At a quarter to six, Lariette quietly slid out of the bed, leaving Ruediger’s warm embrace. She smiled when the man groaned, his arm unconsciously patting the space she had just left.
Lariette leaned in and kissed Ruediger’s cheek. She bit back the chuckle from escaping her lips, unwilling to disturb his sleep. After pulling the blanket to cover up his chest, she tiptoed to the washroom.
’Maybe I’ll make pumpkin spice oatal. We still have pumpkin puree in the fridge.’
The thought crossed Lariette’s mind as she bundled her hair into a high bun. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she stepped out of the washroom.
Seeing Ruediger was still asleep put a smile on Lariette’s lips. She quickened her steps once she left the bedroom.
The sky outside was still dim with the muted gold of late autumn sunlight. Rays of amber, gold and athyst layered the skyline.
The clock on the stove blinked at half past six when Lariette stood before the stove, stirring a small pot of pumpkin spice oatal. The comforting scent of cinnamon, nutg and warm milk began to fill the air.
Still clad in her pajamas, Lariette moved quietly. She reached out for a bottle of maple syrup and added a drizzle to the oatal, alongside a dash of vanilla extract.
After stirring for a while, Lariette lowered the heat. Steam curled up from the oatal, now thickening to a creamy texture. She planned to toss so chopped walnuts and dried cranberries before serving it.
Suddenly, soft footsteps echoed behind her. She didn’t have to turn around to know who they belonged to. Even before she heard his voice, she felt his warmth.
"Mmm... slls amazing, Lettie."
Lariette chuckled upon hearing Ruediger murmur, his voice still heavy with sleep. He slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.
From this close distance, she slled the familiar refreshing and minty scent of his toothpaste and mouthwash.
"Ready for your flight?" she asked softly, teasing him, "Don’t forget your passport."
"Don’t remind ," he replied, eyes still half-closed, "If only I could stuff you inside my pocket, I’d bring you too. You won’t be by my side when I wake up tomorrow."
Lariette rolled her eyes, but her heart ward, "It’s not a long farewell. You’ll be gone only for a few days."
"That’s a few mornings without this, my dear," Ruediger said, squeezing his beloved gently, "Tragic, don’t you think so?"
Lariette chuckled, then tilted her head toward the coffee machine, "Now, now, make yourself useful. Bring the coffee outside. I’ll serve the oatal soon. Ah, Earl Grey for , darling."
Ruediger obediently let go, ruffling his already ssy hair as he walked to the coffee machine, "I’ll miss this coffee too."
"I believe Norvonna has enough coffee for you."
Lariette shook her head in helplessness. She began plating the oatal into two ceramic bowls and then finished it by putting the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.
Ruediger leaned against the counter, watching Lariette through his half-lidded eyes. His lips curled into a faint smile as he took in the simple image of her serving breakfast.
Chuckling, he couldn’t help but be dramatic.
"Still, you woke up early to make breakfast, my dear. How am I supposed to board that plane with my heart intact?"
Lariette’s laughter answered Ruediger whose hand clutching his chest. Her shoulders trembled as she held back, but failed in her attempts.
"Hehe, don’t be such a poet. It’s still too early," she gave him a pointed look, "Co on, let’s have breakfast."
"Aye aye, ma’am."
Lariette and Ruediger sat at the dining table, facing each other. She smiled as she watched him having a few mouthfuls of oatal, then chuckled when he praised the savory breakfast.
"Will Aunt Felle pick you up at the airport?" she asked after swallowing her bite of food, "Send my regards to her."
"Her chauffeur will co. I’ll go straight to her office," Ruediger paused, pondering for a mont before saying, "Be careful when I’m gone. Call Maddie if you need anything. Or how about having her here?"
Lariette blinked, never expecting Ruediger to suggest that. His voice was imbued with worry despite how calm he sounded.
Putting down her spoon, she said, "I’ll be careful. I gonna kick Vincent’s butt if he dares to co again. About Maddie, I’ll ask her first. Maybe we can have sleepovers."
Ruediger said nothing, only smiling. He had arranged for two bodyguards to watch over Lariette secretly, but it was still hard to put his worries aside.
After breakfast, Lariette and Ruediger disappeared inside their respective bedrooms to get ready. When she finally stepped into the hallway, he was already waiting in the living room.
Ruediger glanced at her, smiling, "I booked a ride. It’ll be here in twenty minutes."
"That long?" Lariette arched her brows. She walked toward Ruediger on the couch, "Is the traffic that bad, or did you purposely schedule it a bit later?"
Grinning, he answered proudly, "The latter. I can’t kiss you as many tis as I want at your school."
Lariette was speechless, still, she let herself lt in Ruediger’s embrace and kisses in the next second.
He hugged her as if he wanted them to beco one and he kissed her as if he desperately yearned to rember her taste.
"Ten minutes more," Ruediger breathed after breaking the kiss, his thumb gently brushing Lariette’s cheek, "I’ll co ho before you know it."
Oh, how much his heart ached as the minutes for them to part drew closer.
Lariette blinked, then nodded. She leaned forward and nibbled with Ruediger’s lower lip. He chuckled helplessly when she reluctantly let go.
"I hope this will be the last ti you’re away because of them," she said, still upset with the Alvords, "Settle Aunt’s problem, co back and teach them a lesson."
Grinning, Ruediger nodded. He tightened his arms around Lariette’s waist before kissing her again.
"E-Eddy... the ride..."
He whispered above her lips.
"It can wait."
Of course, the driver could wait. The man was actually a chauffeur sent by Edmund, pretending to be an ordinary e-hailing driver. But she wouldn’t know.
Not yet.
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