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“Kidnapped. What do you mean? Where are we going?” As reality settles in, her thoughts, as always, go to her grandmother. “And what about Nonna?”
“Nonna approved the trip. She and Booker have facials and full body massages booked at Fire’s on-site spa today. She sent you this.” I retrieve the note from my breast pocket, slipping it into her hands. It’s scented with her grandmother’s rosewater perfume.
She opens the paper, reading aloud, translating the Italian to English. “Kylie, dearest. Mr. Cannon has told me he has wonderful plans for you. Please enjoy and don’t worry about me for a moment. Love, Nonna.”
“See? No harm done. Just a little surprise work break.”
She sinks back in her seat. “Thank you. That’s sweet of you. I have been working a lot of hours since I took over the ordering of the floral arrangements and candles.” She gives me a satisfied smile. “Not that I haven’t loved every minute I’ve been working at Fire.”
“I know. You’ve been an amazing addition to the team.” My fingers clench around the arm of my chair, my jaw tightening as I speak. “The whole staff agrees.” Especially my straight, single, male staff members…
“And we’ll be back in time tonight for ASAG.” She gives a decisive nod, knowing I would never tear her away from such an event.
A touch of guilt rises in me. Keeping her from the party is exactly what I’ve done.
“No. I’m sorry. We’ll actually be staying a few nights.”
Her jaw drops. “Miss the All Staff? I was so looking forward to it. Tie was finally going to do some ropework on me.”
I bristle beside her, my fingers clenching into fists, thinking of Tie’s deft fingers looping silky cords around Kylie. “That’s too bad. Really. A shame.”
There’s a hint of mistrust in her pretty irises as she eyes me. “You abducted me.”
“No. I…borrowedyou.”
“You got me drunk, then kidnapped me onto your private jet.”
“Nooo…I gave you your first taste of champagne, good champagne, mind you. Only the best. And then, when you passed out on the sofa for a little catnap, I gathered you in my arms and carried you here to continue your sleep. I thought you’d be more comfortable sleeping in the big leather chair of a private jet, cruising above the clouds. I love this plane. I actually won it from Liam in a bet, but don’t bring that up. He’s still pissed.”
“I won’t. You boys and your toys.”
“The jet is my favorite possession next to Fire,” I say.
She gives a little humph noise, and stares out the window, thinking. A moment later, she says, “This little trip wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you don’t like to see me play with other staff members, would it?” She gives me an accusatory stare.
Jealous prickles dance over the back of my neck. I run a hand over my tingling skin. “No. It would not. That’s ridiculous.”
She gives a sigh like she’s arguing with a child. The tips of her jet-black nails tap at the arm of her chair. “Then what is this?”
I shrug. “Just a trip.”
“Cannon Bachman. You cannot just scoop people up and throw them on your jet.”
“Shh. You’ll wake Emilia.”
“Emilia?”
Kylie leans over, peering behind us. Emilia is cozied up, her head tucked against Liam’s shoulder, Liam’s arm protectively wrapped around her as she sleeps. Liam gives Kylie a nod of greeting.
She offers him a tight smile in return. She turns back to me, hissing, “Is this some kind of couples retreat? When we are not a couple?”
“Nope. Look over there.” I point to where Charlie and Tristan sit. Charlie is working on a needlepoint, something floral with bright pink and coral threads. Tristan sits with his arms folded, a grumpy expression on his face. He didn’t want to come. “Tristan and Charlie. Two very single people are on board.”
“You meanfourvery single people are on board this plane. Last time I checked, you and I were both single and free to do as we wish.”
I nod. “Exactly.” What I wish is to take her as far away as possible from Fire and the eyes and hands of every adoring staff member and lock her away, keeping her all to myself.
She whispers, “But what if I wish to go back now? To be at Fire tonight for the party? What if I choose to not partake of this mystery trip you’ve forced upon me?”
