1. Sanctum - Chapter 3


    Date: 9/23/2023, Categories: Novels, Author: Boerki

    ... question, her eyebrows raising slightly as she considers it. After a moment, she answers, her voice soft and unsure. "I'm on vacation. I was actually planning to head back home to Pretoria after the weekend. Not really doing anything in particular..."
    
    Her voice trails off as she shrugs, a slight frown creasing her forehead. She seems puzzled by my sudden curiosity, but she doesn't question it. Instead, she looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to explain.
    
    Taking a deep breath, I decide to take the plunge. "Come with me to Italy," I propose, my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart.
    
    Her eyes widen, her mouth opening slightly as she processes my unexpected invitation. "What?" she stammers, clearly taken aback. "I... I can't. I mean, I don't have anything packed. I only came here for the weekend."
    
    My lips curve into a small, reassuring smile. "We can go shopping for anything you might need. It's no trouble," I assure her, my gaze never leaving hers. I'm eager to alleviate her concerns, to convince her to take this leap with me.
    
    She remains silent for a long moment, her gaze locked with mine. I can practically see the wheels turning in her head, the desire to say yes warring with her logical reasoning. It's a battle I'm hoping desire will win.
    
    Finally, her expression softens, a small nod indicating her decision. A shy smile tugs at her lips as she speaks. "Alright, Italy it is."
    
    A wave of satisfaction washes over me, warming me from the ...
    ... inside out. I return her smile, my heart already humming with the anticipation of our upcoming trip. "Great," I respond, my voice a soft murmur of satisfaction. "It's a date then."
    
    Her question comes as no surprise. It's a question I've been expecting, one that I've been prepared to answer. She sits up, shifting to face me, her brow furrowed in confusion. "How are you able to afford all of this?" she asks, her eyes wide as she takes in the enormity of my proposition. "And why Italy? Is there something you're not telling me?"
    
    I can't help but chuckle at her frankness, the sound rich and warm in the quiet room. "I promise you, it's not as mysterious as it seems," I reply, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her question is valid, and I respect her curiosity.
    
    I continue, my voice low and reassuring. "You'll learn more about me in due time. For now, let's just say that I have the means to cover the costs of our trip without any trouble. And the flights, not to worry. Have you ever been on a jet?"
    
    Her eyes widen even more at my mention of the jet, a soft gasp escaping her lips. "You have a jet?" she asks, her voice a whisper, as though she's afraid to ask the question out loud. I nod, a grin tugging at my lips at her shock.
    
    She takes a moment to process this, her eyes wide and disbelieving. Then, slowly, a smile begins to form on her lips. "Wow," she breathes, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "This is... this is ...