The Fake Luna: Marked By The Alpha King

Chapter 193: Chapter 193 Temporary Goodbye

Aria’s POV

That evening, I wrapped up my work at V&A Group early so I could drive Damian to the airport.

He had a week-long business trip starting tonight, and while he’d insisted I didn’t need to see him off—he had a private jet, after all, it was perfectly convenient—I’d refused to budge.

A whole week without seeing him. I wanted every extra minute I could get.

But the moment I arrived, I realized my presence was making it harder for him to leave.

We grabbed a quick dinner at the airport lounge, something simple and quiet. I kept glancing at my watch, finally reminding him gently that we needed to head to the gate soon.

Damian stared at me for a long moment, then reached out and took my hand, his thumb brushing over the diamond ring glittering on my finger.

"Do I really have to leave?" His voice was low, almost reluctant.

"Yes," I said softly, squeezing his hand. "Otherwise you’ll hit traffic."

My mind was already running through his travel checklist—medications, essentials, everything I’d packed for him.

I knew Rick had already handled it all, but I’d wanted to do it myself. It felt more personal that way.

Last time Damian had traveled, he’d come back injured.

I’d learned he was prone to throat inflammation, so this time I’d packed a whole arsenal of specialized throat lozenges and remedies.

Plus some high-quality supplements and wellness drinks.

"How did things go with Nathan today?"

Damian’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find him watching me intently, his gray eyes warm despite their usual coldness.

"With you backing me up? Easy," I said, grinning. "You should’ve seen Nathan’s face today. I don’t think he’ll dare mess with me again anytime soon."

I leaned forward slightly, excitement bubbling up.

"And Holt Enterprises—I handed over their core financial data to the regulators. It’s full of holes. They’re being investigated now, and their IPO is dead in the water. Anyone who invests in them at this point is going to lose everything."

I suddenly realized I’d been rambling and glanced up to find him staring at me, his gaze unwavering.

"Do you think I’m too vindictive?" I asked quietly, a flicker of doubt creeping in.

"No."

Damian laced his fingers through mine and pulled me closer, his lips brushing against my forehead.

"If I were handling it," he murmured, his voice dropping to something darker, "they wouldn’t even have the chance to regret it."

His thumb traced slow circles against the inside of my wrist, his tone calm but laced with unmistakable indulgence.

"So do what you want, Aria. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you."

My breath hitched. The scent of him—cedar and lavender—wrapped around me, and I felt my entire body soften.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Damian glanced at his watch.

"I really do need to go now." There was clear reluctance in his voice, but he stood anyway, releasing my hand.

I stood with him, reaching up to straighten his already-perfect collar. He caught my wrist and pulled me in, pressing a short but unmistakable kiss to my lips.

"Three times a day," he said firmly, his fingers tightening slightly around mine. "Video calls. Don’t make me worry."

My ears burned. I shoved him lightly. "Go already, Alpha King."

The forty-minute drive to the private terminal felt like it passed in seconds.

Somewhere along the way, I gave in and wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in the crook of his neck. It was only a week. Just a week. But it felt like I was saying goodbye for months.

I breathed in his scent, memorizing it.

"Damian," I mumbled against his skin, "I’m going to miss you."

"Then I’m not going."

His arms tightened around me, pulling me deeper into his embrace. His jaw brushed against the top of my head.

For a moment, hope flickered in my chest.

But I knew Damian didn’t joke about things like this. If I said the word, he really would turn the car around.

"Don’t," I said quickly. "Work is important."

A week-long trip meant serious business. I couldn’t be selfish.

"I could always step down as CEO," Damian said, his tone still perfectly serious. "You could support me instead."

I knew he was teasing, but I looked up at him anyway, meeting his gray eyes.

"I would," I said simply.

He huffed a quiet laugh, the sound low and warm.

"Aria," he murmured, his voice softening, "I’ll miss you too."

The car fell silent except for the sound of our breathing.

I leaned up and brushed my lips against his, slow and gentle. We kissed softly, teasingly, unable to let go but unwilling to deepen it. It was a kiss full of reluctant longing.

The car came to a smooth stop at the private terminal entrance. Rick stepped out to wait, and Damian finally, reluctantly, released me.

He cupped my face in his hands, his thumb tracing the line of my cheekbone. His gaze was so intense it felt like he was trying to memorize every detail.

"Go," I whispered, swallowing the tightness in my throat. "Text me when you land."

"Come with me."

Damian’s grip on my hand tightened.

He was serious. My heart fluttered, warmth spreading through my chest. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but think we were being ridiculously sappy.

"Don’t be silly," I said, shaking my head. "You’re going for business. And I’ve got a mountain of things to handle here. I can’t just drop everything."

"You can work remotely." His voice was soft, coaxing.

I could feel my resolve wavering. I pressed my palm against the back of his hand, my fingertip tracing the edge of his watch strap.

"I really can’t," I said gently, a hint of playfulness creeping into my tone. "I just took on a major project. I’ve got a client meeting tomorrow. If you keep pushing, I might actually cave."

I softened my voice further, letting a little whine slip in.

"But next time you travel, maybe give me a heads-up? I’ll clear my schedule. I don’t mind being your assistant for a few days."

"I’d never make you my assistant, Ms. Smith."

Damian’s breath tickled my ear, his voice like silk. But after a moment, he sighed and gave in.

"Three times a day. Don’t forget."

"Isn’t three times a bit much?" I blinked, realizing he meant the video calls.

"Morning, afternoon, and night." He lifted my hand and pressed another kiss to the back of it. "Or I’m rebooking this flight and taking you with me."

"Fine, fine," I said, laughing despite myself. "I’ll call."

If I let this go on any longer, I’d end up refusing to let him leave at all.

After watching Damian disappear into the terminal, I let one of his drivers take me back home.

But what I didn’t know was that Vanessa had also arrived at the airport shortly after I left.

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