Page 44 of Whispers in the Dark
Just as I attempt to close my eyes, Alina stirs in her sleep and turns toward me. Her slender hand reaches out, resting gently against my chest, her lips just inches from the side of my neck, and her warm breath brushes over my skin.
“Mauro…” she breathes, causing every muscle in my body to freeze.
Is she awake?
I glance over to see her eyes tightly closed, and her breathing has returned to an even pace.
She’s sound asleep.
Yet…she said my name.
Is she… Is she dreaming about me?
The thought instantly ignites a fire in my belly, my cock hardening with desire for her.
Suddenly, Alina’s leg slides over mine, the softness of her thigh rubbing against me until she finally settles beside me.
It’s official: I’m in hell, and there’s no way I’m getting any sleep tonight.
“Did someone get out of the wrong side of the bed?” Alex asks, plopping himself down on the seat beside mine. “You look like you haven’t slept in days.”
I huff.Speak for yourself.
I turn toward the window as the engine roars beneath us. My fingers grip my leather armrests with force as the plane dips lower, the land beneath us appearing closer with each passing second. I know flying is the quickest way to get to where we need to be, but…Fuck, I hate it.
I hate being confined in a small space, strapped to an engine that determines your fate.
I hate turbulence.
I hate taking off.
I hate landing.
I fucking hate all of it.
“I’m guessing he didn’t get a wink, seeing that his new bride moved in yesterday.” Vin stretches out on the sofa across from me with a sly grin.
He’s not wrong.
Just not for the reason he thinks.
I flip him off right before a glass of whiskey appears before me in Leo’s outstretched hand, which I eagerly accept. He knows how much I despise flying, and I appreciate the gesture.
“You look like you didn’t get any sleep either,” Vin remarks, staring at Alex.
Alex lifts his glasses and rubs his eyes. “Clara had me up most of the night.”
“I thought you had a nanny?” Vin arches a brow.
Alex sighs. “Had to let her go. Caught her ignoring Clara when she was crying in her crib. She called it the ‘cry it out method.’” He shakes his head. “Mom’s watching her now. I’ll have to reach out to the agency tomorrow about finding a replacement.”
“Are you sure you can handle today’s task?” Vin asks, eyeing him with skepticism.
Alex nods, sitting up straight. “I’m fine.”
“Good.” Vin scratches his jaw. “Because this is an important mission that we can’t afford to lose. A lot is riding on this besides just us taking down our enemies.”
“I know,” Alex responds, typing on his iPad. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the docks all day. There hasn’t been any movement in hours. Maybe there…” He pauses. “Shit.”
