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“So,” I twisted toward him, crossing my leg over my knee, “where are you taking me?”
He changed course, steering us to the left, then straightened out. “North.”
“North? All I get is North?”
He smirked and glanced at me. “Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view, bella.” He reached over and squeezed my thigh. “We’ll be there in about three hours.” He withdrew his hand and focused ahead.
“Congratulations on the baby, Miss Ayala.” Joseph’s voice came through on my headset, causing me to jump.
I twisted around, smiling.
“Congrats.” Noah nodded. “That’s incredible news.”
“Thank you, guys.” I lifted my chin, grinning ear to ear.
“Wake up, amore.”
Startled, I jolted, sleepily unaware I was still wearing headphones. “We’re almost there.”
At some point, I must have dozed off. I had been extra sleepy lately. I adjusted my clothes and sat up straighter in my seat.
He glanced over, smirking. “You’re going to want to look out your window in three, two—” He nodded and immediately veered the helicopter.
That’s when my breath escaped me. I was staring down at the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls, watching picture perfect water plummet over into a misty pool below. I pressed my hands and nose against the glass as we descended a bit.
Grand Prism Hotel, helicopter 508LD, ten south east, inbound Bell 429 with VC Greco.Valentino spoke into his microphone.Request.
Go ahead, Mr. Greco. You’re clear.
Though I had not taken my seatbelt off, I double-checked it and sat up even straighter in my seat. I was relieved when he sat the helicopter gently on the roof of the massive white hotel. I had never been to this place before, but it appeared magnificent from the air.
Hotel staff gathered and waited for us. Removing the headphones, I patiently waited for someone to open my door. As an employee approached my window, Valentino rushed around to my side and helped me down first. The moment I stepped out, I had to hold my dress, taming it in the wind. As we walked toward the building’s roof access, one woman ran to catch up to us, her heels clicking loudly.
“Mr. Greco, we didn’t know you’d be coming today.”
He nodded, keeping his pace toward the entrance with his palm resting on the small of my back. “Why do you sound so nervous, Miss Taylor?”
She skipped to keep up as we entered the elevator. “Uh, we would have prepared the hotel for your arrival, sir.”
As the doors closed, he pursed his lips before forcing stern eye contact with her. “Well, I should hope the hotel is in the same condition whether I’m here or not.” She opened her mouth to respond, but he pulled my body to his side. “I don’t believe you’ve met my fiancée, Isabelle.”
“No sir, I have not.” Her eyes widened as she met my gaze with a welcoming expression. “Hello.”
“Hello, nice to meet you.” I offered a friendly greeting but did not shake her hand.
Valentino had a rule that we were not to shake hands with staff or people in public unless he initiated the handshake first. It was a safety measure he was strict about. The only staff member exempt from the rule was Joseph. The rule had been set in place long before me, but it was highly enforced after London.
Moments later, the doors opened, and we stepped into a grand, modern, luxurious lobby with enormous white pillars and vast windows.Wow!My eyes enlarged as I peered around while being escorted to the front desk by the woman. The staff adjusted their uniforms while busying themselves as we waltzed through the bustling lobby. They peeked up multiple times in our direction, though I was sure they were ogling Valentino.
“I never knew you owned this place.” I twisted my lips sideways, whispering.
He pulled my hand to his, entwining his fingers with mine. “Yes, you did.”
I turned to Joseph and Noah with a broad gaze, mouthing.No, I didn’t.
“Yes, you did.” Valentino repeated as he offered my hand a slight squeeze.
When we arrived at reception, he leaned on the tall counter, propping on an elbow. The flustered young woman behind the desk stuttered when she greeted him. Internally, I giggled, knowing that feeling well.
