Page 94 of Protecting his Heart

Owen hadn’t had to do much, to be honest. When he’d approached Evan’s superior about him taking two extra days that week, the woman had been extremely kind and generous, saying she understood the need to recuperate after such an ordeal. Once that was squared away, everything else fell into place.

Owen led Evan into the airport and to the check-in desks, Evan’s eyes widening and a grin spreading across his face when he saw their destination. After they’d dropped off their bags and headed towards security, Evan tugged him to a stop.

“We’re going to Italy?” Owen nodded, and Evan threw his arms around him. “Oh my god, I love you.”

Owen hugged him back. “I’m glad it’s an agreeable surprise.”

“We only get a few days, though. There’s so much for me to show you.”

“If we don’t get to see everything this time, we can come back. I know this place was a big part of your life.”

Evan slid his arm around Owen’s shoulders as they waited for their turn through security, and Owen put his hand in Evan’sback pocket. Evan told him about some places he thought they should go, but their first stop was going to be one place Evan hadn’t mentioned. It was the second part of his surprise—and third, if all went well.

As expected, Evan fell asleep on the plane, and Owen spent the time researching the best way to get them to their location without Evan figuring it out until they got there. It was highly unlikely he’d be able to hide it for long, but he wanted to try.

A groggy Evan stumbled along with him as they departed the plane just over three hours later. The temperature was around the same as it had been when they left England, though the breeze was a little chillier. They found their luggage, and Owen led them to the car hire place he’d arranged for a car from. Evan said he’d drive, but with how tired he was, Owen had vetoed that.

“Sleep while I drive. You’ll feel better after a bit more, I’m sure.”

Evan sighed but agreed, and within seconds, he was asleep in the passenger seat. How long he would stay that way was another matter. Owen followed the directions he’d been given, and within half an hour, they had arrived at their first destination. Their hotel was a beautiful building full of architectural delights, but all Owen wanted was for Evan to sleep some more before they continued the surprises in around three hours.

While Evan slept on the comfiest bed Owen had ever remembered, he put his plan into action. He left a note for Evan in case he woke up and headed down to reception to ensure everything was in place. Then he went back to the hotel room and watched TV while waiting for Evan to wake.

“Coffee,” Evan croaked when he crawled from the bed.

“Already waiting for you,” Owen said, rising. “Let me grab it.” He made Evan a cup and handed it to him. He jumped onto the counter of the kitchenette-style area that was part of thesuite and pulled Evan between his legs. He slid his arms around Evan’s back and held him while he drank.

“Hmm,” Evan said, humming the noise that made Owen understand he was coming out of his sleep-deprived blur. “Thank you. That was just what the doctor ordered.” He yawned, though, ruining the words.

Owen laughed. “Apparently you need more, though.”

Evan put his cup aside and wrapped his arms around Owen’s waist, resting his head against his chest. “I’m good for now.”

Owen raked his fingers through Evan’s hair, then gripped it and pulled him up to face him. “I need you to get dressed. We have somewhere to be.”

Evan narrowed his eyes but sighed. “This trip is going to be full of surprises, isn’t it?”

Owen grinned. “Of course.”

Evan nodded slowly. “Okay. Off I go.” He refilled his cup first.

Jumping from the counter, he headed for his phone, making sure he’d memorised the directions correctly. He didn’t want to take the chance that Evan would peek and see their destination before they got there. He also patted his coat pocket to make sure he had what he needed. He did. Exhaling quietly, he tried to steady his nerves.

“Okay, I’m ready. Well, about as ready as I can be,” Evan said.

“Awesome! Let’s go!”

Owen asked Evan to talk about the places they passed as he drove, and Evan did so with a smile on his face.

“As much as I loved living here, I don’t think I could do it again,” he admitted. “It’s beautiful, and the people are fantastic, but it’s not home. Not really.” He added a few more details but then went quiet.

“Are you okay?” Owen asked.

Evan exhaled shakily. “I know where you’re taking me,” he mumbled.

Owen frowned. “You do?”

“To see Antonio,” he whispered.

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