Chapter 3
DAN
The seat shakes as the wheels touch down on the runway and I let out a sigh of relief. My muscles burn as if I’ve just done a workout. Then I glance over the seat in front of me and catch Rose’s eyes as she gazes at me with a reminiscent smile. At that moment, all the tension leaves my body.
She always had a way to calm my mind. It’s true what she said about me using her for information.
I was young and vengeful back then and would have done anything to avenge my mother, but the more I got to know Rose, the more she discovered my heart.
It’s as if she has the key to lock it away and unlock it as she pleases, because I haven’t felt it since the day she married someone else.
Until now.
I wipe the sheen of sweat from my brow and gather my things, throwing my jacket back on and lifting my bag down from the overhead locker.
Despite my desperate need to get off this aircraft, I stay until the last of the passengers have exited, just so I can be near her for a little longer.
Even if she blanks me or treats me like I’m just another passenger—I need one more glance.
Just one more hit, not knowing when I’ll see her again.
While I wait, I turn my phone off airplane mode and check the messages filtering in. Including an email from Dom.
Rosetta Conti ceased to exist eight years ago and Grace Finch came on the scene around the same time.
Definitely the same person from the photo scan.
Although there isn’t much online for Grace other than a flight attendant ID registered with the airline company.
Her son is pretty obscure, too. Apart from her working with the airline within a public-facing role, the two have kept a low profile.
Thanks. I’ve spoken to her. She acknowledged me when I cornered her in the restroom. Get me an address. Everything you can find. Especially on the son. And the ex. Magnus Berlusconi. Last I heard, he was still serving time.
I shove my phone in the inside pocket of my jacket and make my way to the exit, carrying my holdall.
Rose holds out her hand. “Thank you for flying with us today, sir.”
I take her hand in mine, then lean in to whisper, “It’s been a pleasure.
” Damn, her scent drives me wild. My lips brush against her neck, barely a hair’s breadth, but I don’t miss how her body reacts to me as she shivers, sucking in a sharp breath.
I commit this moment to memory, inhaling her sweet floral aroma as if she bathes in rose petals. “I’ll see you soon.”
Her eyes narrow, as if annoyed by my assumption.
I let go of her hand and give her a wink before I step onto the metal staircase. The sun warms my face and even though my life’s just become a lot more complicated, I’m walking on air. I’ve no idea when I’ll see her again, but I’m gonna make damn sure when I return home, I’m on her flight.
If I have to take more trips to get closer to her, then so be it.
Finally through passport control, I walk through the departure lounge and look for Riccardo’s driver, but I’m greeted by my cousin instead.
“Look at you. You old bastard.” He throws his arm around me with a hearty laugh.
“I’m still fitter than you.”
“I don’t doubt it.” He pats his slightly rotund belly. “It’s what good living and a good woman does to a man. You should try settling down, my friend.”
I huff out a laugh. Two things that have evaded me so far. “How can I when I’m always busy working for you?”
We walk towards the black car waiting at the departure exit, Riccardo telling me all about his growing family. The guy must have a breeding kink as his wife’s always pregnant.
“Smoke?” Riccardo offers me a cigarette as we step out into the warm air.
I shake my head. “Haven’t smoked in years.” Although, I could fucking do with one right now. Instead, I slip my hand into my emergency packet of gum for times like this when I’m tempted.
The driver lifts the boot, and I drop my holdall from my shoulder onto the carpeted interior. That fresh valeted car smell hits my nose, along with a hint of leather from the seats.
Popping a piece of gum into my mouth, I let my jaw hang open as Rose exits the automatic doors, pulling a small grey case on wheels.
“You getting in?” Riccardo says, lowering his window.
I chew on the gum, thinking about my next move.
Rose climbs into a white taxi.
“I’ll catch up with you at the house.” Before I let Riccardo respond, I’m jogging over to the taxi stand.