I’m warm and sated as I snuggle into my pillow, feeling more content than I have in ages. The steady thumping at my ear almost lulls me back to sleep until a fresh minty, citrusy scent mixed with spicier notes tickles my nostrils, and I suddenly jerk my eyes open.
“Shh, honey.” Fiero’s hold tightens where he carries me in his arms. “Go back to sleep. We’re nearly there.”
I shouldn’t nestle closer into his chest or cling possessively to his shirt, but it’s been a long time since I’ve felt anything close to comfort in a man’s arms, and I’m too sleepy to resist. My eyelids close and I succumb to blissful darkness once again.
When I wake next, I’m in the passenger seat of a helicopter as Fiero flies us over what I assume is New York City and we’re both wearing headphones.
“Oh my god,” I murmur in a sleepy tone. “What’s going on?”
Fiero chuckles, smiling as he glances at me. “You’re safe, and we’re nearly home.” His voice rings clear in my ears.
“You’re a pilot?” I stupidly ask.
“I am, and I’m experienced, so don’t look so panicked.”
“I’ve never been in a helicopter before,” I admit, stretching my legs and frowning when I see what I’m wearing. My head whips up to his. “Who dressed me?”
“I did.” Solemn eyes meet mine. “I didn’t think you’d want Mimi doing that.”
I instantly scowl, and his lips tip up at the corners. “Watch the sky!” I blurt, and laughter bursts from his chest.
I grab the soft, blue blanket sitting on my lap, pulling it up over my shoulders and tucking it in around me, briefly contemplating yanking it over my head to shield my embarrassment.
“I could fly this chopper in my sleep, kitten. Relax, and you have no need to be jealous. You won’t see Mimi again. I’m firing her.”
My eyes pop wide. “Because of me?”
“Partly.” His reply is terse on purpose.
“You fucked her.”
“Watch your mouth, Valentina. A lady doesn’t curse.”
I flip him the bird. “Who says I’m a lady?”
“I do.” He glares at me. “Continue to challenge me, and I’ll be making good on that spanking threat.”
I bite down hard on my lip and avert my eyes, looking out the window of the helicopter to avoid looking at him.
Tense silence fills the air.
“Valentina.”
I ignore him, straining forward to see the landscape below.
“Valentina.” His tone is sharper and laced with frustration. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.”
“Fuck. You,” I reply as if on autopilot.
“I plan to. I’ll fuck this rebellion from every bone in your body.”
He gets his wish when I swing my hate-filled gaze on his face. “You’ll have to tie me down to do it, and it still won’t work.”
“Is that how Dominic did it?” he asks, and all the blood leaches from my face.
Horrific memories of that first night in the Ferraro household return to haunt me. It’s been years since I’ve let myself think of it, but the more I’m around Fiero, the more everything I’ve spent years blocking out is seeping through the steel walls I’ve erected to keep them out.
“What has happened to you in that house, Valentina?”
