chapter1232

Connor's lips curled into a smile that said he was already looking forward to seeing her. "Alright. I'll wait for you."

Almost ten hours later, Lydia's plane touched down in Country D. She wheeled her suitcase through the arrivals gate and scanned the crowd. It didn't take long to spot him. Connor stood out, tall and impossibly cool in a black shirt, leaning against a pillar with his hands in his pockets. The moment he heard her suitcase rolling over the tiles, he looked up. Whatever seriousness lingered in his gaze immediately melted away, replaced with a light that was just for her.

She didn't even get a word out before he strode over. One long step after another, he closed the distance, nudging her suitcase aside. Suddenly, his arms were wrapped tightly around her, pulling her into his chest like he'd been waiting forever. "Did you miss me?" His voice was low, a little rough, and laced with a teasing laugh. He pressed his nose to her hair and dropped soft kisses behind her ear.

People nearby gasped and whispered, but Lydia's world narrowed to just him. Her ears felt like they were on fire. She gave his shoulder a halfhearted punch. "Hey, we're in public..."

"I don't care." Connor only held her tighter, stealing another kiss before finally letting her go. His thumb traced the blush on her cheek, his eyes never leaving her. "You still haven't answered me. Did you miss me?"

Lydia couldn't help but laugh, even as she rolled her eyes. This man had a stubborn streak a mile wide. "What do you think?"

He didn't hesitate. "You did."

She nodded, a smirk tugging at her lips. Sure. If you say so."

If they weren't surrounded by people, Connor probably would have shown her just how much he missed her. This little troublemaker probably hadn't thought about him at all, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

Lydia bent down to grab her suitcase, but Connor beat her to it, picking it up easily. I booked us a hotel near the competition venue. That way, it'll be easier for you tomorrow."

He slipped his arm around her shoulders, steering her toward the exit. His voice softened, almost gentle. "Chris said the antidote should be ready for testing by the day after tomorrow."

Lydia's lips curved into a grateful smile. Thank you."

Connor wanted to say more, but stopped himself. None of this was too much. If it meant saving her, he would do anything.

"Let's get you something to eat," he said.

With the time difference, it was just after five in the afternoon in Country D. Lydia considered her options. "We can get something at the hotel, if that's easier."

Connor nodded. "Sounds good."

The ride to the hotel was quiet but comfortable. Connor pulled her onto his lap as soon as they got in the car, and neither of them could resist stealing kisses along the way. was as if every mile they'd been apart had built up into this moment, and now he couldn't get enough of her. If he could, he'd never let her go. For now, just being able to kiss her was enough.

Aiden was back home handling company affairs, so Connor had arranged for a driver. The poor guy up front had never seen his boss act like this before Usually, Connorkent his distance from girls, always sool and detached. Seeing him so wrapped up in Lydia was enough to make the driver nearly swerve off the road.

When the car finally stopped, Lydia leaned against Connor's shoulder, catching her breath. Something jogged her memory, and she pulled out her phone, opening the competition group chat. The notification badge flashed with more than ninety-nine messages. As she scrolled up, her screen filled with people talking about her.

"Where's Lydia? Why isn't she here yet?"

"Did she drop out?"

"Maybe she's scared of losing and making us look bad..."

"Is she backing out at the last second? Maybe her past wins were all fake?"

The group chat was huge, with every competitor from her country in it. Marilyn and Yara were leading the charge, stirring the pot along with a few students from Rock Bay. The comments only died down when a professor from Capital Med School stepped in and told them to knock it off.

Lydia raised an eyebrow, then typed a message and tagged everyone. "Changed my flight. Just landed in Country D. Don't worry about me. Focus on your training. Let's not embarrass ourselves tomorrow."