid off the bike and pushed the gate open, watching as Luca rode the bike inside.
As she stepped through the gate, her eyes captured the appearance of the house. The bike's engine died down, Eva's gaze roamed over the house, taking in its charming details. The exterior walls were painted a warm, sunny yellow, and the roof was a deep, burnt orange. A wraparound porch stretched out before her, adorned with comfortable-looking wicker furniture and vibrant potted plants.
Eva's eyes lingered on the house's facade, noticing the intricate carvings that adorned the wooden shutters and the delicate lace curtains that filtered the morning light. The overall effect was one of warm, inviting hospitality, and Eva found herself feeling drawn to the house's charm.
As she stood there, taking it all in, Luca appeared beside her, his eyes watching her reaction.
"Welcome home," he said, his voice low and gentle.
[to be continued]