My phone lit up on the bed, Remo’s name flashing on the screen. I let the dress glide down my body and grabbed the phone.
“Look outside,” he said when I answered.
“What the hell is that sound?”
“Your ride.”
I crossed to the window, heart already racing, and froze. A helicopter hovered outside, rotor blades slicing the air, the noise deafening.
“You’re insane,” I said, catching sight of a lone Remo in the pilot seat.
“You’re slow,” he replied. “Five minutes.”
“I’m not dressed.”
“I’ve seen you naked. Hurry up.” He maneuvered the chopper to a rooftop across the street.
I hung up with shaking hands and turned away from the window. Slipping my feet into white sandals, I secured the straps then ran a brush through my hair before pulling it into a high ponytail. I gave myself a quick once. Satisfied, I grabbed a yellow Bolero jacket.
By the time I stepped onto the roof, the wind from the blades whipped my dress and hair, threatening to undo both. Remo stood outside, headset on, coat snapping around his legs. His gaze ran the length of my body before he stepped toward me.
“You do this often?” I shouted over the noise.
“Only when I’m trying to impress a woman who pretends she isn’t impressed,” he said, reaching for me.
I scoffed. “You’re unbelievable.”
He stepped closer, wind tearing at us, his voice right in my ear. “Consider this foreplay,” he murmured, then added in a softer tease, “last chance to decide if you’re coming willingly.”
My pulse jumped but his hand slipped into mine. Firm, certain, the decision already made for me.
“You could’ve just sent a car.”
He pulled me into his body. “Maybe I wanted you rattled.”
Not giving me a chance to reply, he opened the door and scooted me inside, pointing to the headset before he jumpedin on his side. Another few seconds later and the city dropped away as the large bird soared. Unconsciously, I gripped the seat harder than I meant to while my gaze took in the sights.
“You scared?” Remo asked, pulling my gaze.
“Of you?” I teased. “Always.”
As if pleased, he smiled.
The ride was mesmeric as it was scary. A laugh slipped out at one point pulling Remo’s gaze. I arched a brow and the tip of his tongue snuck out to play with that lip ring. Licking my lips, I looked away, catching his soft chuckle in my ear. The sound vibrated through my body, titillating the space between my thighs but I didn’t ignore the tiny niggle reminding me that loving a man like Remo would only bring heartache I should avoid.
Honestly, I couldn’t.
We landed somewhere in the countryside, the helicopter’s echo dying fast, swallowed by trees and silence. A black SUV waited under a shelter. Remo removed his coat and tossed it on the back seat.
My gaze grazed his roguishly gorgeous frame in dark pants and a black t-shirt, sleeves rolled James Dean style and clothes I hadn’t seen Remo in before. The handsome icon, however, had nothing on my monster.
At his raised brow, I swallowed, looking away. “No guards?”
“Need an audience, little fox?”
Heat colored my cheeks and I climbed into the vehicle. A few minutes later, we drove into a small town, the tiny cafés drawing my attention with a smile. I assumed we’d stop and was surprised when we continued past them. The road climbed, the town thinned out and mountains rose around us. Stone replaced traffic, fresh pine permeated the air and nature took over.
With my palm pressed to the window, I ignored Remo since he spent the better part of the drive on the phone, barking ordersand threatening people. Lost in the view, I didn’t realize I’d made soft sounds of awe until his soft laugh told me he noticed. I glanced at him, but I didn’t say anything then kept my gaze riveted on the passing scenery.
