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He places his forehead to mine. “We will, I promise. Anywhere you wanna go.”
“Promises. Promises.”
Our mouths meet again, this time with more heat, before he abruptly pulls away.
“Jesus, woman, you have to stop.”
We’re still grinning at each other when the hatch opens, and bright light filters through the cabin, shattering the spell we’re under.
Hurried footsteps approach, and I recognize the familiar rhythm before his imposing figure appears, casting a shadow that obscures the sunlight.
Ricky glares at the two of us, and I break from Jackson’s embrace, almost tripping on the blanket.
The swelling and redness around his eye diminished, revealing purple bruising underneath. There’s a cut on his lip and another above his cheekbone.
A pang of guilt lances my chest, and I glance away, bending down and putting on my shoes.A few days ago, I would’ve hugged him. It feels awkward not to, but I don’t know this person anymore.
“You could’ve told me you were leaving LA,” his deep voice barks.
Jackson stands and collects our belongings. “Sorry. We stopped by the penthouse. You weren’t there.”
“Because I was huntingyoudown.”
I step between them, eager to keep the peace. “We saw Ethan at the arena then grabbed an earlier flight. It was spur-of-the-moment.”
Ocean eyes narrow. “I texted and called you.”
“I’ve been asleep. My phone is in my bag.” I checked it hours ago and messaged Ethan a few times, but that’s it.
He leans in, expression stern. “And his?”
My mind goes blank with anxiety. “He…he’s had it the whole time.”
Jackson’s arm comes around me. “Stop intimidating her. Your problem is with me.”
The muscle in Ricky’s jaw flutters. “You have family here.”
Now, I’m utterly confused. My brows pinch, and I glance back at Jax.
He releases a reluctant sigh. “Ethan is being a controlling bastard. He texted me. His uncle sent someone to stay with us. I’ll explain later.”
Giddy excitement washes over me. I’mobsessedwith the lore of the Rossi family. I’ve read everything I could find on Google. My grandmother loves true crime; she’s going to flip her lid over this.
Two men wait on the tarmac, and they’re undeniably Ethan’s family. One is smiling, showing familiar dimples, and the other is scowling. The DNA is unmistakable.
I’m so enthralled, I almost trip down the stairs. Ricky steadies me with a hand on my hip as Jax carries our bags ahead.
Twins, identical, maybe around my age. They’re decked out in black—T-shirts, jeans, boots, and worn leather jackets. One is wearing a baseball cap, but both are over six feet tall, with dark hair and eyes, muscular builds.
I can’t stop grinning.
Jax juts his chin in greeting. “Hey. You must be security sent by Rocco. I’m Jackson.” He gestures to Ricky. “The angry Vikingis Ricky. He’s Aurora’s current guard.” He shoots me a smirk. “And don’t worry about her. She’s nobody.”
I bump his shoulder with mine and reach out to the twins. “Hi. Aurora.”
“Like you need to introduce yourself. You’re famous,” says the one with the hat and a friendly smile. “I’m Desmond. You can call me Desi.” He delicately shakes my hand.
“Yeah, Rocco talks about you nonstop,” adds the other twin. “I’m Dante.”