Page 66 of Always Been You
I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a slow kiss to her knuckles. “It is. And now, we’re going somewhere far away.”
She tilts her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Oh? And where exactly are you taking me?”
I smirk, already picturing the surprise I have planned.
“You’ll find out.” I step closer, tilting her chin up. “Pack a bag, Empress. We leave tonight.”
Chapter Twenty -Seven
Lawliss
“So you really won’t tell me?” I glance at Eddie as he drives us to the airport. This is the first time I’ve seen him behind the wheel, and for some reason, it makes me smile.
After everything that happened today with the chaos, the arrests, and the lingering weight of revenge, I would have agreed to anything if it meant making sure he was okay. And maybe he is. Maybe he isn’t. But I know he will get there. Somehow, I want to be part of that.
He’s been laughing more and smiling more, and I’ve found myself looking forward to every single one. He’s becoming someone I don’t just care about. I want to make him happy. I don’t know how long this will last, but for as long as it does, I’m going to enjoy every second.
Eddie smirks, bringing our joined hands to his lips for a kiss. “That’s what a surprise is.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but the warmth that spreads through my chest betrays me.
When I found out George was behind his parents’ deaths, I nearly lost it. It took everything in me not to hunt that man down and make him suffer myself. Eddie held me back not because he didn’t care but because he’d had years to come to terms with it. I haven’t.
My family hasn’t either. Elisa suggested we send someone to beat George up in prison, just to make sure he knows prison isn’t enough. Honestly? I think she and Eddie would get along too well.
And Eddie thinks I don’t know. That he sent people to Derrick. But I do. He covered his tracks well, and when I asked, everyone denied it, but Dash let it slip. Someone got to Derrick before he could. Only one person could have done that.
When we arrive at the airport, Eddie parks, steps out, and opens my door like it’s second nature. His hand extends toward me, and I take it without hesitation.
It’s ridiculous how natural this feels. Barely a month of dating, and somehow, we already feel like an old married couple.
We walk through the private terminal, past security and staff, until we reach the hangar where his jet is waiting.
“Luxury,” I comment, eyeing the sleek aircraft.
He pulls me to him, presses a kiss to the top of my head, and murmurs, “Only the best for my wife.”
My stomach flutters. He keeps calling me that, and the insane thing is I don’t hate it.
I can’t believe it, but he makes me want to get married again. Not now. Maybe in five years. But still. The thought is there. He’s there.
We settle into our seats, the plush interior of the jet making it feel like a floating penthouse. A flight attendant approaches, smiling politely.
“Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Water,” I say.
“Whiskey,” Eddie answers smoothly.
The attendant lingers. A second too long, and I don’t like it. Without thinking, I place my hand on his chest, a casual claim, a quiet warning. Eddie chuckles, low and deep.
“Jealousy looks good on you.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not jealous.”
He grabs my hand before I can pull away and pulls me onto his lap, crashing his lips to mine.
A startled gasp escapes me, but I don’t fight it. I never fight him.
