Page 153 of Risks of Temptation
I smile. "I will get you new ones." I open my bag. "Stuff whatever you want in here."
She picks up the gold lingerie set that she wore the first night we arrived.
"Ahh. My favorite."
Her eyes sparkle. "Mine, too."
I kiss her forehead. "We need to go."
When we get on the plane, Bernadette and Emilia go to the back to talk. I sit at the table with Gustave.
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"Home."
"To France?"
"Yes. There is no reason to hide right now."
I get to be at home with ma belle.
As things should be.
No parties.
No roles to play.
Just her and me.
When we are close to landing, I go to the back. "Ma belle, come sit with me."
She rises, and I have her sit at the window.
"I thought you might want to see this."
She stares down at rolling green hills, wine vineyards, and streams. "This is beautiful."
"Yes."
"Where are we?"
"France, ma belle."
Her face lights up. "Really?"
"Yes."
"Are we going to your house?"
"Yes."
She smiles and looks out the window again. Her expression is so happy. The innocent look that used to be on her face all the time pops out. I haven't seen it in a while and forgot how much I love it.
The plane lands. Two cars are waiting on the runway. One is Gustave's driver, and one is mine. Emilia and I get in the car, and I pull her onto my lap.
"How long are we staying?" she asks.
"I don't know. But I'm glad to have time with you and no one else."
