Page 112 of Carnal

The air in my lungs turns stale. I know he has no option but to go, yet I hate how I feel thinking about him there with all those women prowling around for his attention.

"Well?" he demands.

I stay silent, unsure how to solve our dilemma.

"We need to figure this out, Pina. It's not going to change. Not because I don't want it to, but because you know it's not how things work in my family," he claims, then clenches his jaw.

Guilt shoots through me. It's no secret that Tristano resents being the youngest. He doesn't have the authority Dante has, and being the last in line normally means he's always trying to prove himself. I cave a little, admitting, "I know you don't have a choice."

He slides closer to me. "Then why can't you remember that when I get called away?"

I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. I open them and confess, "I hate thinking about all those women throwing themselves at you."

"They don't," he declares.

"I don't believe that."

"Why? I go inside, do my job, and get out. It's not like before," he insists.

I turn in my seat, putting my knee on the cushion, adding, "That seems impossible. I know those women."

He places his hands on my cheeks. "Listen to me, Pina. I don't care about them. There's one woman I want, and it's you. We have to get past this."

My heart swells. I get teary-eyed and slowly nod. "I know. I'm sorry."

He firmly asserts, "I love you, Pina. Only you. Understand?"

A tear falls. I swipe at it, and his finger hooks around mine. I reply, "I love you, too."

He stares at me a moment then tugs me onto his lap, hugging me. I return his affection, happy to be back in his warm embrace. He murmurs in my ear, "I get extra points for convincing Dante to let you come with me."

I softly laugh then retreat, revealing, "I've always wanted to go to Bora Bora. Have you been?"

"Nope."

"So, what are we doing there?"

He swallows hard then answers, "Following Massimo and Katiya."

The hairs on my arms rise. "Why? Did you hear something from the surveillance?"

Tristano shakes his head. "No. But he's flying halfway around the world with her. Dante thinks something is going on."

"Or maybe he's taking her on a romantic getaway," I suggest.

Tristano shrugs. "I don't know. Either way, it's our job to find out."

The SUV parks on the runway in front of Tristano's jet. He opens the door, helps me out, then guides me into the plane.

Danika greets us. "We're clear to leave in two minutes. Do you want a drink, or should I tell the pilots to get in the air?"

"I'm good," I reply.

"Me, too. Let's get going," Tristano adds, then leads me to a seat. He orders, "Put your seat belt on."

I do it then look at him in question.

"What?" he asks.

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