I pull my gun and point it at her. “Who the fuck are you?”
She holds one hand up, the other weighted down with a duffel bag. “Relax, the collector sent me. This is for you,” she says and tosses the bag down.
“I’ll take your tools to have them cleaned.”
I put my gun away and nod over to my bag with the axes and other tools. “Thanks.”
“I’ll take the clothes too.” Her eyes roll over me. She’s pretty but not my type. Which reminds me, I need to get going. I want to reach the other side before Carleen.
I grab up the bag she tossed my way and find clothes inside. “Give me a sec,” I say and turn to head into the private office.
“Take your time,” she calls to my back.
Chapter 39
Flight Company
Carleen
Jace opens the back door of the SUV to let me out onto the tarmac. I step out and look at the private plane that’s going to take me to my man.
I cover my belly with my palms. I can’t believe I’m getting ready to board this plane. This seems so surreal. I reach to tug Jace into a hug.
“Thanks. I mean it.”
He releases me and looks down at my face. I love the smile he gives me. It’s open but hides a little secret as if he knows something I don’t, and it amuses him.
“No problem. Be safe. I can’t wait to meet my niece or nephew.”
I smile. “I can’t wait to introduce them to you.”
He kisses my cheek. I turn to Gio and smile. He pulls me into a hug, his scent surrounding me. Wow, these men smell nice.
Gio rubs my back. “I’m proud of you. A woman is never beneath her man, but the anchor at his side. You’re ready for who my brother has to be. I’ll bring you both back when it’s time.”
I step out of his embrace and knit my brows. He gives me a wink and kisses both my cheeks. Placing a hand on my bump he leans into my ear.
“Gwen would be proud.”
I give him a teary smile and follow Jace to the plane, where he hands over my bags to the waiting attendant. I climb the stairs and step into the aircraft. To my surprise, Uncle Lucas is already on board.
“Ah, Carleen,” he croons as he stands.
This man has been in Dario’s life for as long as I can remember. He’s been so nice to me through the years. He treats the guys like his own sons. Even Jace.
He’s just an all-around nice guy. However, there’s always something so sad in his eyes. I’ve always wondered if it’s because he doesn’t have children of his own. I’ve never seen him with a woman either.
I move to give him a hug. “Uncle Lucas, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to do what it’s always been my job to do. Protect the Di Lorenzo heirs,” he says and looks down at my belly.
“Aww, you didn’t have to take this trip with me. I’m grateful for the company, but you really didn’t have to.”
He winks. “Trust me, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Come, sit. Can they get you anything? Water, something to eat. There’s some really fresh fruit.”
“Water is fine,” I reply as I sit in the seat across from him.
I’m brought a water and a plate of fresh fruit. As I settle in, I think over his words.
I’m here to do what it’s always been my job to do. Protect the Di Lorenzo heirs.
My mind goes to Auntie Gwen. Lucas was around back then. Maybe he can help me to learn more about my aunt and the mystery woman from my memory. Too nervous to come right out and ask, I start on the fruit. It’s so good and hits the spot.
I didn’t eat much this morning. I was so afraid I’d forgotten something. I don’t know how long I’ll be away. I didn’t want to leave anything important behind.
“Pregnancy agrees with you,” Uncle Lucas says. “Dario will be in for a treat when he sees you.”
I duck my head and smile. “I can’t wait to see him. It feels like it’s been forever.”
“Love can do that to you. Moments turn into little eternities when you’re apart.”
I tilt my head and study him closely. His words come out with a knowing sound, mixed with a bit of pain. Uncle Lucas is a very handsome man, his jet-black hair stands out against his tanned skin and hazel eyes, eyes that are arresting. His Italian features are strong and charming, giving his face a familiar but comforting feel.
His presence puts me at ease. We fall silent as we take off. I had brought along my backpack with my journals, planning to write some. I have a few recipes in mind. Dario and Apollo made me promise not to work on the staff scheduling. Although that had been my original plan.