Rune and I are still finishing the foods that we ordered. I actually nearly breathe some fire with those jalapeños and Rune didn't even blink taking one of them in his mouth. Jeez, I'm not really that great when it comes to spicy food, though.

"Wanna take a bite of this?" Rune grabs some of the strawberry dipped in chocolates.

"Sure." I answered as I was a about to take it when he hands it closer to my lips, means that he is feeding it to me. Giving him a death glare then remained my lips shut.

"Come on, open it." He chuckled.

"I can feed myself, Rune." I stated, playfully.

"Of course, I know that." He scoffed.

I finally opened my mouth and let him put the strawberry between my lips as I chew it carefully. "You know, being sweet doesn't look good on you."

Rune laughed. "That's because I'm not really a sweet guy, I am just trying to a good boyfriend." He winked at me after saying that then drinks his brandy.

After a few seconds of silence between us, I started to think of something that just came up to mind. "Hey, Rune."

"Hmm?"

"Have you thought about what the Chief said earlier? About giving you a three days to think of joining the team?" I asked, crossing my legs and glancing at him.

Rune stopped for a second as he thinks back. "I already told you, I'm not leaving you."

"But, what if Jay was right? That you are the solution to capture the Black Phoenix?" I questioned. "Why don't you go with them?"

I heard how deep he sigh. "I-I..."

"Look who we have here in my club." A man spoke behind him, that was making his way towards us. He's a handsome man, maybe the same age as Rune and he is wearing a very clean suit. Wait, he looks a little familiar.

Rune let out a silent curse when he heard that voice. He turned his head and stood from to approach the man. "Why? Am I not allowed in your club, Zephyr?" He retorted, with a chuckle.

"Well, you asshole. We have been calling and emailing you for months and I'm surprised to see you with a girl." The man stated as he glanced at me. "Wait, is this a date?"

Rune scoffed. "My lady, this is Zephyr Cloud. The owner of this club and a good friend of mine. We've known each other since we kids." He introduced with a smile.

I stood up from my seat as well as he offered a hand to shake. "Hi, nice to meet you."

"Jasmine Waylord." Zephyr recognised me. "I'm surprised you are dating a supermodel, asshole. I thought you hate going out." He stared before he lets go of my hand.

"People change, my friend." Rune patted his shoulder. "And I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep in touch, I've been busy with my current mission. I have to be away."

Wait, I have noticed that it seems like Zephyr knows Rune's real identity. I'm actually used of hearing people calling him Red. But this man seems to know him very well that he doesn't have a normal job. They must really be good friends.

"I'm not surprised anymore." His friend responded. "I know how devoted you are to your job." He remarked, burying his hands inside his pockets then he turns to me. "I hope he's not giving you a hard time, Jasmine." Zephyr joked, letting out a loud husky laugh. "I know how much of an asshole this man is."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm used of dealing with assholes." I playfully replied, earning a glare from Rune when I said that. Awe, I love that from, he looks so cute.

"Oh, I like her. She knows you're an asshole." Zephyr continued to joke.

"Hey, she's my girlfriend." Rune groaned, turning his glare to his friend.

"I didn't mean it in that way, idiot." Zephyr retorted, smacking the back of head. "And besides, I had my eyes already on someone else."

"I don't give a damn, bro." Rune chanted with sarcasm before placing an arm around my shoulders to pull me closer. "Anyway, I will be taking my girl to the dance floor."

"Be my guest." Zephyr smiled then turns to leave us. I said goodbye to him as Rune dragged me downstairs to the huge dance floor. The party is going on wildly so we have to push through some drunken and hormonal people on the dance floor but we managed to get a good spot.

Rune and I danced to the music and it was one of the funnest moment that we had so far. You know, we are just letting the music carry us. We move so carefree and not worrying anything at all. Yes, we had a sweet dance at the Starry Night but this is one is different. It is fun in a whole different way.

Rune wasn't that much of a dancer but damn he looks so sexy as he moves with the beat of the music. We were just laughing, hugging and kissing there and I just can't help but find it so sweet. He was spinning me around, clutching my waist, kiss my neck then hold me so tight. I felt so secure for an unknown reason.

"Zephyr, seems to be a good guy. How close are you two?" I suddenly asked. Almost 30 minutes had passed since we danced, now we are just hanging out on the corner, drinking some champagne and we are just talking.

"Like what I said earlier, we have known each other since we were in our diapers. We went to the same school until senior but I was the only one who changed path when college came. I need to spend my college days focused on studying how to be a good agent." He told me, smiling as he remembers the days. "The Chief let me go to school so that I could experience what it feels like to be a normal kid."

"Have you ever thought of another job if you weren't an agent?" I asked, curiously.

"I haven't thought about that but...maybe a chief of police? I don't know." He shrugged. "I really wanted to be able to help people from crimes, you know."

That's a risky one. "So, as long as it involves with crime?"

"A defender from crime, my lady." He corrected, taking me hand and kissed my knuckles. "And I want to be your defender." Rune leans closer to me and kissed my forehead.

I let out a soft giggle. "I wanted to be with you longer, Rune. I want to know you more." I whispered, our lips nearly touching as I speak.

"And we have so many time together, my lady." He whispered back as a sexy smirk formed in him as he leans down to finally capture my lips and sealed it with a kiss. "How I wish our situation is a lot easier."

"Me too." I chuckled, as I wrap my arms around his waist and hugged him so tight like I was afraid to lose him. "I am a very possessive girlfriend, Rune. So make sure that I won't see you flirting with anyone, especially Jane."

Rune laughed out loud, wrapping his arms around me as well tightly. "I don't mind you being possessive, my lady. But I'm way much worse than you. I won't let any men lay their hand on your bare skin without my permission."

"That makes us even then." I teased, wrinkling my nose.

He pinched my nose as we stayed a little longer at the club. When it was about to leave, I still don't want to. I wanted to stay longer with Rune but we can't. It longer we stayed out, the harder we have to sneak back to the mansion.

We can't let go off each other when he walks me to my room.

"Why don't you stay here with me? Just sneak out by sunrise." I pouted and tugged the hem of his top. "Please?"

Rune kissed me one last time. "I can't, my lady. I still have work to do in an hour. I promise to be with you in the morning and eat breakfast with you."

"Alright then." I gave up.

"That's a good girl." He chuckled, patting my head. "I will see you at breakfast. Have a nice sleep, my lady." That was the last thing he said before closing my front door, leaving me in my bedroom.

How can I sleep? My system is so in high because I just experienced the best night so far. It was nice to be out there with Rune like a normal couple though. I didn't regret it and I am willing to do it again even if there are risks.

I cleaned myself first before I bury myself with my pillows on my bed. If our situation were just easy, we could have been freely on doing everything. Going out on dates like by the beach, go visit some zoos, or to the amazement park or maybe out of the country! Anything that is just the two of us. It would be so magical and romantic. But fate is not kind, there is always hardship and conflict in it.

Having those in my mind, I realised that sleep is finally drifting me in. And once I wake up tomorrow, reality...here it comes.

---

Morning came, my mood is a little lighter than yesterday. I immediately went to take a bath and dressed nicely. I only placed a light makeup before going down to join Dad for breakfast. But before I could come down, I went to the balcony that was connected to my room which gives me the view of the front of the mansion and downstairs I can see our parking area.

And strange, there are one unfamiliar car that was parking inside. Might be some of Dad's political car but he has a lot of them.

The sunlight just feels so warm as it hits my skin. I missed this though. The sunlight in St. Dominique is still cold enough to  freeze me. My eyes suddenly caught the sparkling rock on my finger. It was the ring that Rune gave me. I never taken it off since he has given this to me. Actually, there is this satisfaction inside me when I wear it.

I went downstairs and I've heard voices coming from the living room. I'm not quite sure who it is but I immediately saw Rune standing there and talking to some guy. And it seems like they are having a serious conversation.

"Hey." I greeted when I reached the floor.

Rune's eyes turn to me but the way he glances at me felt different. His piercing blue eyes are cold and blank. Like something dark has happened. But then, my eyes scanned his face and I found out that he had some bruises on his face and his one eye is a little swollen. I tried raising his chin so I could have a clear view of his face but he keeps on avoiding my gaze.

"Who did this to you?" I cracked, my voice was so soft that only the two of us can hear.

"Doesn't matter who did." He swats my hand away from his touching him.

"What's wrong?" I asked, a little nervous. Why do I have a feeling like he's angry? Or like I did something that upsets him. I didn't recall offending him or making him mad last night. 

Rune broke our eye contact as he turned to mention where Dad is which is towards the living room. "You're Dad is waiting for you."

"Is there is something wrong, Rune?" I questioned, walking closer to him but he remained averting his eyes. "Rune?"

What's going on? What's the matter with him? He holds his posture and not even tries to turn his attention to me. Did I do something that upsets him?

"Hey, what's wrong?" I continued asking, keeping my voice low.

"Nothing's wrong with me." He finally spoke, but it remained cold that I causing me to feel these heavy weight in my chest. Then now, he finally able to look at me, those blue eyes were cold. "How about you?"

"What?" My eyebrows touched. "You're confusing me, Rune. I don't understand you."

Rune gives out a scoff. "Perhaps, you're fiancé can help us understand our situation."

It feels like a bucket of cold water has been thrown at me.

He already knows! "Rune, I can explain about that. Please, let me explain."

"Is there something left to explain?" He hissed, keeping his voice low so no one could hear us. "You make me feel like a fucking idiot. I even asked you to be my girlfriend last night." His words hit me like sharp knives. "And then now, I will just find out that you are engaged. Now tell me, did you know about this?"

Fuck.

His gaze is piercing through me. Shit. I don't even know what to say. But I have to tell him the truth. "It's not my choice—"

"Bullshit." He hissed, under his breath.

"Rune, please...I...I didn't want this."

His eyes suddenly narrowed. "And do you think that's enough reason for me just to accept that you are someone else's woman now?"

Shit. "N-no...but—"

"There you are, Jasmine." Dad's voice interrupted us. "I thought I heard your voice." He stated. And Rune took that chance to make a leave and entered the living room as well. "We have a surprise visitor. Want to know who it is?"

Oh, you don't need to tell me.

But I just plastered a fake smile. "Yeah, sure."

"Come, he's waiting for you for almost an hour now." He walked back to the living room and I followed behind. Never in my life that I would thought that I will get mad at my own Dad.

As my footsteps became visible in the living room's marble floor, I quickly took a glance to the man sitting on the luxurious couch. He's not Rune so his presence doesn't give me the chills and I do not find him that attractive at all. But I wouldn't say that he is not handsome. He's a good  looking guy and any girl could fall for him.

And shit, Rune is in the room as well.

Brian stood up once he sees me entering. He was rubbing his hand like he is nervous or something.

"Hi." Brian grinned at me then reached for the bouquet of flowers that was on the couch. "Here, your Dad told me that you love flowers so I bought them for you. They are beautiful like you."

I wanted to scoff but the smile is still in my face. I can't be rube because Dad is here and I don't want to break his heart.

But damn, I know I am breaking Rune's heart too! And I broke his trust. That is why it hurts the most. It's all my fault. Right now, I'm afraid to even look at him.

"I didn't expect you this early in the morning." I chuckled weakly as I sat down on the couch next to my Dad.

"Sit next to your fiancé, my dear." Dad insisted, causing me to glare at him but he didn't see it.

I went to sit next to Brian and he moves a little farther to give me some space. Sitting down, I can feel that Brian seems to be really nervous. He was rubbing his hand, shaking his legs slightly and I know those are the signs when a man is uncomfortable or nervous.

"Are you two up to something? I mean, what's with the sudden visit?" I curiously asked, crossing my legs and placed the flowers on the coffee table in front of me.

"Nothing, really. I just wanted to visit you and check out how is your Dad." Brian replied, smiling boyishly at me.

"And he was already here for almost an hour now." Dad stated.

"Really? You should have just called me and told me that you are coming." I stated, nicely.

"Nah, my plan is to surprise you." Brian replied.

"By the way, honey. Do you have any plans for today?" Dad asked me, leaning on his knee. His private nurse is beside him and he was giving him some of his medicine.

I shook my head. "Why?"

"I am actually on my way to the cemetery to visit your mother's grave. Well, she has the right to know that our princess is finally getting married. Would you like to come?"

Oh no way. There is no way I will introduce the wrong guy to Mom. She wouldn't be happy if she's alive. Not a chance.

"I don't feel good, Dad. I just want to stay in my room and sleep the whole day." I lied, totally faking it. "Maybe some other time, please."

Dad's face suddenly fills with worry. "Want me to call the doctor?"

"No, I just need some rest. It's not that severe, Dad." I scoffed, playfully.

"Alright then. Brian and I will be attending some meetings municipal hall later. Will you be alright to stay here or you're planning to go out?"

Instead of answering, I narrowed my eyes at him. "Dad, I told you to stop working for now." Then I turned to Brian. "And you should be stopping him, dude."

"I already did but your Dad won't be stopped." He replied. "I told him that I would go to the meeting for him but he insisted to come even if I tried to stop him."

"It's just a meeting, dear. Nothing that I can handle." Dad proudly stated. "And besides, Brian will be there with me so there is nothing to worry.   He is like my talking reminder who keeps on reminding me to be safe."

Damn, they really are close. No wonder why Dad wanted me to marry this man. He's like a son that he never has.

"Oh, before I could go there are something that I wanted to tell you." Dad added before I could stand up from the couch. 

"Hmm?" I raised an eyebrow.

"There are some changes in the style of your protection starting from this day forward." Dad announced, looking at the bodyguards behind us where Rune is then returned to me. "The Royals will no longer be involved in your protection."

My eyes widen. "What?"

That means Rune will no longer be my bodyguard.

"They will continue on finding the rest of true Black Phoenix especially Lyndon but for now, my men and Brian's will be in charge of your protection." Dad mentioned, looking serious as hell. "As much as I want to keep Agent Red by your side all the time but he is the only way to keep this problem to be solved."

I don't have anything else to say. "But I want him by my side." I spoke very softly.

"Agent Red already accepted that he will join the search in Mexico where Lyndon was last spotted." Dad continued to inform m.

Rune accepted it? I thought he is going to stay by my side and he won't leave me? My head turns to Rune and he had his head slightly down. But I know that he is not looking at me. For fuck's sake why is he avoiding my gaze?! He's mad at me? We'll, try my anger. It is a lot worse than his for sure!

How dare he. He just broke his promise and ate all of his words.

"And then, you're engagement party will occur this week, my dear. I already called all our family members around the world to join the celebration." Dad announced next in glee.

"W-wait, don't you think this is happening so fast? Right, Brian?" I nudge him on his shoulder. "Or you are involved in planning of this?"

"Your Dad is the one who planned everything, Jasmine." He answered me but he just whispered it in my ear.

"You two don't need to worry about that, it's just an engagement party. The date of the wedding is in your hands. I will let you decide on that."

I gulped and bit my lower lip, trying if it will help
me to stop myself from telling him that I love Rune. And he's the only one I wanted to marry. But how? If I tell him that, I will have Rune in trouble because he is still in the Royals.

"Alright." I just replied and sigh.

Then I felt someone rubbing my back and it was Brian's. I think he is trying to tell me that everything is going to be okay. "Don't worry, I have your back."

Brian really is a good man. But...it is just Rune. Rune is the one that I want.

"Wanna hang out with me today?" Brian asked me. "If you're not feeling well, we could just hang out here. I mean, so we could talk and get to know each other more."

There is something in his tone that just made me nod. I shouldn't be giving him any chance to get closer to me but I feel like I have to.

I'm angry at Rune.

But I have no choice but to give this chance to Brian.

Damn. I need to talk to Rune. I need to know what the fuck is really going on. I'm so confused.

I was on my way to the kitchen to get something to drink when Dad called me up to his office for some private conversation. I went up and locked the door.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"I want you to stick with Brian." He told me.

"Huh?" My face wrinkled. "Why do I need to stick with that man?"

"He's from a very powerful family, Jasmine. They rule one of the strongest mafia in the world. The Chief suggested this but we don't want Brian to be fully involved in the situation." He explained, taking out something in his briefcase. "Maybe going out with him will scare off the Black Phoenix. They thought maybe it could help delay their plan on attacking. And they will already take that chance to track them."

"Wait, does that mean you are using me and Brian as bait now?" I arched a brow.

Dad chuckled. "Not really."

"Seriously, Dad." I glared at him.

"You know I will not let anyone harm you, right?" He assured me in a softer voice. "I am going to say it again, Jasmine. You don't have to worry about anything. Let me take care of the rest." Dad smiled genuinely then gave me a kiss on the forehead. "Have fun with Brian."

Damn.

To be continued.

Announcement, my hearties out there!

I thought that this story is going to last longer but I just figured out that this is about to end. Maybe three or four chapters more? I guess. But don't worry, I will make it so much better. I am starting to finally make a draft on the next story and I hope you will love it. Anyway, that's all for now and wait for the next update.