Page 12 of The Don

As soon as I reach my room, I take a long cold shower, grateful for the icy water bringing me back to my senses. It’s so good to shock my body and freezing showers do the job perfectly.

After I clean my teeth, I crawl naked into the huge emperor sized bed, loving how the silk sheets caress my skin as if they’re the most attentive lover. However, as I fall into a deep sleep, it’s the eyes of a bastard that watches me.

At exactly seven am, I head downstairs to find Leo already waiting, glancing at the watch on his wrist with an irritated gleam in his eyes.

“What’s the matter with you? I’m on time.”

I say casually and he nods, not even bothering to speak before heading for the door.

“Don’t we get breakfast?” I say, running after him, catching Ruby’s disapproving eye as I pass.

“Breakfast was at six thirty.” He snaps, obviously pissed.

“You never said.” I reply angrily, but all I get is a shrug before he is swept back into the madness as his soldiers effectively shut me out.

As the door closes, Ruby rushes to my side holding a paper bag and thrusts it into my hands, saying kindly, “Breakfast to go.”

For some reason, my eyes glitter with grateful tears and she smiles gently. “You’ll figure him out, honey. It will take some time because he’s an enigma but dig deep enough and you’ll find gold.”

“If you say so.” I sigh and smile my thanks as one of his soldiers says gruffly, “Don’t keep him waiting.”

As I follow him outside, I note the door to the third car open and sighing, head toward it, hopeful of a few private minutes to consume the delights Ruby has provided.

As the door slams behind me, the cars move off and I waste no time in ripping open the bag and savoring the intense aroma of the warm pastries an angel provided.

I am curious about our day. Surely, if we are to present the illusion of love’s young dream, I wouldn’t be traveling separately. Then again, knowing how this male dominated world works, it wouldn’t surprise me that they always keep the women firmly behind them.

It irritates me though and as I tear the warm croissant with my teeth, I picture myself tearing the head off the beast in the car in front.

I’m a little surprised when we arrive at a private airfield and I notice the sleek jet waiting, sparkling in the emerging sunshine.

The cars grind to a stop, and I watch Leo and his consigliere head up the steps without a backward glance, leaving me to scurry after him along with the rest of his soldiers. I’m guessing that’s all I am to him, anyway. An employee and I don’t like how that makes me feel.

The aircraft is like a palace inside. It takes my breath away as I stare at opulence I wasn’t expecting. A smiling attendant greets me, and I hate how attractive she is. Of course, she is, and I wonder if she offers Leo full platinum membership to the mile high club, a thought that makes me battle to keep my jealousy in check. Why should it matter to me where he dips his cock? I have no claim on him and I try to convince myself I’m glad about that.

I catch sight of the man himself looking so hot it burns my eyes. He is wearing the usual black tailored suit, paired with a black silk shirt, unbuttoned low enough for a glimpse of that insane ripped body with a smattering of hair merging with the tribal ink they all appear to love so much.

It must be hot in here because I’m burning up and I say with a hitch to my voice, “Is it always so hot in here?”

The flight attendant smiles when she sees where I’m looking and grins. “I’m afraid so, but I’ll increase the air conditioning as soon as we take off.”

“Thanks.” I grin as she winks adorably and whispers, “You get used to it.”

“I doubt I’ll be here long enough for that.” I shrug and she appears concerned but knows better than to press the point and merely smiles. “Take a seat and I’ll fetch you a glass of champagne, or something stronger if you prefer.”

Her mischievous smirk makes me laugh, an act that also surprises me. I don’t make friends. I never wanted to because the fewer people knowing who I am, the better. Once again, I’m shocked because since coming here there’s a familiarity that I can’t ignore. It’s as if I’ve come home and I’m not happy about that because if I’m certain of anything, my life could end in just a few days and home should be the furthest thing from my mind.

CHAPTER8

LEO

Throughout the flight, I try to focus on business, locking myself down with Ryan and going over the plan letter by letter. Chastity is an unwelcome distraction, and I purposefully sat with my back to her, so I am not tempted to glance in her direction.

I don’t miss Ryan stealing longing looks though, which angers me more than I want it to. For some reason, I consider her mine to play with. Not his. Not my soldiers, and definitely not that fucking bastard Carlos Matasso.

As we go over the plan, I become increasingly uneasy about it. Now I’ve met the woman, I’m not sure if we’re doing the right thing - for her. I keep on reminding myself she’s a professional. She knows what she’s doing, and she is the best. It still doesn’t sit well with me, and I am battling with that.

When Ryan heads off to brief the guys, I take the time to do the same to Chastity and hate the way my heart lurches when I see her chatting to Eve in the galley.

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