I roll my eyes. He’d have something to say about my sass if I did that in front of him, but I can’t stop smiling. So I give up the fight, transfer the money to my account, and complete the purchase.
EB
We’re meeting tomorrow at 10, right?
I know exactly when we’re scheduled to meet, but I like his reassurances.
AS
I’ll be standing outside your door at 9:55, eager to escort you to the tarmac.
Swoon.
Another message comes through.
AS
It’s a short flight, but I made sure we’ve got plenty of snacks. If you think of anything you want to have on hand, text me.
Sure, the man is fine as hell and clearly has no qualms about spending money on me, but this thoughtful preparedness is what really does it for me. I can’t describe how good it feels knowing that I don’t have to worry about what I’ll eat or what my options are because he’s already taken care of the details.
EB
Can’t wait to see you.
AS
Sleep well, angel. Counting down the minutes until you’re back in my arms.
CHAPTER 35
EVANGELINE
As promised, the knock on my door comes at exactly five minutes before ten.
Heart lifting, I zip up my medicine pouch and throw it in my bag, then I tuck my hair behind my ears, checking my outfit once more.
I’ve opted for comfy casual for the flight. I chose my favorite elastic waistband shorts, animal print, of course, with a basic black tee, white Chucks, and a few Granata-red accessories as a little nod to Alaric. After all, it is his favorite color.
Excitement zings through me as I practically skip from the bathroom to the door.
I swing it open with a flourish, beaming, but the second I meet the eyes of the man before me, my stomach plummets to the floor.
“There’s been a slight change of plans,” he says calmly, holding up both hands in surrender. Between the concern etched in his face and the defeated pull of his brow, his words are hard to believe.
My mouth falls open, my heart pounding and my thoughts going in every direction.
“Everything is okay,” he assures me. “Nothing about our plans in Monaco is changing.”
A breath escapes me. I’m still discombobulated, but that statement gives me at least some level of peace.
“That said, we are no longer flying alone.”
Okay. My shoulders relax a little. Not great news, but not the worst either. I’ve spent plenty of time in economy class thanks to Luca’s cheap-ass spending habits.
“We are going today, though, right?”
“We are,” he replies, “but we’ll have five additional passengers.”
