Page 39 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

“You’re welcome. Now, go. Let me get some beauty rest.” I try to pull away but he tugs my arms a little harder, shackling me in place.

“Not just for this,” he guides my hands along the fabric of the bandage. “Thank you for all of it. For choosing to help me and Selena, even after what you endured because of me. Thank you for trusting my plan and leaving behind the man you love. I know that couldn’t have been easy.”

I sigh against his shoulder blade. “You’re welcome. Nowpleaselet me get some sleep before the next leg of this trip.”

He releases me and presses a kiss to my palm before sliding off the bed. “I’ll be right outside if you change your mind and decide you need that ache relieved.”

Shaking my head, I threaten, “You’re on your own the next time you need your ribs wrapped.”

With a deep chuckle, he leaves, closing the door behind him.

Knuckles lightly caress my cheek,stirring me from sleep. “We are landing shortly,Mariposita. Time to get changed and seated back out front.”

The blankets are tangled at my feet, I must have kicked them off of me. I’ve always been a furnace when I sleep. Diego is sitting on the edge of the bed next to me. His eyes blaze hungrily down the lavender satin tank top and shorts I’m wearing.

“I knew you would look beautiful in these.”

“Out.” I point to the door.

He raises his hands in surrender. “We are going to have to get used to seeing minimal clothing on each other. The climate is very warm and unless you plan on getting heat stroke, I’d recommend lighter clothing—or none at all.”

“Let’s see…” I start counting off on my fingers. “Kidnapper, prison guard, tormentor, and now my stylist…any other titles you would like to add?”

“Just one,” he says cryptically as he leaves.

What the fuck does that mean?

I throw the pillow over my face and scream into it. This is just the very beginning of being around this man.We’re off to a great start.

God, help me.

The sundresshe chose for me is gorgeous.Not that I’ll be telling him that. His ego is inflated enough as it is.

A beautiful light blue chiffon maxi dress dips into a V in the front and back. The slip underneath cuts off at the thighs, leaving my legs visible and silhouetted through the sheer fabric. Simple beige leather sandals wrap around my feet along with a blue butterfly ankle bracelet to complete the look.

I quickly use the bathroom and freshen up before twisting my hair into a low bun. Gazing into the mirror, I find myself pleasantly surprised. Sleep has helped immensely. No longer do my eyes have sunken dark circles beneath them. If anything, I look well-rested. The bruises around my neck are still visible but are now a bit of a yellow color. Even some of my bug bites have gone away.

With one last glance in the mirror, I start making my way back to my seat. Diego is on the phone, talking in hushed tones.

“I said I understand, Sel.Calm down.” He looks up and smiles as I take my seat across from him and buckle myself in.

“I can’t promise that.” He rolls his eyes in the most childish way and holds the phone away from his ear for a second. “Coffee?” he mouths to me while holding a hand over the phone. I nod my head in approval. He motions to the flight attendant to come over and places the phone back to his ear.

“Sel, seriously.Calm down. Are you PMSing or something? You’re crankier than a vegan at a steakhouse…I’m fucking 33, I can handle myself. If it comes to that, I will let you know.”

Huh. 33. For some reason it doesn’t feel like we have eleven years between us.

The flight attendant hands me a coffee—iced and light.Perfect.

Diego raises his eyes to the ceiling and taps his thumb and fingers together, mimicking his sister talking.

“Alright,hermana, I have to go. Glad you’re settling in okay. Let Killian know I’ll be in touch.” He hits the end button, leans back, and tosses his phone onto the table between us.

“Damn, you women can talk.”

I take a sip of my coffee. “Mmm. This coffee is delicious. Please tell me you have the same machine onPontus?”

“I do. And a helipad. Have you ever flown in a helicopter,Mariposita? His lips twitch and he laughs like he’s enjoying his own private joke.

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