Page 4 of Sinful Addiction

“I think getting out of the city will do you some good.We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.Think of how fun it’ll be making Tony stew over the thought when he finds out.Who knows, the dumb man might finally relent and swoop you off your feet.”

“That’s a bit far-fetched.”

While I get changed Ava gets carried away and starts packing me a bag.The thought of letting my hair down brings a smile to my lips.

“As long as we’re not man shopping and we get through our time away with no drama, then count me in.”Deep down this spellsbad idea, however the distraction will be welcome.

“Yes!I knew you’d agree.I called ahead on my way over to get the plane ready.”

I scoff at her admission.“Of course you did.Thank you for always being here for me.I’d be a lost mess without you.”As I pass, I kiss her cheek, then continue my path to the bathroom to freshen up my makeup.

I’m excited to spend quality time with my best friend.

As soon as the elevator door opens, one of Ava’s bodyguards is waiting in the lobby to take my bags and escort us to her car.On second glance, he’s quite handsome.He has a firm physique, cropped mousy hair and a chiseled jawline.I’d internally bite my fist because of his gorgeousness if I didn’t have another man flooding my mind with punishments.

I shake away the absurdity.He can’t touch me if he’s nowhere near me.

Settling into the back of Ava’s car I let my anticipation overrule all other thoughts.“Where are we staying?”I ask excitedly.

Ava’s smoky eyes turn playful.“I’ve booked us in at The Opal Lounge.We have one of the presidential suites with no room for other guests.I told you, I called ahead and organizedeverything.”Her proud smile concludes with contagious happiness.

The plane comes into view when we pull onto the tarmac at Teterboro.It matches Xander’s personality perfectly with its black and gray tones.

We come to a stop beside a red carpet rolled out for us, and my heart floods with gratification for both me and Ava.I’m grateful to Xander for treating her like royalty.She deserves all of this.

I push my sunglasses onto the brim of my nose when the car door opens.As I wait for Ava, I finish taking in my surroundings.I also inhale a breath of encouragement.The last time I traveled on this plane was coming home after Ava was rescued from William.A time when Antonio and I were less complicated.

“Mrs.Lamont, Miss Montgomery,” Vince greets us at the bottom of the stairway.

I follow Ava on board, bubbling with nervous excitement.However, the outburst I was about to have gets lodged in my throat and I start choking on my own saliva.

“What the fuck is he doing here?”I bristle.All joy is lost when I see Antonio sitting in one of the seats with his feet up, arms draped behind his head with a cocky smirk.

“Hello, pixie.”He fucking purrs the name.

I love it when he calls me that.Fuck, no I don’t.I shake some moral sense into myself.“I amnotyour pixie or pet, and I’m also leaving.”I turn to walk back down the stairs when Vince strategically times the door to close.Shit.

“Ava, what is he doing here?”I’m beyond upset.I’m livid.This was supposed to be a girls’ trip.Okay, I understand the need for Xander to be here, but Antonio?Not buying it.

“Tony goes where I go.I thought you were smarter than this?”Xander chides.

I open my mouth to speak when Antonio subtly shakes his head no.I close my mouth instead.

“I’m sorry, hon, I didn’t know,” Ava whispers to me before taking a seat next to her husband.

I find my own seat away from everyone and am met by the stewardess offering me a glass of wine before we take off.

“Do you plan on getting drunk on the flight?”Antonio amusedly asks as he perches in the empty seat across from me.

“Yes.”

I don’t tell him he’s the reason why and that I’m already halfway there from the cocktails I made earlier.He’ll think I want him if he knows.

I don’t.

Keep telling yourself that, Lacey.

The male pilot's voice sounds across the speaker that we’re about to depart the airstrip and gives us the flight report.Luckily, the weather will be the only smooth portion of flying.

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