Page 49 of Serenity
“Why don’t you try to get some sleep before we land?”
“We land in an hour, Bee.”
“Will you tell me where we are now, or will I be left to make that determination upon our arrival? And what about my passport? And customs? I don’t have—”
“I have your passport, Bee. Don’t worry about a thing,” he urged between a yawn. “I think I’ll make you wait a little longer before I share our destination.”
“How did you get my pass—”
A smirk pirated his handsome face. “I have my ways. If I want to get inside your condo, a door and an outdated alarm won’t stop me. You really should be more concerned about that. Your brothers should have had that sorted.”
“So you’ve been in—”
“Inside you and your home, yes. Is that a problem? Would you have preferred for Reed or some other nigga to invade your space?”
“No. But how—”
“No more questions, Bee.”
Yielding to his request came with a frown and crossed arms. In turn, the sheet nearly fell from around me. Duke hardly paid me any mind. Pressing the issue would get me nowhere.
“Fine. But come back to bed, baby.” My bedazzled nails pushed the laptop lid closed to drive my point home. “Now.”
By hand, I led him to our sleeping quarters. He was exhausted, falling into a deep sleep as soon as his head touched the pillows. An hour lapsed in a blink. Regret was so heavy that I’d called him back to bed, knowing I had to wake him shortly. The man was depleted of all energy. It took a while before he finally stirred. Afterward, it was a battle for him to peel his limbs from the bed as well.
Half an hour later, we made it off the plane. The flags flooding the airport perimeter enlightened me of our destination since he still hadn’t told me. A sea of green, white, and red surrounded us. Italy. He’d taken me to Italy. He remembered.
I’ve always dreamt of spending time in Italy or some small French town. Enjoying the stillness. The quietness. The present.
“Weeks have passed since that night we’d first met, and you remembered that small detail.”
“How could I forget? If your heart desires it, it’s never too small or too big for me to see it through. Remember that, Bumble Bee,” he said, flicking a finger down my bottom lip.
A kiss was planted atop my head as he led me down the stairs to a cherry-red Aston Martin parked in a hangar. This must have been what Sadie and Tori felt like when my brothers showered them with romance. I was both excited and amazed. This was utter and pure bliss.
After securing me inside, Duke took his seat on the driver’s side, shielding his eyes in shades. We took off into what was the start of a new day. Long, winding roads took us through an abundance of trees that were still green. I rolled my window down and stuck my hand out, enjoying the breeze. Utopia and relaxation seasoned the docile air. Italy smelled like new love.
Slowing to a mild cruise, the Aston came upon cobblestoned roads. We arrived at a small but colorful village right off the coast.
“Welcome to Portofino,” Duke announced, creeping as we entered the more congested areas of the town.
From ear to ear, my face split. While I’d never visited the city, I’d heard of how it drew the wealthy in with its charm. It wasn’t a frugal vacation spot by far. The sleepy coastal town cost a pretty penny to enjoy.
Portofino was still experiencing mild-summer-like weather. The crowds summoned by an August solstice had died down substantially for September. At 77º, we’d arrived right before the rainy season.
Forgoing a fancy resort or five-star hotel, Duke cruised the Aston Martin to a stop out front of a peach-colored building with green shutters. Exiting the car, he jogged to my side to assist my exit. At the front door of the house, a key was dragged from his pockets and inserted to allow us entry inside.
“I’ll be right back,” he announced with a kiss on my lips.
Turning around, I watched as the trunk of the car was opened, and two suitcases were retrieved from inside. Experience with the Miller men taught me not to attempt to help. Men like Duke didn’t believe in women doing physical work. He returned, setting the luggage down near the front door inside. He left again, mumbling about moving the car to the proper parking spot.
The inside of the dwelling, which I realized was a home, was small but airy. A sitting area greeted me immediately upon entry. Pale white furniture with pine accents furnished the sitting space. The bland colors were offset by vibrant, colorful walls that opened to a courtyard.
Searching around the interior, I noted the lack of a bed, kitchen, and even bathroom. I appreciated the quaintness. It was better than anything I could dream of, but my bladder ached for release. Where the hell is the toilet? Duke returned, startling me as I continued my hunt.
“What are you looking for?”
“Everything else. The bathroom?”