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“Thank God.” He breathed, as relief flooded his face. “If you want my advice—talk to him and let him in, even if it’s just a little.” He nudged my shoulder once more before standing up to leave me alone. “I think you two will have a kick-ass marriage, but the pair of you need to take the gloves off and just let go with one another.”

I nodded in agreement as he walked towards the house.

Maybe he was right. Maybe our marriage could be kick-ass. Who knew what the future held, but I did know I wanted to stop fighting and get to know who my husband really was behind the mask he wore.

Lorenzo gently usheredme up the sleek steps of the private jet he had meticulously arranged, insisting with a playful grin that this was, in essence, a belated honeymoon and that every detail had to be perfect. The polished exterior of the aircraft gleamed under the sunlight, as we stepped inside.

"You look absolutely beautiful today, by the way." His compliment sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach as he admired my outfit.

I had chosen a cream midi dress, its fabric soft and flowing, with a pleated skirt that swayed gently with each step. The dress was the perfect blend of comfort and style, effortlessly elegant, and suited for wherever we were heading.

He gently grasped my hand in his, guiding me toward our luxurious seats arranged opposite one another. I had flown on jets with my family before, but this experience was something entirely different. The cabin exuded an air of luxury, with its sleek, polished surfaces and soft, ambient lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. The faint hum of the engines was a comforting backdrop to the lavish surroundings.

“Mrs. Ricci, good morning and welcome aboard.” A young man approached us, keeping his eyes locked on me, and ignoring Lorenzo which I knew wouldn’t go down well. His eyes flicked from my eyes to my body and back up again.

Lorenzo’s hand tightened around mine, his knuckles whitening. I couldn’t deny that I felt a surge of pride at the possessive gesture. My husband's protective nature was already on high alert on a normal day. I was sure it rocketed higher at the notion of another man checking me out.

"If you want to keep those pathetic, beady little eyes from being ripped out of your skull, I suggest you stop mentally undressing my wife,"

“I was just?—”

“I know exactly what you were doing, I wasn’t born yesterday,” Lorenzo sighed. He fisted the man’s uniform, walking him backwards towards the open door. “Fuck off, you’re not needed.”

“But I—” he stuttered as Lorenzo gave him a sinister smile.

“You have two choices because I’m in a pretty good mood today.” He looked back at me as if I was the reason. “You can either walk down those plane steps yourself or I can throw you down them. You choose.”

I had never witnessed someone bolt away with such urgency, nearly stumbling over his own feet in his frantic attempt to escape. Lorenzo turned to face me as a smile played on my lips.

“And now what do you plan on doing about having a flight attendant?” I tutted with a playful eye roll. “We only had him.”

“We don’t need anyone else. I’ll take care of your needs, wife.” He leaned into me, bringing his lips to my ear, as the warmth of his breath skating across my skin like a warm summer's day. “You can have whatever you desire.”

“Who is this man, and what has he done with my husband?”

Lorenzo’s hands wrapped around my waist, pulling my body flush to his. “Think of this as part of my very long road to being forgiven.”

“Lorenzo—”

"Ana, it took me too long to realise and appreciate what and who was in front of me." He pressed his lips gently to mine. “I’m done with wasting time. I want to change for you, and for us. I want to be the husband you deserve and admire.” My stomach fluttered as if filled with a thousand butterflies, and I could feel the heat creeping up my neck to my cheeks, painting them a softshade of pink. His words resonated deep within me, sending a wave of warmth through my entire being. "Let’s sit down," he suggested, gesturing towards our plush leather chairs, "so we can get going."

I sank into the chair opposite Lorenzo who never took his eyes off of me. That man had changed in the shortest amount of time, but I didn’t overthink it. I was done second guessing everything. I was done with the past, and only looked forward to what our future held.

The plane ascended smoothly, the world below shrinking as we soared into the clouds. I settled back into the plush seat, enjoying the view and the peace that consumed me. I turned to Lorenzo, whose eyes were firmly locked on me.

“Do you want champagne or something softer? Stronger perhaps?”

“Do you know what I really want, husband?” I purred, uncrossing my legs.

“Enlighten me,” he murmured, resting his index finger gently to his lips.

“I want you on your knees for me,” my voice a soft, inviting whisper that lingered in the charged air between us.

His eyes darkened like storm clouds gathering on the horizon, his pupils dilating with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine as he fully grasped my request. Silent as a shadow, he moved with graceful swiftness, dropping to his knees before me. His hands found my thighs, their grip firm yet possessively gentle, a mixture of strength and tenderness. As he parted my legs with deliberate care, it was as if the world narrowed to just the two of us, exposing me to the depth of his burning, ravenous gaze.

“Tell me, now that I’m on my knees, what do you want?” he growled against my skin.

“You know exactly what I want, so why keep us both waiting?” My voice was steady despite the throbbing need between my legs. “I want you to make me come.”