Page 82 of Whispers in the Dark
I’ve never cared enough to make someone smile, but when it comes to Alina, I would do anything to keep the light in her eyes.
So, I’m taking matters into my own hands.
As I approach her, she turns her head toward me, her lips only slightly arching up. “Hi.” She tucks her hair back and sets the book on the table beside her.
We’re going out.
She arches a brow. “Where?”
Go pack an overnight bag.I turn on my heel and head for the front door.
“Wait!” she calls out, quickly appearing by my side. I grin, knowing curiosity wouldn’t let her stay behind. She pulls on my jacket sleeve. “Where are we going?”
I shrug.
She pouts. “Can’t I at least get a hint?”
I shake my head.
She crosses her arms over her chest, jutting her hip to the side. “How many nights should I pack for?”
I hold up two fingers.
She worries her bottom lip between her teeth. “Will it be just the two of us?”
I nod, watching as she wages a silent debate in that beautiful mind of hers. I reach up, gripping her chin, tilting her face until her eyes meet mine.
“Trust?” I ask in a hoarse whisper.
Her soft lips part. “More than anything.”
Warmth fills my chest at her immediate response.
I lower my head and kiss her. Slow and reassuring before pulling back.I’ll be in the truck.
She grins before quickly turning and heading to my room. Or I guess,ourroom.
An hour later, as we take the exit off the highway, she presses her face to the window. “Why are we going to the airport?”
I take the private access road, driving straight to my family’s jet, already waiting on the tarmac.
Stepping outside, I circle the vehicle and open her door, taking her hand as the crew moves in to collect our bags. Her gaze lifts to the plane, then back to me, brows knitting together.
“But you hate flying…” She chews on her bottom lip. “So, why are we about to get on that plane?”
Because I would do anything for you, including looking my fears in the eye.
I squeeze her hand, guiding her up the stairs and into the cabin. She settles onto the couch while I check in with the pilot and crew, making sure everything is ready. When I return, I find her looking out the window.
I take the seat beside her, and she faces me. “Now, will you tell me where we’re going?”
I pretend to mull over her request and then eventually shake my head.
She rolls her eyes, laughing.
The second the plane starts moving, my fingers grip the leather armrests, my knuckles whitening.
Alina reaches into her bag and pulls out a few books. “I didn’t know where we were going, so I brought these along. Would you like me to read one?”
