2

NIRVANA

“I forgot to tell you we have guys around, but don’t worry. They may be big and tall, but they’re harmless.” Kailin stopped, glaring at least six guys in the entrance hall. “Hey, don’t be rude.”

“Hey,” they chorused. 

“Hi.” I smiled politely, and they went back to their lives just like that.

“So? You’re single, huh?”

“I think it’s for the best. I need some time alone before I help Grandpa manage the restaurant.” I followed her upstairs.

I was surprised to see many antiques, decorations, and paintings as we walked through the hallways and passed by many doors. Then, there was another sitting room with a regency interior style.

“So you will start working once you go back?”

“That’s the plan.” I found my suitcase before the door, which would probably be my room for a few days. 

“First, come with me.” She opened the room across from mine. “I’ll show you the view of the vineyards.”

We entered her modern aesthetic room, and she went to open the door leading to the balcony. 

The gust of warm wind rushed inside. The vast vineyards were spectacular and mesmerizing. It ranged through mountains. 

I could almost feel the peace and the solitude, see the beauty under the moon and stars, and feel the nocturnal air whiffing against my skin at night.

“Earth to, Vana.” Kailin nudged me. “Where did you go?”

“This is striking.” Before I could finish my words, a Wrangler rushed against the dust, following the motorbike that caught my attention. 

“What the hell are they doing?” Kailin asked almost annoyingly. 

The man driving the motorbike wasn’t even wearing a helmet. He didn’t even slow down as he got closer, and so did the Wrangler. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Kailin yelled behind me as we watched the man do a sharp brake and get off of his bike before it landed on the ground.

A man who was ridiculously tall with broad shoulders and tousled dark hair. His thick dark brows met together as if he was pissed off with something. His sharp jaw looked like it hadn’t been acquainted with a razor for days. 

The man growled as the guys from the Wrangler jumped off. He was only wearing a white t-shirt with bloodstains and carelessly worn blue denim jeans and combat boots, yet somehow, he made it look expensive. 

A pair of dark glasses hid his eyes, though, making me wonder if they were blue, green, or gray. 

The two college boys argued over something about fights. 

“Knock it off!” The hot-as-hell grunted, scaring the college boys. His voice was deep and husky, crackling something like electricity ran down my spine. 

The college boys shut up, one with a bloodstain on his shirt. They must be identical twins.

“Who’s the hot biker dude?” I couldn’t just help it. I had to ask.

Kailin only chuckled beside me.

I turned to face her, my cheeks burning. “Oh, shit. Your boyfriend? I don’t know you’re dating.”

Crap.

“What?” Her eyes narrowed before crunching her nose. “Ew. Yuck. Gross. That’s my cousin.”

“Oh.” My lips formed an O shape before pressing them together. 

“Yeah. Meet my cousin, Knight Blackwell, who runs the Blackwell Vineyards and Winery, the CEO.”

“Oh.” I could only smile.

“Oh? Really? And why are you smiling?” Her eyes narrowed further, but she was not offended. She was more likely making fun of me.

“Nothing.” I shook my head and laughed.

Kailin laughed with me as well. “Don’t get fooled. I love him with all my heart, and he’s straight as an arrow, but he doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t mix business with pleasure either, and his mere goal is getting rich. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I wasn’t thinking like that.” Liar.

We laughed out loud until I felt something was watching me— or someone. I turned and looked down. The big hot biker dude pulled his sunglasses up, and his gaze was electrifying— forest green eyes, staring right back at me.

I was sure my heart was beating so hard as I stood there in silence. A strange and unfamiliar feeling— a combination of excitement, tension, and heat began creeping up my neck. 

And he just suddenly turned into a mighty lion with a disapproving glare, and something changed in his eyes, almost glowing. It radiated a dangerous intensity or was just a reflection from the sunray before muttering something under his breath.

Flustered, I felt appalled as he began stepping back. Without a word, he picked up his bike, cranked it, and hurried on his merry way, leaving nothing but dust behind.