He rushes in front of me, grabbing the handle before I can and opening the back door. “Ma’am.” He pauses and straightens, somehow looking even stiffer than before.
I slide into the back seat and look around the sleek, black-leather interior, kind of impressed with the lengths Leo’s going to for our date.
The driver gets in and doesn’t say a word as he pulls away from the curb. I stare out the tinted windows, wondering if I’ll ever make it back home again and know I have to tell someone where I’m going just in case.
Me: Leo’s taking me on a plane ride. Private jet. If I don’t come back, he did it!
Michelle’s going to have something to say about the unplanned trip. She was already pissed I was going out with Leo, but now that I’m taking a plane ride to God knows where, she’ll be livid.
So instead of reading her text messages chastising me for being an idiot, I tuck my phone back into my purse and enjoy the view from the seclusion of the back seat of the luxury sedan.
My hands are practically shaking as we pull into the airport on the outskirts of town. The sun’s setting behind the trees, splashing the sky with vibrant yellows and stunning oranges like something out of a painting. Leo’s standing at the base of the stairway, looking just as handsome as ever in another expensive suit. There’s no smile on his face until the driver opens the door and I step outside.
“You made it.” He walks toward me. “Decided I wasn’t going to ransom you off or kill you?”
I laugh nervously, knowing I had been ridiculous. “I’m trusting you, Leo.” I peer up into his deep, rich eyes. “Don’t break that trust. I don’t give it easily.”
Leo places his hands on my upper arms, and the spark I felt before zaps me again. “I promise to have you back before the sun rises and in perfect condition.”
I wouldn’t mind a little imperfection if it included a round in the sack with Leo as a parting gift, of course. But then I remember having sex with him will only complicate matters even more than they already are, and I decide I will not sleep with Leo Conti.
I place my palm flat against his chest, feeling his heart beating out of control just like mine. “Something has been bothering me.” I keep my eyes locked with his. “I need to know one thing before I get on the plane with you.”
“Ask me anything. I have nothing to hide.” He doesn’t blink.
I glance toward the waiting jet and clear my throat. “My brother’s wedding.”
Leo nods, bringing my attention back to him.
“Why were you there? I know you weren’t invited.”
He slides his palms up and down my arms, stirring the lust seated deep in my belly. “It’s a long story. Why don’t we get on board, and I’ll tell you everything? We have an hour before we land.”
“Not good enough,” I tell him, but I don’t back away. My mind is telling me to run, but my body’s not listening.
Leo’s palm slides down my arm before covering my hand resting on his chest. “I was in the hotel and just stopped in. I never meant to talk to anyone or be seen. I promise to tell you whatever you want to know once we’re on the plane, but we’re going to be late.”
“Late?”
“For our dinner reservations.”
“Which are where?”
I know I’m being difficult and I’m fishing, but damn it, surprises have never been my thing. I’ve had too many in life, especially when it comes to my father. I like to know what I’m walking into before I’m smacked in the face with reality.
“Nashville,” he says finally. “Figure there’s no chance of the old guidos seeing us there.”
“We could’ve just gone to the Little Village for some margaritas.”
Leo shakes his head and sighs. “Their reach is everywhere in Chicago, even with the Mexican cartel.”
I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. Leo’s been dropping information left and right when I’m with him, and it’s all news to me. I figured my father’s business was far-reaching, but I never really thought about how vast his network could possibly be.
Leo holds my chin between his fingers. “I promise you won’t regret tonight.”
I stare into his eyes, looking for any reason not to go. “Okay,” I say when I don’t find any.
Leo leans forward, still holding my chin, our eyes locked. “I promise you’ll have a good time,” he says softly with his lips practically touching mine.
