Page 10 of Iron Heart

“We have a plane to catch,” I manage to say, keeping my voice steady.

A hint of a smile tugs at her lips as if she’s conquered a challenge.There’s a fire in her ocean eyes, a spark of defiance.She may have won this round, but it’s far from over.

Lexy’s entrance breaks the mounting tension between us.“I’m so sorry, Viki,” she says, and I instinctively distance myself from her, walking just outside the room but still in earshot.

“Are you okay?”Lexy inquires.Miss Slater’s attention is now solely on Lexy, the earlier tension momentarily forgotten.“I don’t know why they allowed an audience question.They shouldn’t have.We won’t be returning here.They’re blacklisted, I just told the producer.”

Miss Slater’s retort is sharp.“I’m not exactly thrilled!”

I’m curious about her abduction.While I’ve read the police report and even received a summary from her brother, Vincent, hearing it directly from her would provide a different perspective.But, I wasn’t employed to solve a crime.

I am her bodyguard, assigned to protect her for the next six months.

My mind drifts to my past, recalling the unfortunate mission where I was the sole survivor.Trying to shake off those thoughts, I reenter the room.“We need to leave,” I announce more sharply than I had intended.

Lexy shoots me a glare.“Could you try having a bit of compassion?”

“I have a feeling Kingsley’s heart might just be a bit cold,” Miss Slater interjects, her gaze piercing.

Enraged, I can barely contain my emotions, but my training kicks in, and I manage a tight-lipped smile.“Are you ready to depart?”

Her stare is challenging, and Lexy sighs in exasperation.

“Your luggage is on the plane.Enjoy Italy, and I’ll see you back in LA,” Lexy says and hugs her boss.

“Thanks, Lexy,” she replies.

“And, Viki, try to relax,” Lexy adds with a hint of mischief.“Who knows, you might find an enchanting Italian man.”

Viki giggles, then fixes her eyes on me.“Perhaps someone with a touch of warmth in his soul.”

* * *

The jet’s interior is adorned with rich wood, mahogany panels, spacious leather seats, and tables.Taking in the opulent surroundings, I flashback to the terrain of the Somalian hills, where my only luxuries were my medical kit, gun, and rucksack.Despite the luxury, I can’t ignore the fact that it’s just the two of us on this twenty-two-hour flight to Sardinia.

The flight attendant greets us cordially, and the pilot initiates takeoff, but they both retreat to their quarters for rest.This leaves me ample time to go over the security measures in Sardinia, scrutinize the villa’s layout, and familiarize myself with the schematics of the restaurant where Victoria’s brother and Rosie plan to celebrate their engagement.

I’ve liaised with the local security, alerting them of Victoria’s arrival, and received a rudimentary schedule from her brother and Rosie, which is useful.The main hitch I’ve encountered is the accommodation arrangement.

Victoria’s villa is farther from mine than I would have preferred.My request for a neighboring bungalow was denied since other VIPs have already claimed them.Though I’m only three bungalows away, it’s an oversight I hadn’t anticipated, and it unsettles me.I remind myself, however, that the details of her visit to Italy are confidential, known only to her team and family.Consequently, the odds of a security breach are relatively low.Still, I can’t completely shake off the lingering concern.

The flight attendant approaches me.“Mr.Kingsley, we will be refueling shortly in Singapore.Can I offer you a beverage?”

“No, thank you,” I reply.

The bedroom door opens behind me, but I don’t need to turn around to know it’s Miss Slater.

“Are you sure I can’t tempt you?”the flight attendant flirts.She’s attractive with her tall, curvaceous figure.Her eyes wander toward my V-neck shirt, revealing my tattoos.

“I’m sure,” I confirm, giving her a courteous smile, and her gaze then shifts to Miss Slater.

“Miss Slate, can I offer you a beverage before we start our descent into Singapore?”Her tone is noticeably more respectful and less flirty than before.

“A green tea, please,” Miss Slater responds, taking a seat across from me.

“Of course,” the attendant replies, retreating to prepare the drink.

Miss Slater’s gaze immediately lands on my shoulder and neck.Seeing me in a T-shirt is a novelty for her since I've mostly worn my uniform of pants and a dress shirt.She tilts her head, studying the ink.“What are they of?”she inquires.

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