Page 96 of Masked Hearts

My heartbeat picks up, and I worry he’s caught onto mine and Pierre’s plans. That this was all his way of finding out the truth. “How?”

“Well, we never went on a honeymoon?” His eyes open and meet mine. “What do you think?”

“My father would never agree.”

“We won’t tell him.”

“That’s a death wish, especially after what just happened,” I scoff.

“That’s exactly why we need a break. He needs me more than I need him. And I’m sure the same goes for you. Besides, wouldn’t you rather die free than live trapped?”

Oh, you have no idea.

Chapter thirty-four

Theá

“Antonio,whatarewedoing right now? I thought we were just venting when we spoke about this trip a few days ago?” I ask as I watch him place two giant suitcases on the bed.

“We’re going on our honeymoon. It started as venting, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised I wanted to do this. I want to have a honeymoon; I want to be free with you.” He meets my eyes, and they’re wild as he smiles before he turns to start throwing clothes in the suitcase. “C’mon, grab your things. Pack for everything.”

“Everything?Antonio, this is crazy.” I chuckle nervously.

Pierre and Kylian’s words are swirling around in my head. This, how erratic he’s acting, makes it feel even more real. And I can’t help but worry that after the CFP dinner that this is what an Antonio Vitale mental breakdown looks like.

“Antonio, hold on. Let’s just take a second.” I walk over to him and grab his arms, stalling his movements.

“We don’t have a second,tesoro.The private jet won’t wait forever.”

“Yes, it will. You’re a billionaire. Besides, that’s the point of a private jet,” I state and he chuckles.

“Fair enough, but you’re missing the point here; it’s not a spur of the moment trip if we take our time.”

“Spur of the moment? Antonio, you’re not being rational right now. Think of all the consequences if my father catches us or even hears that we’ve left Monaco. It’s suicide.” I meet his eyes, hoping my last sentence can drive home my point.

“What about any of this is rational? Our entire relationship is irrational, but you know what’s not? How I feel when I’m with you, Theresa. And I just want to cherish it without anyone peering over my shoulder, on my time.” His face softens. “I’m so tired of doing everything everyone else wants me to do. Just for once, I want to be in control.”

“Don’t say it like that. You’re talking like someone who’s going to die.”

“Well, with the vendetta Kylian has out for me, I might.” He chuckles.

“How are we going to do this? Surely both our passports are going to flag to my dad the second we leave Monaco?”

“Don’t worry about it, we’re going exactly where he wants us.”

“France?” I furrow my brows.

“Bingo.” He kisses my forehead before walking over to his cupboard again to grab some more clothes.

“Where in France exactly?”

“Nope, everything else is a surprise. You’ll have to wait and see. But don’t worry, it’s not Marseille.”

Hesitantly, I step back. I trust Antonio. He’s never given me a reason not to trust him, and the words he’s saying right now are appealing to the rebellious nature I keep deep down. I can relate to everything he says—wanting to be in control of your own life, getting to do whatever you want without worrying about the consequences.

“I have never packed so quickly before in my life.” I chuckle as we make it through security. It’s late afternoon by the time we arrive at the airport.

“I hope you remembered everything.” He grabs my hand as we walk towards the tarmac.

---