Page 66 of Torched

Ipullmyselfup,spurred on by Liam’s roughed hands moving over my skin.

“We’re here, baby.”

Sitting up on his lap, I stare out of the small window over my shoulder.

With the six-hour time difference, the sun is about to rise in South Reef Bay when we land on the deserted airstrip. I’ve been snoozing in Liam’s arms for the last two hours, unable to fully fall asleep with Cristina’s eyes drilling into us. She probably hoped I would head to the back to get some proper rest, but she fails to understand I will ever leave him alone with her.

Not because I don’t trust him. Well, I don’t trust him not strangling her prematurely. But I don’t trust her double-crossing in some way. I know Liam doesn’t tell me everything, but he’s been honest about it because it’s better if I don’t know every detail in case Cristina tries to pull anything.

I don’t like it, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

The sound of a screeching yawn has my head snapping toward the witch on the plane, and I cock an eyebrow. She’s stretching her arms above her head as a smirk spreads across her face.

“I really should buy myself a jet.”

“I hate to shatter your dream, but you’d need a couple more diamonds to be able to afford that.” Maybe her Uncle Frank still has some diamonds scattered around the world and she can go fetch those when we get her this one. Preferably in a few mines, tucked away deep and dark, where she will get lost within a few yards. One can hope.

“There are many ways that lead to Rome,sweetImogen.”

I roll my eyes at her derogatory tone, then slide myself off Liam’s lap and into my own seat. Liam takes the time to greet me with a lingering kiss, nibbling my bottom lip as he puts on my seatbelt, then pulls back and puts on his own.

The flight attendant appears from the cockpit, strutting to the back of the plane to inform Jeremy and the guys to take their seats before she walks back. Her eyes lower to our waists, cocking her head at Cristina’s.

“Miss, please put on your seatbelt. We wouldn’t want you to fall out of your chair when we land.” She holds her face straight, clearly not aware of the fact that we don’t like the girl with black hair.

“Actually, we do. You’re good, Cris,” Liam chimes in, causing me to snort. Cristina scowls at him in reply, and I wrap a hand over my mouth to stifle the laugh that’s bubbling up. The flight attendant volleys us a shocked look, then nods to Liam before making her way back to the cockpit.

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not a secret I want you dead,” Liam says.

“You know, at some point, you have to get over it, Liam.”

“Oh, I’m over it. I’m just waiting until I can get rid of the body.”

Cristina’s eyes narrow while I feel the plane tilting and descending. I keep watching her with my eyebrows high, expecting her to counter with another snarky comment, but she just stares at him with a pinched mouth until we land.

When the plane is completely still, the pilot informs us we can leave the aircraft and Jeremy walks past us with big strides, mumbling a “morning” as he gets out to scan the area of the airstrip.

“Kane is not here?” Cristina questions when she glances out of the window.

Suspiciously, I squint my eyes, locking my gaze with Liam, who does the same.

“Why? Are you missing my brother,Crissy?” Liam taunts.

“No, just figured he would be here to pick us up.”

“We will see him at the meeting spot.”

“Which is where again?” she asks while I keep a suspicious eye on her. She’s up to something; I can see it in that wicked smile that’s hidden in the corner of her perfectly painted lips. Sometimes I wonder if she has her lips tattooed in blood red, the plump cushions never leaving a smear of residue during the day. Whatever brand she’s using, I’m sure half of female America would like to find out which one it is.

“You’ll see when we get there,” Jeremy replies before Liam can. “Ready, boss?”

Liam nods and takes my hand before he leads us down the small steps of the jet, toward the three SUVs waiting for us. He guides us to the one in the middle, while the rest of the men keep scanning the area and we wait for Cristina to trail behind us.

I settle my ass down in the leather of the seat, glancing out of the open door while Liam sets himself beside me. “What is she doing?”

“I don’t know,” Liam mumbles, staring at the door of the jet when she doesn’t come out. A nervous feeling claws its way to the surface, showering me with a sense of caution that doesn’t predict anything good. The feeling that Cristina has an ulterior motive increases when Jeremy shouts toward the jet, his M5 automatic weapon clutched against his chest.

“What’s the hold-up, Reyes?” He booms. “Get your ass out of here.”

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