Chapter 306: Amber port

Braelyn’s POV

The train ride was long. My gaze remained on the window, watching us pass tall buildings from the city down to the quiet woods railway and several towns.

Slowly the train was getting emptier as some passengers stepped out. The rattling sounds of the railway mixed with softer sleeping sounds now filled the train.

Most of the people had already fallen asleep. It was pretty late. The next stop was going to be around 11 pm, that’s when I get off. The border town.

I was nervous. My hands wrapped around myself as I continued watching the empty tracks. A soft snore drifted from my side. The man sitting behind me had long fallen asleep and was snoring now.

My eyes were half lidded and dropping. Sleep was tingling my eyelids. My eyes slowly closed and my head dropped to the side. Halfway to the fall my eyes snapped back open. I almost leaned against the man beside me.

I was feeling sleepy but I dared not. It was my first time on a public train. I didn’t want to miss my stop.

The man beside me stirred, awakened by the subtle movement. He glanced my way and didn’t say anything before going back to sleep. “You should sleep a bit. The next stop is still far and it’s pretty cold.” He urged before closing his eyes again, but I was determined to stay awake.

“I will be fine.” I blurted.

Lies. My skin was crawling with goosebumps because no one told me trains were cold at night. The compartment heater was faulty. I could hear the faint hum of the heater yet it was cold, like the heater was for fancy.

I turned my attention to the dark tracks. By now Raphael and even Lucien should be aware that I was gone. I wondered how he was taking the news.

Was he angry or probably losing his smile?

A small smile curled up my lips. It didn’t matter any more as long as he can’t find me.

In the end I drifted asleep. My head subconsciously fell on the next person’s shoulder. A soft cedar cologne wrapped around me. I could tell it was expensive.

WE ARE ARRIVING AT AMBER PORT TOWN!!

AMBER PORT TOWN

5 MINS

The loud intercom announcement jolted me from sleep. My eyes shot open and met those grey eyes staring curiously at me.

“We are arriving at Amber Port.” He said softly, staring at me with soft amusement in his eyes.

I blinked, dazzled for a moment before it dawned on me that I was leaning on his shoulders, worse, drooling too. My soul left me and I instantly froze.

My head jolted from his shoulder. “I am so sorry, let me clean that for you.” I immediately tried to clean it with my sleeves since I didn’t have a handkerchief.

He chuckled softly. His laugh made me freeze. It was rare seeing older men with the same looks as Ronan. He was definitely a heartthrob in his days.

“It is fine.” he chuckled. The sound was deeply magnetic.

He reached for his pocket then pulled out a handkerchief to clean the mess.

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I apologised, feeling completely guilty. “I can pay for the dry cleaning.” I offered.

He shook his head. “I said it is fine.” he stated, then sighed. “I can afford my dry cleaning. You focus on the little something you have here.” He pointed at the corner of my lips.

My head instantly darted to the glass window to see my faint reflection. The drooling left spots on my lips. My face heated up instantly and I tried to wipe off the mess.

From the window I could see lights as we drew closer to the Amber Port gate. It was very late yet the port was busy.

Another announcement rang as the train slowly stopped with a screeching sound.

SOUTH BORDER TRAIN HAS ARRIVED AT AMBER PORT

It was my stop. I felt faint movements by my side. I glanced up at the man who just stood.

“I will be getting off here.” He gave me a faint nod then walked off. I stared at his back as he blended with other passengers heading for the door.

WE ARE DEPARTING SHORTLY

The announcement rang through the speakers. I snapped out of it and immediately stood up on my tiptoes to reach my suitcase.

“Let me help you.” a conductor spoke from behind and reached over my shoulders to pull out my luggage from the rack.

“Thank you.” I chimed with a polite smile, squeezing a money note into his hand before pulling my suitcase towards the door just in time for it to open and everyone stepped out.

It was a bit of a hassle to get out the door. A lot of passengers were stopping at Amber Port Town. It was a commercial town just next to the borders, although it was pretty big to be called a town, but the old name stuck to it.

Eventually I got out of the train and left the gate. Shortly after the train departed for the next stop. The air was crisp and a bit cold. Mist formed under my nose as I breathed. Winter was drawing closer.

The man from earlier had already disappeared into the crowd.

Just on time my phone buzzed with a text notification from a private number. But I knew it was safe. Only a few people knew this number.

Text: You should have arrived at your spot by now. 11 pm. The driver is waiting for us above the train station. It is a 2017 blue Honda Civic. The driver would be waiting by the door and must say your name and the password.

Password: Aurora James? You look like you had a long night. Mr James and the children miss you.

I gulped after reading the text. The password felt like a regular conversation. I drew in a deep breath and dragged my suitcase with me out of the station.

I got on the escalator which took me up to the train station entrance. I could hear the distant sounds of cars and horns. This town was a commercial town so even late at night it was busy.

I had been here once but I didn’t travel by train, I used a flight.

The cold breeze welcomed me with a smell faintly of sea salt since the station was close to the sea.

I pulled my box, my eyes darting around searching for the blue Honda Civic. The cold bit into my skin as I walked forward.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep