AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"You should've started with that. I thought you'd be sending me away." I make air quotes. "For my protection."
"It's a vacation, and we're leaving right now. You've just about made me ruin the surprise, but you'll love the cabin."
Lucian comes down the stairs with Hailey behind him. Rosa brings up the rear, with Romero lugging a box with him. I smile up into Xander's eyes. "How long have you been planning this?"
"A few days." He walks away to swing Lucian into his arms. "Come on, or we'll miss our flight."
"Considering the fact that I'm certain it's a private flight, they really can't leave without us. Now can they? Don't you think I should change?"
He trails his eyes over my figure, his eyes chasing a shiver down my spine. "Like you said, it's a private flight. It doesn't matter if you're dressed in that or something else."
He holds his hand out to mine, and we walk out of the house together into the heat of the sun, which is smiting this afternoon. My heart feels light, my body almost weightless.
We're going on a vacation. As a family. Together. And it's been completely planned by Xander. Nothing else matters at this moment but that.
The drive to the airport is long and quiet. Ryder sits in front, silent, except for when he has a question for Xander. I sit with my head against Xander's broad shoulders, tickling at Lucian, who giggles.
By the time we arrive at the airport, Lucian has fallen asleep in my arms, and I hold his head against the curve of my shoulder as we walk towards the private plane, idling at the private hangar where we end up.
"You own this?"
His shrugs. "Amory Corps owns it. Anyone who is family is welcome to use it."
He leads the way into the large plane, and the entryway welcomes us with a sweeping staircase adorned with a plush, custom-designed carpet that extends an invitation to explore the luxurious interiors.
The Amorys never do anything by half measures, and that means that the plane is the very apex of luxury. The main seating area features oversized, sumptuous leather seats arranged to encourage relaxation as much as to add to the beauty of it all.
I take one of the leather seats by the window and Xander slides in beside me. He takes Lucian from me, cuddling the sleeping boy to himself without a word. Ryder hands him his phone and leaves the plane.
I watch him go, scrunching my face up in confusion. "Isn't he coming with us?"
Xander's hand slips into mine. He's been doing this a lot lately—taking my hand, curving his hand around me, slipping closer, or tugging me into him. So much so that he's grown comfortable doing it when it's safe, even if we're not alone, I can't deny that I like it. A lot.
"He's not coming with us. I told you this was a vacation."
"Oh."
"Yes, Melissa. Oh is right."
I turn to take in the plane in its full glory. The Amorys have opted for a neutral color palette with tasteful accents, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. The plane lifts into the air, and soon, we're flying away from Chicago.
Large windows along the sides of the cabin provide breathtaking panoramic views of the sky, enhancing the overall sense of openness.
And I spend the flight looking out, at the soaring birds, the large clouds rolling lazily past.
Xander takes Lucian into one of the sleeping spaces and when he returns, he spends the flight working, typing away on his computer with the occasional look at me, sipping away on his glass of wine which the hostess had poured for the two of us.
It's enough to sit in the silence with him. To watch his long lashes feather the skin under his eyes. I could do this all day and not tire. He looks up to catch me staring. "Do you need something to eat?"
I give him a saucy little smile. "Are you on the menu?"
He smolders at me. "Unfortunately not. I do cost a little more than the rest of the meals."
I swallow to wet my dry throat, fanning a hand across my chest to the buttons on my dress. His eyes follow the motion. "I think you'll find I won't mind paying."
"I'm not tempted. Not at all."
I spread my legs, one dainty move at a time. "You're certain?"
