Page 9 of Jealous Vows

A massive body brushes against my other side.The hairs on my nape rise.I curse the warming of my blood and the throbbing between my legs as the mafia man’s scent invades my nostrils.Combined with my cinnamon candy, his expensive cologne and the hint of cigarette smoke may be the most addictive combo I’ve ever experienced.

I tell myself I’m just too tired to control myself like normal.I’m not attracted to a dangerous mafia man.My father has taught me firsthand over and over just how untrustworthy and nasty a mafia soldier can be, although the vibes this stranger gives off are anything but soldier.He’s too sleek and sexy and carries himself with too much authority to be bullet fodder.

I scramble for answers I don’t have but am too stubborn—and too aware of my vulnerability—to ask.Even if he told me his name, there’s nothing I could do to escape him right now.The less interaction between us the better.

My curiosity remains.

Did someone send him?Maybe my stepmother sold me to him, but with my shattered reputation, I doubt someone so powerful would accept me.Most likely my father stiffed him and he plans to take it out on me.

What if my uncle sent him to protect me during my travels?

How much doesZioMario know of my current situation?Has he known all along how miserable my life has been?Is this his final revenge?He and Valentina must hate me so much.They might have sent this man to safely deliver me to them so they can dispose of me themselves.

My chest tightens.

Maybe that’s a fitting end for me.I don’t want to die, but if that’s what it takes to ease this overwhelming guilt that only grows with time, then so be it.

I shove the morose thoughts away by focusing on the food in my belly and pulling my resolve tight around myself.I’ll plead my innocence while apologizing for my stupidity.Somehow, I’ll make them listen.I’ll beg Valentina andZioMario for forgiveness.

As little laser beams of freezing air stream down from the vents, I wrap my arms around my midsection and prepare myself to endure a few hours of being squished between two large strangers.

Exhaustion overtakes me, and I slip into darkness despite my unease.

I dream of dark, oppressive shadows looming over me and cruel hands grabbing and groping my legs.Ice surrounds me, so I burrow into the warmth pressed against the side of my face.

I snap to awareness as fingers squeeze my right thigh.Before I can react, the shoulder under my head shifts as the mafia man reaches across my lap and grabs the other guy’s wrist.He yanks his hand off my leg, flings his arm away, unbuckles us both, and lifts me with startling ease.

My head spins, and before I know it, I sit buckled into the aisle seat with only one masculine shoulder pressing into mine.

Warmth still emanates from the cushions, but fiery need sinks into my skin from everywhere the mafia man touched as he manhandled me into his seat.I don’t know how he swapped our places so seamlessly, but he did.

He could snap me in half without even trying.My strength and size are no match for his.

Despite the terror thrumming through me, a dark, delicious thrill shivers up my spine.Too afraid to speak and reveal how much his hands affected me, I clear my throat, tuck my hair behind my ear, and shift closer to the aisle.

I should admonish him for taking liberties with my body, but I can’t muster the energy and refuse to contemplate why his touch doesn’t gross me out like the other guy’s does, so instead I avoid him as much as possible.There’s no way a man with such a cold, cunning mind would save me from another man—not once, but twice—without ulterior motives.He’s not a knight in shining armor nor a hero wearing a cape.His kind don’t rescue damsels in distress.

The silence only grows more tense as time passes.Part of me wallows in disappointment.I want him to demand I thank him, which makes no sense.The less we interact, the more likely I am to survive.

His possessive touch lingers on my body.He manhandled me too easily.My sense of dread grows.

I remain statue still as the plane lands and taxis to a terminal.The moment the fasten seatbelt sign turns off, I yank my buckle open and rise.

Thick fingers close around my wrist.My heart leaps into my throat.I tug once.He presses my bag of pretzels from the seatback into my hand.The moment I close my fist around it, he releases me.

I lunge up the aisle and manage to make it half a dozen rows forward before the other passengers block my way.It’s enough of a headstart to see me off the plane and past the next gate before Mr.Dark and Dangerous exits.

I duck into the crowd and merge into the flow of people heading toward baggage claim.

I’ve never been to New York City, have only forty dollars and my ID in my pocket, and have no idea how I’m going to get to Valentina andmio zio’s wedding tomorrow—or even where I’m going to sleep, eat, and find a dress—but nothing matters beyond escaping the mystery mafia man.

I’ve made it this far in my miserable life.I can make it another twenty-four hours.

I hope.

A dark premonition grows the more distance I put between me and the mystery mafia man, and I can’t help but check over my shoulder every chance possible.

I’m not free of him.My skin tingles from his touch.