Vanessa
"Where are we going?" I ask for the millionth time since I was ushered onto this deathtrap. I've never been in the air before, but this aircraft is fun sized compared to the ones I've seen on tv.
It's really luxurious, though. The cabin is surprisingly spacious despite the small exterior, and the soft, warm lighting creates an ambiance that's both intimate and welcoming. The seats are a plush embrace of leather, each stitch a testament to careful craftsmanship. The color scheme, a blend of cream, brown, and grey, exudes a sense of elegance.
There is a huge, flat screen monitor in the center that I could use to distract myself from the possibility of us falling from the sky and crashing into the ocean below, but Diego doesn't seem to have a problem with me downing this bottle of wine, so I'll stick with that. With the bottle now halfway empty, I'm feeling somewhat relaxed.
Before we left, he had me sign the marriage certificate and another contract pretty much stating I was forever his in exchange for a life of luxury. After we boarded the jet, I slipped into a cozy pair of pajamas, a stark contrast to Diego's choice of remaining clad in his tuxedo. It freaks me out at how effortlessly he wears it. I wonder if he was born in a miniature suit.
Seated across from me, Diego raises his gaze from his phone, a trace of amusement playing on the curve of his lips. "Patience, Mama. We'll be there soon."
"And where is there?"
"To our honeymoon destination."
No fucking duh, I think, but I refrain from voicing it.
"Why are we having a honeymoon? It's not like this is a... real marriage," I inquire, voicing the question that has been weighing heavily on my mind since he told me we were leaving.
He cocks an eyebrow. "It's not?"
I swirl the wine around in my glass. "I mean...what are we going to do? Stare at each other the entire time?"
Now that there's enough distance between us, freeing me from his intoxicating presence, and allowing me to think more clearly, sex is the last thing on my mind. Instead, I'm determined to uncover his past-his secrets, his childhood, his family. If I'm going to be his wife, I want to be more than just an accessory.
He stows away his phone, redirecting all his focus to me. "It will just be us, Danny, and the rest of my security team, so you'll have the freedom to do whatever you want."
Freedom.
It's been my lifelong desire, and now I'll finally get a glimpse of it-enjoying life's pleasures, all while still bound by both physical and legal ties to a dangerous, possessive man.
I guess I should try my best to enjoy it.
"Let's make a deal. I'll make an effort to enjoy this vacation, and in return, you'll allow me to get to know my... husband," I suggest softly.
The word is still difficult to say.
His gaze intensifies, and he licks his lips. "And how would you like to do that?"
I dismissively roll my eyes at his seductive suggestion. "How about we sit down, maybe over dinner or something, and have a real conversation? It doesn't seem fair that you keep this barrier between us, especially after standing in front of like a million people to marry you."
He remains silent, studying me as I continue expressing myself.
"Like I know you probably had some dark fucked up shit happen to you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be the head of the mafia. I don't want to force you to talk about it, but eventually I'm hoping you can trust me enough to want to tell me. You said we're pretty much stuck together, right? So, I'm willing to try to make this work. I don't want to be miserable, Diego, so we both need to put in some effort, okay?"
Amid the charged silence, my words hang in the air, and Diego's gaze lingers on me with an unreadable expression. Finally, a ghost of a smile tugs at his lips.
"What is so amusing?" I snap.
"Alcohol really is your liquid courage," he chuckles. But then, his face turns serious. "But you've got a point. I'll consider it for you."
I nod, acknowledging the subtle shift in our conversation. It's a small victory for now.
"Is that what you lied to me earlier about?" he asks.
I narrow my eyes, taking another measured sip of my wine. "How do you know I lied?"
"You have a tell," he states with certainty.
Shame washes over me, and I feel my cheeks heat up. "Oh," I mutter, suddenly feeling stupid. "For future reference, what is it?"
He smirks. "I'm not telling you, Mama. That's only for me to know."
"That's not fair. What if I get kidnapped or something? I need to know how to control it," I say with a pout.
His brows knit together. "And who's kidnapping you?"
"I don't know," I reply, uncertainty lingering in my voice. "You're in the mafia, so you tell me. Probably one of your enemies."
I only know of Viktor, but I'm sure there are tons more.
"You're my wife, Vanessa," he asserts, a protective edge to his tone. "You're untouchable now. And if anyone is foolish enough to kidnap you, I'll unleash hell on earth until I bring you back."
There's a fiery determination blazing in his eyes, casting a captivating spell over my entire being. The weight of his words lingers in the air, and I find myself torn between the reassurance of his commitment and the underlying danger of his world.
I just hope he can keep his promise.
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"Wake up, Momma."
Groaning, I try to rub the sleep from my eyes as I gradually sit up and survey my surroundings. Recalling that the last time I was awake, we were flying, I now notice the jet is stationary, and Diego's men are busy moving in and out, collecting our belongings.
When did I even fall asleep?
With a grumpy moan, I ask, "Where are we?"
"Barbados. We're headed to a destination without a runway, so we need to take a quick boat trip," he answers softly.
A boat?
He envelops me with his strong arms, lifting me bridle-style into a protective embrace. Exhausted and too fatigued to protest, I nestle my head against his chest, closing my eyes as a sense of security washes over me. I feel the gentle sway as he carries me down the steps of the jet, the ambient voices of other men creating a distant backdrop.
"Mr. Reyes, welcome. We'll prepare to depart momentarily," a voice announces.
"Thank you," he murmurs in response. I feel him settle down, cradling me in his lap. The distinct scent of saltwater permeates the air as the engines hum to life, and the vessel begins its graceful motion.
"You're missing the scenery, Mama. Such a lightweight," he teases, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
I mumble something unintelligible, the words escaping me without any coherent meaning. Between almost getting kidnapped and killing the man who tried to do it, the wedding, the long ass jet ride, and the alcohol, I've become nothing more than deadweight. With the gentle sway of the boat, the subtle rocking motion lulls me back into a serene slumber.
Upon waking once more, I find Diego carefully laying me down on a spacious and comfortable bed.
"Are you still going to fuck me?" I mumble, my voice laced with sleepiness.
He chuckles softly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement. "Nah, that wouldn't be enjoyable at all in your current state. Besides, I don't want to take your virginity...I want you to give it to me."
His touch is tender as his fingers trace soothing patterns on my back.
A subtle smile plays on my lips, a blend of contentment and weariness. "You know, you're not the same colossal dickweed who broke into my house and threatened to kill me."
He emits a gentle hum. "Is that right?"
"Yeah, still an asshole, but not a big one. I guess you're likeable at times."
There's a brief pause before he replies. "That's nice to know, Mama. Now go to sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Yes, Sir," I murmur, already succumbing to the drowsiness pulling me back into the darkness.