Page 144 of Wicked

I laugh and hold his face in my hands. “I love you. I love you, baby.”

“And I you.”

We kiss and it’s perfect.Like us.

58

DANTE

I fly Raven and I to her hotel, and she’s surprised I’m a pilot. I explain there are a few things she doesn’t know about me, and she pushes me back, all cocky.

“And there are still a few things you do not know about me, kind sir.”

I grin and put the chopper down. “Sure, baby, sure.”

I’m punched in the arm, but it’s good to have her, and our banter back.

Her hotel is better than expected, and as the sun is setting, I book us the best room in the place. My bag arrives from the airport via our local fixer, and Raven gets her passport back.

We spend the evening in bed, in the huge new suite. It’s good for us, and even Tito relaxes beside the large private pool outside.

It’s important Raven and I stabilize our relationship, and it is healthy to be having new experiences together. As long as we’re together, we’ll overcome any obstacle in the future.

After Raven and I shower,we eat and head to the small island airport. As we arrive at my jet, Raven is taken aback. I remind her there are a couple of surprises left, and she shakes her head.

“As long as there are no other wives.”

I take her bag and slap her butt. “Shut up and get inside.” Raven throws a look back, but I can tell she likes it.

My pilot is outside with the refueling team, and as officials process our passports, I show Raven the bedroom, shower, and kitchen.

As a crew member brings coffees, muffins and croissants, Nico walks in. He finished his media project in Paris last night, and my freshly serviced jet picked him up on the way through.

“Grazie, grazie,” I say before shaking Nico’s hand. We hug and it’s great to see my friend, again.

As always, Nico is in a black suit, and as always, women’s eyes pop on seeing him. Raven almost chokes on her coffee, but I know who fuels her heart.

“Darling, this is Nico.”

Nico and Raven shake hands, and I watch them briefly chat.

“So, this is the one who stole my friend’s heart,” Nico says.

“Right!” I say, playing it down. Only he is right.

Nico joins us for a strong coffee before he tells us he must push on for NYC. He is close to launching his global channel and it’ll be massive.

Nico has done well. Very well, considering his humble beginnings in New York. Like most Italians, Lorenzo, Nico and me, dislike the chaos, pain and dread the mafia bring to the world. We leave them alone, and they leave us alone. No one wants war.

Nico has built a solid media empire, and he has done it alone. No one works harder.

As Ravenand I walk back into my jet, I explain my plans. First, we will return to Italy and restart the theme park. After, we will reside in the US, likely between NYC and my oceanside home in Miami.

Raven nods slowly, and so far, she seems all onboard.

I tell my pilot we will be flying alone. That he and the few crew aboard must take commercial while we take my jet. Raven and I need time alone, and I dislike small spaces with staff. It gets awkward quickly.

After the crew exit, I enter go mode.

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