Zain sat in his seat as the pilot addressed emergency procedures over the intercom. He'd heard it all before, yet found himself unable to focus—his attention continually drifting to his left. Through the corner of his eye, he watched as his assistant buckled their seatbelt with careful movements. A small smirk tugged at Zain's lips as he shook his head slightly, feigning amusement at the meticulous action.

The soft chime of the seatbelt sign illuminated above them, the final cue before takeoff. The subtle vibrations of the engines hummed through the cabin, growing steadily louder as the plane prepared for departure. Zain adjusted his cufflinks, the expensive fabric of his suit shifting with the movement. He glanced at the empty seats surrounding them, a deliberate arrangement that had cost significantly more than standard first class fare. The privacy was worth every penny.

First class offered generous accommodations—reclining seats, ample legroom, and a partition creating a semi-private suite for the two of them. Despite the spacious layout, Zain found himself craving closer proximity. He sighed softly, allowing his arm to drape casually over the back of his assistant's seat before sliding it down to rest on their shoulder, gently pulling them against his side. The contact was under the pretense of sharing body heat, though the temperature in the cabin was perfectly regulated.

"Cold?" he murmured, the deep timbre of his voice carrying just enough warmth to suggest more than casual concern. His thumb brushed lightly against the fabric of their shirt, maintaining the contact as the plane began taxiing toward the runway. The roar of the engines masked the sound of his racing heartbeat—something he'd never allow anyone to witness under normal circumstances.