Page 29 of Kissing the Villain

I sat across from Marcello and dropped my messenger bag into the chair by the window. Cell phone in hand, his head was down, his long fingers racing across the keypad.

I clasped my shaky hands on my lap and stared out the window. Lights illuminated a path to the landing strip. Men in reflective vests were preparing for our takeoff. It was close to midnight, and at this hour, the events of the day were kicking my ass.

I raised my arms above my head and yawned. Falling asleep was not an option. Not when I didn’t trust my travel companion.

I fished my cell phone from my bag and typed a quick text to Luca. Of course, he did not answer.

A minute later, Marcello’s phone dinged. He shook his head, then held out his palm. “Give it to me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Nope.”

“Give me the phone, Alex.” He wiggled his fingers. “I’m not in the mood.”

“Let me guess. Luca didn’t like the message I sent him. Tell him I said to grow up and that the world doesn’t revolve around him.”

“You’ll get another phone,” he growled. “One that’s more secure.”

“I came with you willingly. You’re not getting my phone.”

“It’s for your protection. Hand it over.”

“Explain yourself.”

“Just trust me.”

I tipped my head back and laughed. “Like I would ever trust a Salvatore. You’re all pathological liars and psychopaths.”

He ripped the phone from my hand and turned it off. “I’ll get you another one with a new number.”

“Why do I need one?”

“I already told you.”

“What are you protecting me from? Your brother?”

Marcello scrubbed a hand at his jaw and sighed. “There are worse men in this world than Luca.”

Was Marcello not the man who’d been following me for weeks? I had assumed it was someone from their security firm. Luca was overprotective and possessive, but he would never hurt me. At least not physically.

Marcello focused on the runway as the plane took off. After we had been in the air for ten minutes, a pretty brunette appeared at our table. She smiled at Marcello and was wearing a knee-length navy blue skirt and a tight white blouse with the top three buttons open.

“Welcome back, Mr. Salvatore,” she cooed, pushing out her chest. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

She bent down, her breasts spilling out from the near see-through blouse, giving him an excellent view.

Marcello’s heated gaze flicked to me and then to the flight attendant. “Change of plans.”

Her smile widened. “The usual?”

He looked at me. “What do you want to drink?”

The flight attendant pursed her lips.

“The most expensive alcohol you have on this plane. And make it a double.”

“I’ll check the liquor cabinet. Mr. Salvatore, the usual?”

He nodded, and then she headed down the aisle.

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