Page 106

The black bar is lit up by dim lights, giving everything an intimate glow. Windows line the walls by the entrance and opposite it. A door by the bar leads to places unknown. Itreallydoesn’t look like a helicopter.

The doors behind us close, silencing the roar of the motors above. Peaceful quiet surrounds us, and I watch him go to the bar. "Champagne?"

I think nothing short of a hard whiskey will calm my nerves right now, but nod, before I remember,jellybean. Shit, I really, really need to find out. "Uhm, I think I'll have a club soda."

He suppresses a small chuckle, disguising it with a cough, and busies himself fixing my club soda. My suspicion that he's up to something grows, but then I chide myself,of course he's up to something, he's taking you to a fancy dinner.

A disembodied voice announces, "Good evening, Mr. DeLuna. We're ready to take off in two minutes. The flight will take forty-five minutes."

It distracts me enough that I miss Antonio pouring us drinks. When I take mine from his outstretched hand, he clinks them together. "To a wonderful evening."

All I can do is nod and take a sip. He's managed once again to awe and make me completely speechless.

He sits beside me. "Buckle up for takeoff."

He puts his glass on the table. "Allow me." His hands fiddle with the seat belt, creating warm sensations through me as his fingers brush against my dress.

We take off, and my eyes are drawn to the windows.

"Oh, Antonio," I cry, staring at the star-sprinkled night sky. "It's beautiful."

A few minutes later, he says, "You can take your seatbelt off now."

I do and lean forward to get a better look outside. Up above us, I can see more stars than I've ever seen before, and below us, there is darkness. Not complete, though. I can make out the outlines of trees and, now and then, lights from a house hidden between.

That is nothing compared to the lights that glow on the horizon.

I'm aware of Antonio watching me, but I can't rip my eyes from the light show coming into view. White and red are the head and taillights of cars on a freeway, surrounded by more houses as we leave the trees behind. And then I see it: the first lit-up high rise of New York City.

"We're going into the city?" I turn to Antonio.

He nods, takes my hand, and kisses my fingers. "I want this to be an unforgettable night. Our first date."

He's right. This is our first date! We married before we ever had one. "It's not a real date when you know you're going to get laid at the end," I correct.

"Will I?" His eyes gleam with mischief. Irresistible. I lean forward and kiss his lips.

"There's not much you can do to fuck this up," I tease.

He pulls me into a deep kiss. His hands run through my hair, while my arms sling around his neck, mussing up his.

"Behave," he pants after a few minutes, "or I'll fuck you right here, right now."

I look at the comfy seats and grin.

He shakes his head. "Oh no. We're just beginning."

"We're about to land," the same voice from earlier announces.

"Be a good girl and buckle up," he chides while rearranging his dick in his pants, his erection obvious.

"Yes, sir," I mumble, and he looks up sharply.

"Scarlet," he warns.

I giggle.

The helicopter gently sets down on top of a high-rise. He unbuckles me and takes my hand. "Come."