“Hunting with Dad every Christmas.”
He throws back his head and laughs out loud, and I smile. I can still surprise him. I take a second to relish this before I rest my head on his shoulder as we head to the airport. I don’t know where we’re going, and I don’t care. All I know is we can’t stay in our home and being on the run is the safest for now.
We arrive at the airport and walk through the darkness, and although I’m too tired to look at my watch, the air is cool and damp and it seems close to dawn.
We board the plane without a word and take off as the sun comes over the horizon. I wonder how long we’ll be on the run, and what awaits us at our next destination.
“Where are we going?”
“Capri. It will be packed with tourists and there are places where we can hide out. I have houses no one knows about all over Italy.”
Of course, he does. I notice then that he’s favoring his right arm.
“What happened?”
“Just a little sore from the knife cutting me. It’s nothing to worry about, gorgeous. They stitched me up and I had a whiskey for the pain.” He grins, but I’m not convinced.
“Well, I want to check it later.”
“Okay, I’ll let you, but only if you promise to stop worrying.” I can’t believe he’s almost teasing me at a time like this.
“I can’t do that,” I say as I shake my head. “A psycho is chasing us.”
“We’ll find him. My men are good.”
I wonder if they are good enough.
I put my hand on his thigh and look at my engagement ring. I wonder if it’s worth it. Why not just change my name and move? But it’s a short-term solution to a long-term problem—we’ll never be free until that man is dead.
I’m sure the Commissioner knows more than he was saying, but as long as we are free and it was a justified shooting, I think we’re in the clear.
I fall asleep on my sexy fiancé and wake just before landing. As I take in the majestic view of the azure water below us, I think a change of scenery is just what I need.
25
Juliet
The hotel we arrive at is just as grand as the one in Milan, but I doubt it’s one he owns as that would be too obvious. I don’t know the details and I’m fine with that as long as I have a guard or Dante with me at all times.
The balcony doors are open and the sheer curtains billow gently in the sea breeze like they haven’t a care in the world. For a moment, I mourn the simple life that is now lost to me.
What’s the phrase, be careful what you wish for?
I had no way of knowing what a more exciting life would mean. I would have been happy just going out to clubs and having a boyfriend. Finishing school, starting a career, and going home to visit my parents without it requiring an entourage of expensive vehicles that would raise more than a few eyebrows in our sleepy town.
I look at my lover pacing on the balcony. The five o’clock shadow on his jaw has filled in, giving him even more sex appeal. I want him . . . God help me, I can’t keep my hands off him, and when he touches me, I forget everything around me.
I don’t want anyone else. Good or bad, he’s loyal. Do I have deep-seated daddy issues stemming from the adoption? Maybe. Would I act differently if this wasn’t how my life unfolded? I’m not so sure. What is fate and what is up to pure chance? I don’t know. I’m just glad we’re all alive. Dante has been in contact with his brothers, who are hiding out for a few days, so that’s a relief.
I shiver even though it’s a perfectly sunny Italian day.
“Can I get you anything?” Dante stands in the doorway and the look of tenderness in his eyes speaks volumes.
“You,” I reply as I lean back against the pillows on the bed.
“Me?” he teases.
Some people say the thrill of being next to death makes people horny. I don’t need an excuse. As he approaches, I’m all his as he takes his dress shirt off and lets it fall softly to the carpet, followed by his belt and loafers.