Page 59 of Longing for Liberty

FORTY-EIGHT

Despite what felt like a good sleep, I was extremely groggy when the flight attendant woke me with a breakfast tray.

A quick glance at Jeremy showed him eyeing a cup of coffee with something akin to wonder, and it made the back of my eyes burn.

It would be his first cup in over six years.

He had no idea I’d been drinking it for weeks now.

I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement for him.

My body let me eat, even though my nerves were on high alert with so many questions and unknown factors.

Weirdly, I wasn’t nervous for myself as much as Jeremy.

I needed him to be able to get away from this guard, but the fact that we’d flown private, allowing the guard to keep his firearm, was a problem.

Knowing Jeremy, he would want to fight him, even with the gun, but the guard was well-fed, and State Force was known for their regimented workouts to stay fit.

Jeremy hadn’t fought in years. If he got shot?—

No.

Don’t let your mind go there.

I pushed down the panic. I hated that Jeremy was six feet away from me and we couldn’t discuss or plan anything.

We landed at another tiny airstrip, this one in the middle of rolling fields.

Two cars awaited. My heart was in my throat as we deplaned.

I wasn’t sure at what point I’d meet up with Amos; I’d been hoping it would be at the house, but to my surprise, he stepped out of one of the vehicles wearing jeans, a polo shirt, and a plain baseball cap with no logo.

Fuck.

I didn’t want Jeremy to have to see us together. But I couldn’t not step into Amos’s open arms. I made the hug quicker than it should have been but managed to smile up at him.

“Welcome to Tuscany,” he said.

I let out a breathy sound and said, “Thank you! It’s so beautiful!”

He let go of me to speak with the guard, and that’s when I noticed another man who appeared to be a guard step out of the car Amos had been in. Oh, crap. He hadn’t mentioned he’d have a guard for himself, though it made sense.

Great. Another obstacle.

“—staying at the Villa of Roses. Here’s the card in case of an emergency.

We’ll meet back here in five days. I have a burner phone.

” Amos pulled another piece of paper from his back pocket.

“Here’s the number, plus the information for your hotel.

Keep a close eye on him. He’s not to speak to anyone.

” Amos glanced at Jeremy for the first time.

Jeremy’s jaw rocked side to side before he dropped his gaze.

“Will do, boss.” The guard pocketed the business card and paper.

My pulse felt like a rocket ready to launch as I chanced one last glance at Jeremy, and our eyes locked for the pulse of one heartbeat.

Be careful.

Please, get away safely.

Be strong.

Be smart.

I love you.

They climbed into a car, and I tried not to shake as Amos opened the back door to his car for me, and I climbed in.

His guard drove us. It took all of my willpower not to push Amos away as he began a heavy petting session, kissing me deeply right where the guard could see us in the rearview mirror.

His hand started to slip up my skirt, and I put a gentle hand over it, glancing toward the driver.

“Are you being shy?” he whispered in my ear.

“I’m not used to other people being nearby,” I whispered back.

He took my face in his hand, and to my surprise, he eased off, smiling at me and twining his fingers with mine. A deep sigh eased out of me as I allowed myself to lean into him and stare out of the windows.

“Oh, wow,” I said.

His thumb ran over the top of my hand. I couldn’t believe the first time I experienced Italy was with Amos.

It was all wrong. But I would make it right.

Somewhere nearby were my mother and my babies, along with Jeremy’s family.

How far, I wondered? When my eyes started to water, I cleared my throat and swallowed hard.

“You okay?” Amos asked.

“Yes,” I responded. “It’s a dream come true to be here.”

Just a little while longer , I told myself.

We wound our way upward through twisty roads and hills of grapevines to the most gorgeous little cottage overlooking a winery valley. In a different situation, I could have stood outside and stared at it for hours.

The guard carried our stuff inside, and Amos came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Is he staying here with us?” I asked, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

“That was the plan,” he said. “Does it bother you?”

I turned and draped my wrists over his shoulders. “I was hoping for some privacy.”

He half-grinned. “He’s staying in the guest house.” Amos inclined his head to an even smaller cottage around the corner but within shouting distance. Too close, but I could work with that.

“I need to tell you something,” I said, getting serious. “I’m still in a little…” I glanced away. “Pain. Just a little. One more day and some rest from the jetlag, and I’ll be one hundred percent. I just want it to be perfect for you.”

Disappointment flashed across his face. After all, he was accustomed to getting sex from me whenever and wherever he wanted it. But what I’d told him was true, and I had no problem playing off his guilt.

He nodded, resigned. “Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow…” He bent his head and took my mouth in a deep kiss that felt too wet. Finally, he pulled back. “I had the finest wines and charcuterie delivered already. Cheeses that you won’t believe. Preserves and baguettes.”

“Ooh,” I said, placing my hands on his pecs. “You’re the best. I can’t wait.”

I meant to feign a yawn, but when I opened my mouth, it became real. I covered my mouth, and we both laughed. Amos raised a hand to signal goodnight to his guard, who stood by the car, and we went inside.

The bed was plush, and the old-world feel was delectable.

Yes , I thought, as we climbed into bed and Amos pulled me close.

Tomorrow .

It wouldn’t be the day he was expecting, but it would be the day he deserved.