Turbulence in the Air

Ashley stepped out of her car onto the private terminal, her heels clicking against the polished tiles. Her brows furrowed when she spotted Demitri standing alone by the jet.

“Where’s Ethan?” she asked, her tone more curious than accusatory.

Demitri shrugged nonchalantly, not meeting her gaze. “He’s not coming.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why not?”

“I don’t know.” he replied flatly, walking toward the jet without another word.

Ashley sighed, following him up the stairs and into the luxurious cabin. She tried not to let his cold demeanor bother her, but it was hard.

They’d been tiptoeing around each other for weeks now, each interaction more frustrating than the last.

As the jet took off, Ashley settled into her seat, glancing at Demitri across the aisle. He was unusually quiet, staring out the window like the world outside had all the answers he needed.

Her curiosity got the better of her. “So… why isn’t Ethan coming?”

Demitri didn’t even look at her. “I already told you I don’t know. Why does it matter?”

“Yes, it does,” she pressed, her tone firmer now. “He was supposed to be part of this trip.”

Demitri’s jaw tightened, and he finally turned to face her. “Maybe you should call him and ask,” he snapped, his voice colder than she’d ever heard it.

Taken aback, Ashley frowned but pulled out her phone. She dialed Ethan’s number, her annoyance growing when it went straight to voicemail.

After a few more attempts, she gave up, tossing her phone onto the small table between them.

“Happy now?” she muttered, crossing her arms.

Demitri leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “So, you care about him, huh?”

Ashley rolled her eyes and turned to the window, deliberately ignoring him.

“Don’t ignore me, Ashley,” he said, his voice low but laced with irritation.

She didn’t respond.

Frustrated, Demitri stood and crossed the small cabin, sitting down beside her. The sudden proximity made her tense, but she kept her eyes glued to the window.

“Answer me,” he demanded.

When she still didn’t reply, he reached out and gently grabbed her face, forcing her to look at him.

“Why do you care so much about Ethan, Ash?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost pleading.

Ashley slapped his hands away, glaring at him. “You’re out of line, Demitri.”

But he wasn’t done. He grabbed her face again, holding her still this time. His eyes, usually sharp and calculating, were now filled with something she couldn’t quite place—desperation? Regret?

“Why do you care?” he repeated, his voice breaking slightly.

Ashley’s resolve faltered for a moment. The vulnerability in his expression was disarming, but she quickly steeled herself. “Why do you care, Demitri?”

“Because…” He paused, his throat working as if he were swallowing something painful. “Because I know I made a huge mistake. And now I can’t think of a good reason why you’re entertaining someone like Ethan.”

She scoffed, leaning back in her seat to put some distance between them. “Entertaining? Really? You’re one to talk.”

Demitri flinched but didn’t back down. “This isn’t about me.”

“Oh, but it is,” she said, her voice rising. “The nights I spent alone, crying myself to sleep while you were off with Elena? That’s about you. The way you made me feel like I was nothing? That’s about you, Demitri. So don’t sit here and act like you have a say in my life now.”

Her words hit him like a slap. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again. “I know I messed up. I know I hurt you in ways I can’t even begin to fix. But I’m trying, Ashley. I’m trying to—”

“To what?” she interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion. “To make amends? To pretend like the past didn’t happen? Newsflash, Demitri: I can’t just forget everything you put me through.”

“I don’t want you to forget,” he said quietly. “I just want a chance to make things right.”

Ashley shook her head, tears threatening to spill over. “It’s too late for that.”

Demitri reached for her again, his hands trembling slightly. “Ashley, please. Just give me a chance to—”

Before she could push him away again, he leaned in and kissed her.

It wasn’t gentle or tentative. It was raw, desperate, and filled with all the emotions he couldn’t put into words. Ashley froze, her mind racing. She should shove him away, yell at him, do anything but let him continue.

But she didn’t.

For a brief moment, she let herself feel the passion in his kiss, the weight of his regret, and the undeniable connection that still lingered between them.

Then, just as suddenly as it started, she pushed him away, her hand flying to her lips as she stared at him in shock.