Page 102 of Crazed

I bark, "Jesus, Katiya. When are you going to understand I will protect you from him? Do you honestly think I'm allowing you anywhere near him when we get back?"

She rises on her knees. "He'll kill me."

"I will protect you," I insist.

"You-you can't! You don't know what he's capable of doing. I-I've seen it. I've experienced it," she shrieks.

I open and close my fists at my sides. She could be telling the truth or lying, but my gut says she wouldn't be so terrified if she weren't being honest. I can only imagine what Leo exposed her to that she hasn't discussed with me. Yet, I still need her to understand I'm capable of way more than Leo Abruzzo. I reiterate, "I need you to believe in me. If Leo attempts to come after you, he'll have to get through me first. And that's not happening."

The fear doesn't leave her face.

I sigh, take two steps back to the bed, and kiss her on the head. I wish I could turn off my affection for her, but it's impossible. I state, "I'll be back in a few moments."

She reaches up and grasps my bicep. "Massimo."

I freeze.

She opens her mouth then hesitates.

"What is it, dolce?"

Her face crumples. She chokes out, "I do love you. More than anything."

Pain shoots through my heart. I want to stay and fix this. It's what I do—solve problems. But I don't even know what I'm solving, nor can I afford to have Leo's guys showing up in Bora Bora. I reply, "We'll talk more when I return." I leave the bedroom and shut the door. I go straight to the cockpit and open the door.

"Massimo. Something wrong?" Sy, the co-pilot, asks.

"We can't go to Bora Bora," I blurt out.

Sy, and my other pilot, Josh, exchange a worried look. Both of them are former Air Force fighter pilots. They've experienced war and secret missions.

Josh questions, "Anything we need to be aware of?"

"I just learned we may be followed to Bora Bora. I'm not looking for company," I state.

Josh nods. "Got it. Anywhere you want us to divert to? We'll need to change the flight plan and have it approved."

There are so many things racing through my mind, I can't even think of anywhere besides Bora Bora. I answer, "I'm open to suggestions. Somewhere far from New York and preferably with sunshine."

"Hmm. It's still pretty chilly in Europe this time of year," Sy states.

Josh suggests, "The Maldives should be nice. You been there?"

"No, can't say I have. It's nice?" I ask.

"Yeah. They have some higher-end luxury resorts. I'm sure Chanel can book something before we land," he answers.

"Done. Let me know if there are any issues with the change in the flight plan," I order, then shut the door. I spin.

Chanel smirks, "On it, boss."

"Thanks. I want the most private suite you can find."

"Consider it done," she chirps, pulling out her laptop.

I return to the bedroom and find Katiya sitting on the edge of the mattress. I shut the door and take a seat next to her.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

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