Chapter 2
She was well aware that at some point she would have to let others serve her. The experience wouldn’t be the same if she insisted on doing everything for herself, as Warren, her guardian, had warned her.
And considering he’d curbed his objection when she’d splashed out on this insanely extravagant trip, the least she could do was make sure she got her money’s worth.
She steeled her spine against the gut-clenching knots she’d come to associate with separation anxiety.
A month ago, she’d turned twenty-three.
Things were about to change, were already changing.
Leia had insisted on choosing how she spent her birthday, instead of letting Warren make the choice for her as he’d done since she was seventeen.
And although she’d sensed his disappointment when she went ahead and bought herself a ticket on the highly exclusive Indigo Lounge, she couldn’t help but think this was some sort of test.
It was one of many tests he’d set for her over the last five years.
In the beginning, she’d failed many of them. But he’d been patient. Nurturing. Gentle even sometimes, when he wasn’t pummeling her ass during their sparring matches.
Leia exhaled and smoothed a trembling hand over the side of her head. The six-inch swathe she’d shaved off above her right ear had grown almost a millimeter. She was undecided whether to let it grow back completely or keep it shaved. But that was a decision for another day.
Right now, the only thing she needed to think about was whether to join the champagne reception once they reached cruising altitude, or stay in her suite and decide on which of the Seven Highs would be her first. Every self-preserving nerve screeched at her to stay put in her suite.
To stay safe.
She started as her cell rang. Only one person knew her whereabouts. Only one person would call to check up on her so soon.
As usual, mixed feelings of trepidation and elation wrestled within her. She answered the phone. “Warren.”
“Are you well, my dear?” His voice, always soft, always modulated, drifted over her senses. A feeling of calm stole over her, like a soothing pat on the back after a long cry.
“Yes, fine thanks.”
“Is your adventure everything you dreamed it would be?”
She laughed. “It’s barely started.”
He paused a beat. “You will be careful, won’t you, my dear? You won’t forget everything I’ve taught you?” Although his voice remained soft, she sensed a tiny thread of censure, the same tone she’d heard when she’d told him her plan to take the IL trip.
Her hand tightened over the phone as her trepidation escalated. “No, of course not. I haven’t forgotten.” Not that she needed the reminder.
Since she’d left the safety of home, Leia’s instincts had been on red-hot alert. And she planned to keep it that way.
The intercom next to the door buzzed. “I have to go, Warren.”
“Of course. We will speak tomorrow. As we agreed, the board meeting has been rearranged for the day after you return, but there are some papers I need you to sign. I’ll email them to you.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
“I hope you’re prepared, Leia. It will be a big change for you.”
“I know. But I’ll handle it.” Stepping into shoes—which had been so violently vacated she was sure there was residual blood and gore in the soles—was one thing she wouldn’t be thinking about during this trip.
“But also don’t forget you have options. I can make a few suggestions?—”
“Do you mind, Warren? I really don’t want to talk about that now. And no, I’m not burying my head in the sand. I’d just prefer to deal with it when I get back.”
Silence greeted her response. Crap. Warren disliked being interrupted. How could she have forgotten that?
“Very well. As you wish.”
“I… Thank you for calling to check up on me.”
“Of course. You’re precious to me, my dear,” he said.
Her heart shuddered at the wealth of meaning behind the simple words. At the subtle changes she’d begun to notice. “Bye.”
Slowly, she hung up and breathed deep. Her mind slid toward what she’d labeled The Next Step, but she pulled herself back. There would be more than enough time to think about it later.
The buzzer sounded again. Smoothing her hand over her black leather pants, she went over and answered it. Bjorn, her personal valet, smiled.
“Miss Michaels, the pilot has just announced that we’re at cruising altitude. Would you care to be escorted to the Ozone Bar for cocktails?”
“Umm, sure. But I can find my own way there, thanks.”
“Are you sure? It’s really no bother,” he insisted.
You need to let go a little. Face your fears.
“On second thoughts, I’d love be escorted.”
“Great, I’ll be right outside when you’re ready.”
Since she’d dressed before unpacking, there was nothing left to do but slip her feet into the black Louboutin heels that she’d splurged out on a week ago in anticipation of her trip, open the door, and step into the corridor.
“This way, Miss Michaels.” Bjorn, blond and buff with a smile that lit up the whole plane, stepped forward and shut the door for her.
“Thanks.”
Leia waited for the flash of warning, of danger, and breathed a sigh of relief when her senses remained calm.
She walked alongside him, unable to stop her gaze from lingering on his well-toned biceps. The inch-thick guide that had come with her ticket had mentioned the exclusive use of valets in every way .
The sex part of the guide had made her stomach dive and quiver anxiously, despite her determination to go ahead with the trip. But the clamoring had finally grown too loud to suppress. The need had surpassed the fear.
She realized she was still staring at Bjorn when his smile slowly turned curious… then carnal. He moved closer, and she caught a whiff of expensive aftershave.
“Where’s the Ozone Bar?” she asked to divert his attention. Whether or not she would choose to take advantage of what he was offering, it was inappropriate to gawp like a bitch in heat. Even if that was exactly what she felt like lately.
“It’s on the lower deck, two floors below. We can take the elevator, or we can take the scenic route.” He paused beside a sleek glass elevator, one golden eyebrow raised.
The thought of being confined with him in the small space washed away a layer of the excitement that had suffused her moments ago.
“I prefer the stairs.”
His eyes widened slightly at her abrupt tone, and Leia curbed the urge to apologize.
“I always like to get my bearings as quickly as possible when I visit someplace new.”
Always have an escape route in mind. Mentally and physically.
She pushed Warren’s voice aside and mustered another smile.
Bjorn nodded. “Of course. Great idea. The design of the plane is such that you can avoid certain lounges if you prefer. I’ll show you the whole layout before we go to the Ozone Bar, if you like?”
She shook her head. She’d already memorized the layout of the various lounges. “That’s fine. I don’t need a full tour just yet. Just take me to the bar, please.”
“Sure.” He gestured for her to go ahead of him at the top of the wide, low-lit indigo-colored set of stairs that led downward. As she took the first step, her heel caught in the carpet.
Bjorn caught her around the waist. “Easy there.”
She tried not to panic at his touch, but her senses flared with enough adrenaline to make her jump.
Again, his eyes widened before a small frown creased his brow. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, thanks. That could’ve been embarrassing,” she said quickly.
“Good thing I was around, huh?” His white grin flashed.
She smiled back and gripped the railing. “Yeah.”
“Come on. I think you need a drink.” Sensing her skittishness, he didn’t make another attempt to touch her, for which she was grateful.
They descended the stairs in silence and walked into The Silk Lounge. Swathes of indigo and cream silk lined the ceiling and fell into privacy-providing curtains, behind which several loungers had been arranged.
Besides a couple stretched out on twin leather studded lounges, there were only a handful of staff. The female bartender caught Bjorn’s eye, and he winked at her. Her dimpled smile betrayed familiarity even before she gave him a cute three-fingered wave.
Okay, Bjorn was officially off the menu.
Leia followed him down a short hallway into another large space. The doors on either side of the hallway were shut, but she heard the hum of low voices and laughter.
“We’ve had a few people choose their initial events so we’re busy setting up,” Bjorn said. “Have you chosen yours yet?”
Heat twisted through her belly as she recalled the activities in store for the guests. “Not yet.”
He smiled and led her down another set of stairs into a darker, indigo-lit lounge. “You want to take your time. That’s fine. But don’t wait too long. You don’t want any experience to pass you by.”
Before she could answer, he held open the door to the Ozone Bar.
The scene that met her stole her breath away.
There was no ceiling to the room, only white fluffy clouds.
Although she knew it was an illusion, Leia was mesmerized all the same.
As she walked further into the room, holographs of naked winged cherubs floated past, darting in and out of the clouds.
She was so engrossed she stumbled into Bjorn.
This time when he caught her, she didn’t pull away. Her senses assured her he was harmless.
“Shit. I’m sorry. You must think I’m the clumsiest woman on earth. And you would probably be right.”
He laughed. “The first time I stepped aboard my first IL plane I was blown away too.”
She smiled. “How long have you worked here?”
“Just over a year. But it’s been a hell of a wild ride so far.” They reached the circular bar in the middle of the room, and he nodded to the bartender. “What would you like to drink, Miss Michaels?”
“Champagne. And please, call me—” The remaining words melted in her brain. At first, she wondered whether the effects of the room were messing with her brain activity. Then she realized her mind had reacted that strongly to him.
The man whose laser-sharp eyes were fixed on her, trapping her in place from ten feet away. He leaned against the bar, a glass of something on rocks in one hand.
The low lights ringing the edge of the bar lit his face, emphasizing the severe cut of his jaw and his rugged, edgy beauty. His strong throat moved as he swallowed a mouthful of drink. Slowly, he straightened, turned fully toward her.
He was tall and lean, with wavy black hair and a symmetry of well-proportioned muscles that begged to be ogled. A black fitted shirt covered a wide chest and washboard stomach, and an expensive dinner jacket hid the rest.
But his body didn’t interest her. Just yet. It was his face Leia couldn’t look away from. His face that enthralled her to the point of speechlessness.
“Miss Michaels?”
She tried to shake her head. She may have succeeded. She wasn’t sure. Voices buzzed around her. Bjorn may have exchanged puzzled looks with the bartender.
What she was sure of was that she couldn’t stop staring at him .
And the blatant way he returned her stare told her he didn’t intend to do the polite thing and break their connection either. Her mouth dried and each breath felt like a huge chore to just make her lungs work.
God .
A glass appeared in front of her, and she took it. The chill registered against her fingers.
Touch sensation. Present.
Heartbeat. Freight train speed, but present.
Staring zombie-like. Reaching critical point.
He moved. She followed him with her eyes. Electricity lanced her belly and spiraled outward, spreading like cracked lightning before zeroing in hard between her legs.
She desperately sifted through her vocabulary to find the words.
Hungry.
Predatory.
Carnal pleasure beyond reason.
He wanted it all from her.
And Leia was pretty damned sure she wanted to give them all to him.
Right here, right now.