“Yes,” she said as she stood. Leaving that apartment meant stepping into a most uncertain future, but her past seemed too battered and bruised to salvage… at least in its present state. Valerio stood back as Caitlin left the room, and Michelle felt her heart start to pound as she prepared to head for the plane. But not from fear.
It was the excitement of escaping with Lorenzo to parts unknown.
“I hate to fly.”
Michelle sat in her airline seat in the moments after take-off, her head resting on Lorenzo’s shoulder. She sighed when he stroked her hair. “Why?” she asked.
“Maybe it seems like I’m getting a little too close to heaven,” he said, and Michelle couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Haven’t you read poems or written papers about how great that would be?”
He leaned into the soft space of her palm. “Guess I just didn’t want to go there alone.”
She leaned forward to kiss him when she caught sight of Frankie sitting in his own seat, a few aisles away. He seemed pensive as he gazed out the window, and Michelle called out softly to him.
“You okay, Frankie?” she asked. He seemed startled, suddenly roused from his deepest thoughts, and he flashed a quick smile before folding his arms around his chest, appearing to settle into sleep.
“He’s been quiet,” she observed.
“Yeah,” Lorenzo agreed. “It’s a lot on his plate. Offing Fiorenza. But Frankie always bounces back. And it’s not as if he’s never been to Italy before.”
“Perhaps he can show us around,” she said.
“Well, we don’t need to always have him around.” He pressed his fingers under her chin and smiled. “Point of fact, you were about to kiss me, and here we are talking about my kid brother.”
“I’m concerned about him,” Michelle said.
“And should I be jealous?” he asked.
No. Not after all they had shared and been through together. She swiftly shook her head and cupped his face in her hands.
“I like your brother just fine,” she said. “But you’re the only one that I want.”
He responded with the promised kiss. Michelle savored his taste for several long seconds before breaking away and bringing her head to rest again on his shoulder.
“Do you think we’ll ever be able to go back?” she asked.
“Depends,” Lorenzo said, trailing his fingers down the length of her arm. “Possibly when the heat dies down and Adamo thinks the waters are safe.”
“Part of me hopes that he does,” she said, lowering her head to kiss his chest.
He only nodded by way of agreement, continuing to touch her as the plane soared through the air. Michelle felt no shred of turbulence and wound her arms around his waist. They stayed like that for a while and she imagined the Italy that she had only ever seen in old family photos, the bistros with tables and chairs adorning cobblestoned streets as scattered staircases ascended to homes also a bit closer to heaven than New York. Would he still feel like he was too close to the clouds then? She hoped not.
She started to lift her head, and was somewhat surprised to see his long, chiseled face serene, his hands still on her as he gazed out the window.
“Could’ve fooled me,” she said.
“Come again?” he asked.
“Looks to me like you’re more than at home on a plane.”
He parted his lips but seemed to change his mind before even one word left his mouth. Instead, his mouth slid against hers and when he pulled back, his blue eyes carried a fresh sparkle.
“I’m more than at home with you.”
Michelle snuggled closer to his side. Neither of them knew exactly what was coming next. But wherever they were—a kitchen, Jersey, or halfway across the world—they would stay as they were right now…
…together.
About the Author
Amazon Bestselling author Joanna Rose has always been a voracious reader, so it is no surprise that writing has been her passion since the age of 11. She has come a long way since then…
Today, her sexy alpha heroes include billionaires, military studs, mobsters and bad boys. These men are takers: they take charge and always, always take care of their women. These ladies leave satisfied, just like Joanna’s readers.
Joanna’s stories have just the right steaminess level, exciting plots and a guaranteed HEA. What could be better?
When she’s not reading or writing, Joanna loves to spend time with her family, travel and learn about food and wine. Her experiences, creativity and naughty imagination guarantee a never-ending supply of original romances for her readers.
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Dishonorable Billionaire
Disguised Billionaire
Disreputable Billionaire
Alpha Billionaires: Box Set
Only If
Only Once
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Navy SEALs: Home Again Box Set
Ruthless Champion