Page 87 of Unleashing Chaos

I smirk and nod down at where the book rests on his lap. “I’d say I’m sorry, but you’ve been teasing me all morning, so I think you deserved it. You don’t have to read any more.” I reach over to take it back from him, and my fingertips accidentally brush against his zipper, the feeling of his rock-hard cock sending an instant pool of warmth between my legs.

He flinches and makes a small, pained noise. “You’re going to be the death of me, Desideria.”

“Am I?”

“I may have to teach you a lesson—the characters in your books aren’t the only ones who can work out their aggression in creative ways,” he murmurs, his gaze traveling up and down my body.

This plane is in real danger; I feel like I’m going to combust at any moment. “I may have to hold you to that, Jace Wilder,” I whisper.

“Well—”

“Do you two need anything else?” The flight attendant’s chipper voice breaks the spell between us and we split, nearly jumping out of our skin.

“No, we’re good,” we both chirp, and I stare daggers into her back as she walks away.

We’re both silent a moment before I clear my throat. “Oh, there was another thing I wanted to tell you about Cannon. So you know, he and I are very much on the same page about us having no romantic chemistry, and yet he’s still willing to be my backup plan. For eternity. Wouldn’t he want a chance to meet someone, fall in love, all that good stuff? I know feelings can develop over time, but it’s not a guarantee. Do you think it’s weird?”

Jace remains silent, and I can practically see his brain working through what I just told him, so I take the time to think it over again. Everyone strives to be the best, and when they come up a little short they’re grateful for second place because it shows that they worked hard and never gave up. But in a relationship, especially one that lasts for eternity, who wants to be second best? Especially with someone they aren’t clicking with in the sex department.

Jace tips his head side to side and says, “It’s weird and it isn’t. You know he’s motivated to succeed in business. You’d literally be making him a king. Can’t get any more successful than that. And you’re gorgeous, so coming in second as your arm candy is a sweet deal by itself.”

I consider this and purse my lips. “True. I mean, about the career thing. As far as me being gorgeous . . .” I lift one shoulder playfully. “That’s subjective.”

“True, but it’s my job to know when something is exceptional. I have an eye for the things that stand out. And nothing is more attractive than owning who and what you are. You are beautiful, Desideria. Very little in this realm compares to you.”

Suddenly the air in the cabin isn’t enough and I can’t breathe. “I have to go to the bathroom,” I blurt, unbuckling my seat belt. “Is that—is that allowed? Can I?”

“Yes.” He points to the sign at the front of the plane and moves out of my way.

I practically run down the aisle and dive into the bathroom, locking the door and leaning against it, threading my fingers through my hair.

I have to get control of myself.

I’m this close to surrendering and letting Jace back in, even though I know it’ll end in nothing but heartache. But honestly, why shouldn’t I? I’m not deluding myself into believing that I’m going to find anyone else to take with me to Infernis. I know I’m going to end up taking Cannon. I’m not going to meet someone else and fall in love in the little time I have left. It simply isn’t going to happen.

If Jace wants to tell me I’m beautiful and put his hands on me, why shouldn’t I let him? Why shouldn’t I enjoy the time I have left with him? It may hurt to know how things will end for us, but at least I am prepared. Looking in the mirror, I take a deep breath and fix my curls.

Straightening to my full height, I square my shoulders. I’m a princess, dammit. I may be a princess of Sloth, but I’m still a princess. I’m going to go back to my seat, get in the mindset that Jace Wilder is my boyfriend, and we are the happiest couple on this plane. Soon we will be in New York City, and if he wants to go the extra mile to convince Matt, Edmonds, and the mayor himself, then that’s what we’ll do.

I wash my hands and leave the lavatory, flashing him a bright smile as I return and take my seat, trailing my fingers along his shoulder as I pass. “Sorry about that. I felt like I was going to be sick for a second. I’m good now.”

Jace follows my every movement like he’s searching for a hole in my story. Looking back, I’m certain he sat here contemplating whether or not he did something wrong. My exit was pretty hasty.

“Do you want me to call the flight attendant?” he asks, like he’s talking to a skittish animal. Oh yeah, he definitely thinks he did something wrong.

“No. I just needed to splash some water on my face. I felt lightheaded after the takeoff and the wine. Honestly.” I turn in my seat after buckling back up and slide my hand onto the inside of his thigh. “I’m perfect now.”

He laces his fingers with mine and flashes me a timid smile, but his words are sincere. “Good. I want you to have the time of your life on this trip, and when you think back on your time here, I want you to remember the next few days.”

I rub my thumb across his knuckles. “I know I will. And I have to admit—I want you to have the best time you’ve ever had with me over the next few days. Like, not just with me. But ever. Before I go, I want to know that I gave you the best days of your life.” My voice cracks and I don’t even bother to hide the emotion in it. I’m trying to let him know that I’ve given in. I’m waving my white flag. This isn’t just for show.

But if he doesn’t see it now, he will. I’ll make sure of it.

He leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek. “You’re here with me for one of the most exciting moments of my life. I have a feeling it won’t be hard to make these the best days.”

“Same,” I say, laying my head on his shoulder and spending the rest of the flight in comfortable silence.

Twenty-seven

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