UNDER HIS RULES

But this time? Eland was picking her up on his beloved motorcycle? Anne found it difficult to believe, but her eyes could still discern between reality and hallucination. “Is it because you don’t want me to ride on your motorcycle?” The words slipped out spontaneously. As soon as Anne realized it, her eyes widened in disbelief.

Eland burst into laughter as a result, which only added to Anne’s immense embarrassment. She wanted to break free, but unfortunately, Eland didn’t release his grip so easily. Instead, he pulled her closer. With Eland leaning slightly on the motorcycle’s shoulder, he partially trapped Anne, who was in front of him, with his free hand.

“I’m not thinking that way, An.” He lightly touched Anne’s forehead, giving a gentle push. It wasn’t to belittle Anne-oh no, Eland had no intention of doing that. He was just so exasperated by Anne’s behavior today. “We can reach the border by nine in the evening if we leave now. As for the return, you’ll be exhausted on a motorcycle.”

Anne lowered her head even more.

“You prefer looking at construction blocks rather than me, huh?” Eland was cunning. He touched Anne’s chin lightly and brought her face back to face him.

“Not like that,” Anne said softly.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Come on, let’s go now. No need to switch to a car.”

Anne blinked in a flurry. “But what if it gets late?”

“We’ll stay there,” Eland put on his helmet.

“B-But…”

“Come on, An.” Eland extended his hand once again. “Don’t worry. Valdo is there at the other end. I asked him to take care of you while I’m not around. He will definitely report to the Boss that you’re with me now. Sam won’t be angry.”

This revelation shocked Anne. “Valdo is there?” She wanted to point with her fingertip, but Anne realized it would be unethical to do so. “Because of you?”

“Don’t you like it?”

“But why?”

“Your lips have never been silenced by me, have they, An?”

What Eland said was too clear for Anne to grasp. She didn’t want to take any risks this time. So her choice to get on Eland’s motorcycle immediately was the most appropriate one.

“Hold on, An.”

Anne was startled as she embraced the body of the man she never imagined could be this close. Despite being clad in a leather jacket similar to Anne’s own, the scent of Eland’s perfume diverted her focus. The scent mixed with cigarette smoke, a hint of alcohol, and a faint citrus note made Anne feel enveloped by the man.

The engine roared to life, and as Eland twisted the throttle, the motorcycle sped off at a moderate speed. Eland gradually accelerated as the road cleared, allowing the wind to occasionally brush against them during their journey. Eland’s smile never faded afterward, especially when he glanced at Anne’s abdomen, where her hand still rested, holding onto him tightly.

“If you get tired, let me know.”

The helmet he wore was equipped with a special communication device. He could have connected it to the headquarters, but for now, Eland just wanted to hear Anne’s voice. He wanted to enjoy his time with the girl who had been occupying his thoughts for goodness knows how long.

“Yeah, how can you get tired so soon?” Anne laughed. “If we don’t speed, what time will we reach the border?”

“Um… maybe around ten?” Eland glanced at the navigation system mounted on the front of the motorcycle. “Hopefully, the weather will be favorable. The border is close to the coast, and sometimes there are storms.”

“What place are we heading to?”

“Can’t wait, An?” This time, Eland laughed. “Why are girls always so impatient?”

“Ugh!” Anne sighed irritably. “No, really. You never mentioned where we’re going. It’s only natural for me to be curious.”

Eland burst into laughter. He lightly tapped the connection of Anne’s hand on his stomach. “As long as you’re with me, any place we go won’t make you scared or uncomfortable. Just stay calm.”

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Valdo, who had been observing the direction of Eland’s arrival and his white motorcycle, muttered to himself. “Damn it, Boss Eland! Damn it! Why on earth are you going on a date and showing off to me? I won’t use it as gossip material!” But his skilled hands captured numerous photos from the right angles. He was quite satisfied with the results he obtained.

Then his phone kept ringing softly, indicating that the news he brought had spread throughout the entire Twin Dragons organization. There were also messages from Sam that immediately prompted Valdo to leave Alfred Quassano’s tall building.

“Let Eland be with Anne. Anne has sent what I need. Just make sure we know their destination. Be on guard in case of a sudden attack.”

***[]***

For Anne, that journey was incredibly enjoyable. Although she had traveled with Eland many times since then, she couldn’t forget the initial phase. Eland wasn’t as cold as she had imagined. On the contrary, she felt the warmth of Eland’s presence distinctly. Attentive. Gentle. Although his words were sometimes irrefutable, perhaps due to being accustomed to giving directions and no one daring to argue with him. And there was one thing Anne didn’t expect.

Eland was a romantic man.

“Well, here it is.” The white motorcycle came to a stop on the wide roadside. Anne, who initially felt fatigue throughout her body, especially her back, was amazed by the surrounding view. Since they entered the border area, Anne had been captivated by everything she experienced. The coolness of the night breeze didn’t bother her too much. The night sky was exceptionally clear. Anne even felt that the stars were too close to her, as if she could reach out and touch them directly.

The flickering stars adorned the night sky magnificently.

“It’s called Sky Star, An.” Eland smiled faintly. There was only a gazebo in this place, which was usually visited by riders when they were tired. They could enjoy the stars and the night sky along with the illuminated buildings below. However, Anne hadn’t seen it yet. Her gaze was still fixed on the beautiful night sky.

“It’s such a beautiful place,” Anne said, filled with admiration.

“There’s an even better one.” Eland reached out his hand again, hoping they would hold hands. It wasn’t that Eland couldn’t pull Anne closer to him. He preferred it when the girl willingly approached him with joy. It meant there was a special awareness of the closeness between them.

“What?” Anne couldn’t resist. Walking alongside Eland was indeed thrilling.

“This way,” Eland led them to the edge where there was a high fence. Not just that, below them was a steep cliff because the journey to reach this place was uphill. It was quite steep with sharp turns on each side.

Anne was speechless. Her eyes beheld a breathtaking view where the stars scattered in the sky, alongside rows of buildings adorned with lights. They looked so small from where she stood, and the full moon shining tonight added to the atmosphere that made Anne extremely happy.

Anne was allowed to enjoy the place where Eland had stopped a few times. They simply enjoyed the thermos of coffee that he intentionally brought before returning to their temporary residence. From her vantage point, in the northern direction was Sam’s territory. On the opposite side, where the pine forest stretched widely, was the Quassano’s domain. On the other side was the place that became Sam’s associate this time. Initially, Sam didn’t want to get involved due to bureaucratic issues and their leadership not aligning with what the ruler desired. However, in the name of peace and the agreed-upon security, they finally reached certain agreements.

Including the circulation of illegal goods that Eland was monitoring.

“Do you like it?” Unable to resist, Eland’s hand gently tidied Anne’s disheveled hair due to the wind. He tucked it slowly behind her ear, which immediately made the girl flinch in surprise. But shortly after, the surprise turned into a wide smile that Eland liked.

“I really like it, Eland. All the fatigue disappeared because the journey was worth it, right?”

“That’s why I offered to switch cars earlier so you’d be comfortable. Instead, I was accused of not being allowed to ride my motorcycle,” Eland chuckled. His eyes never left Anne’s face, observing its natural beauty.

“Hugo said the motorcycle is your favorite. No one is allowed to ride it just like that,” Anne said with a teasing annoyance.

“That’s right.” Eland still maintained his way of looking at Anne. He never got tired of observing her beautiful face. Although he was tormented because he couldn’t return to Twin Dragons for a week, it was all paid off tonight. “But there’s an exception for you.”