“Sorry, sometimes there’s nothing we can do, but we got it under control.”
“Scared the crap out of me. Remember, I’m not all that seasoned a flyer yet, and it was my first experience with turbulence.”
“Don’t stress, James,” Jace teases as he pushes past me, my garment bag over his shoulder. “Harlow was just fine, all wrapped up in her personal sexy seatbelt.” His grin is cheeky, lighting up his entire face, and I can’t help but notice his other hand is in Jacinta’s as the two of them giggle like school kids as they clatter down the steps to the three waiting vehicles. My frown disappears when I see that, replaced with a pleased smile. All the others say goodbye until it’s just Thomas and me still on the plane with the two pilots and Jilly. Veronica is nowhere in sight, thank god.
“This will be a short trip. The dinner is tomorrow night, and then we want to leave first thing Wednesday morning. I’ve got you booked into the same hotel as us, and we will leave one of the vehicles and drivers for you. Feel free to charge your food to the room if you decide you don't want to go out. If you do, make sure you keep your receipts for reimbursement.”
Jilly waves her hand at Thomas. “We know the deal. Don’t worry about us.”
“Yeah, just go buy us some new planes.” James slaps Thomas on the shoulder and winks at me. “All I plan on doing is making the most of room service and the amazing beds at the hotel. I’m exhausted after that flight.”
“Me too. But I wouldn't mind doing some sightseeing tomorrow. It’s been a while since I've been to Prague.” Chris turns his attention to me. “Hey, Harlow, did you know that Prague has an amazing zoo? I know you missed your trip to the one in Hawaii. You should make Thomas take you to it tomorrow morning—you know, to repay you for dragging you all the way out here for a business function.”
“Oh yes! Your dinner isn't until late tomorrow evening, so that’s a great idea,” Jilly chimes in.
I turn hopeful eyes in Thomas’ direction. and he rolls his. He may be trying to keep a smile off his face, but I catch a twitch of those sinful lips. “Damn it, Harlow. How am I expected to argue with those eyes?” He huffs out a sigh as I clap my hands together.
“Please, Thomas, I may have to consider coming to Europe to get zoo training, and I’d love to see an example of what’s here.” I throw in that little bit of a guilt trip, knowing it’ll make him soften even more.
“Ok, I give. I’m pretty sure we can arrange it. Nobody knows we’re here. We’ve checked in under aliases, and I can order a car to take us there and back so we aren’t on public transport. Between Jacinta and Jace, I’m sure they could rustle up a disguise too. Hell, Jazzy will probably think it’s all a great deal of fun.”
I squeal in excitement and throw my arms around him, smacking a kiss on his cheek. As I pull away, Veronica finally appears from somewhere.
“Tommy, can I speak to you for a moment?” she pleads, but he shakes his head.
“I can’t right now, Veronica. The others are waiting. I’ll make some time for you on the flight home though, okay?”
She sags a little in disappointment before quickly agreeing, and we wave our goodbyes and make our way down the stairs.
“Maybe you should stay and speak to her; she seems kind of desperate.” I look back over my shoulder. The others have disappeared, probably finishing off whatever needs to be done on the plane, but she’s still standing there staring after us.
“I can’t imagine what she has to say. Kai and I have made it perfectly clear that we are not interested in her, and if it’s a work thing, that needs to be discussed with airline management. The owner or CEO is not your point of contact if you have a work issue, even if you know them personally.”
I have a gut feeling that this is not going to go away, but I’m too excited about being in Prague to worry about it. A shiver goes down my spine as we go down the plane’s stairs. Being late afternoon, the sun is lower in the sky and the breeze has a bite to it. I hope our restaurant is heated, otherwise my shoulders are going to freeze in that dress. Maybe I need to ask Jacinta and Jace to find me a wrap somewhere.
Thomas opens the back of one of the limos, and I climb in, finding Jaxon and Declan waiting for us..
“The others went on ahead. Jacinta and Jace need to book a room, and Kai was going to get us all checked in so that Harlow could bypass the front desk. The less we’re all seen, especially together, the better,” Declan explains as the vehicle starts to smoothly move away.
“At least we aren't as well known in Europe as we are in the US,” Jaxon says, his eyes fixed on the window.
“Well, at least not yet. I’m pretty sure you and Jacinta are going to make a splash once it becomes known that you are the new Count and Countess Bucataru.”
Jaxon’s mouth drops open in surprise at Thomas’ words. “Is that how it works? Are those kinds of titles hereditary?” He looks at each of us, desperation in his eyes.
“I don’t know. Maybe we can google it when we get to the hotel.” I shuffle over to sit next to him and take his hand in mine. I don't like seeing this normally confident, sexy man look so unsure. I want to take the panic off his face, so I whisper in his ear to distract him.
“If it turns out you are, I wouldn't mind role playing the count and his chambermaid or something. You can be lord of the manor, and I can see to youreverywhim.”
His hand tightens in mine, and the panic disappears from his eyes, replaced with heat.
“I don't know what you just whispered to him, but I would like you to whisper the same thing to me if it deserves that kind of reaction,” Declan teases, and I wink at him.
“Oh hush, you,” I scold him, and the three of them chuckle before we fall into silence. I turn my body as Jaxon wraps his arms around me to watch the view of Prague slip by through the window.
“Will you call me, sir?” he whispers in my ear, and I feel my cheeks pink up at the possibility. The small nod I give seems to satisfy him, and maybe, just maybe, I might be starting to understand what Holden gets out of his end of the whole Mistress thing. Maybe it’ll be kind of fun to give in and just follow someone’s orders.
Chapter Twenty-Six
