Elena's POV
The pink heart-shaped band-aid sat proudly on his hand like it belonged there.
And I… I wanted to disappear.
"I'm so sorry," I mumbled again, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and forcing a smile. "I should carry adult band-aids, I know."
He glanced at his hand. Then back at me. "This one's fine," he said, his voice low and calm. "It suits me."
I blinked. Was that… was that a joke?
A laugh escaped me before I could hold it in. "You sure? It's a little too Lisa Frank for your vibe."
"Who's Lisa Frank?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"Oh my God," I said, grinning. "You're officially old."
"I'm twenty-six."
I raised a brow. "Still old .I'm twenty-four"
He actually smiled. Not a smirk. A real one. It was quick, subtle—but warm. The kind of smile that feels like it wasn't used often, and now I wanted to earn it again.
The seatbelt sign dinged. The flight attendant passed by, collecting empty glasses and reminding us we'd be descending into Heathrow soon.
A wave of nerves returned.
London.
Interview.
Life decisions.
I hugged my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the blanket.
"You okay?" he asked, eyes on me again.
I nodded, but it was shaky. "Just nervous. Big day tomorrow."
"Interview?"
"Yeah. Marketing firm. Big deal. Bigger dream."
He paused for a second, then said softly, "You'll get it."
I turned to him, surprised. "You don't even know me."
His gaze didn't waver. "I don't have to. You've got that look."
"What look?"
"The look of someone who's worked hard enough to deserve it."
That shouldn't have made my heart flip.
But it did.
---
Zayden's POV
Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her blanket. Her nails were painted a soft peach. Chipped. Real.
She wasn't like the women I was used to. The ones who called me "Mr. Wolfe" before they knew me. Who saw headlines and stock rankings before they saw the man underneath.
Elena hadn't recognized me once. Not even when I offered her my hand. Not even when I spoke.
And I didn't want her to.
That pink band-aid still clung to my skin. Ridiculous. Bright. Heart-shaped.
But somehow… I didn't want to take it off.
She leaned back in her seat as the lights dimmed for landing, letting out a shaky breath. I could see the fear in her eyes—not the kind from turbulence, but the kind that comes from chasing something you're not sure you're good enough for.
But she was.
I didn't know why I knew that. I just did.
---
Elena's POV
We landed smoothly. The kind of landing where no one clapped but everyone wanted to.
I turned to him. "Thanks for, um… letting me drool on your shoulder and spill water on you."
He grinned. "It was… memorable."
"I'll… I'll just sneak out in shame now."
I stood up, but so did he. And for a second, we stood awkwardly beside each other, shoulder to shoulder.
Then he offered his hand again. "I'm Zay."
"Elena," I said, shaking it. "Reyes. Elena Reyes."
His grip was firm, but not tight. Warm.
And then—because the universe couldn't help itself—his phone buzzed. A single glimpse of the screen flashed a name I barely caught.
Liam - Wolfe Enterprises
I froze. My eyes flickered up to his. He caught the direction of my gaze.
Something changed behind his expression. A wall clicked back into place.
But instead of lying, he just said, "That's… work."
"You don't strike me as a businessman," I said carefully, testing him.
He looked at me. Calm. Unflinching.
"I don't like being seen as one," he replied.
Something about that answer made me feel like I'd stumbled into something deeper. Like there were pieces to this puzzle I hadn't even found yet.
"Maybe that's why I like you," I said quietly, not realizing the words had left my mouth until I saw his eyes widen just a bit.
My heart jumped into my throat.
"I—I mean as a seatmate," I added, flushing. "You're calm. Quiet. Chill. Not like the loud guy across the aisle who kept snoring."
Zay chuckled, the sound warm and rare.
"I liked sitting next to you too, Elena."
And just like that, I didn't want to walk away.