Chapter 13

As Aliza was about to enter her quarter, Charles stopped her holding her hand. 

“Liza,” he called her softly. Titillations crawled her nerves at the adorable address. It was the name her father and mother used to call her. Emotions rushed on her like a whirlwind accompanied by wetness in her eyes. Aliza turned back, gulping a quaver in her throat.

Charles held her face tenderly in his hands, bent his head, and attached his lips to her. Aliza pulled her rims together in tightness and crumbled her dress in tight fists. Charles might have noticed her discomfort. He chuckled softly, pulling his head away and observing her. 

“Relax, my love. Open your lips for me,” he called in a tone that was heard more like a melody. 

“Sir?” Aliza asked Charles in surprise with trembling lips.

He grazed her soft lips with the pad of his thumb. 

“Liza, do you think we are still walking in the balloon