Page 115 of Coveted

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You would.”

The jet surges down the runway, pinning me against my seat. It feels so much faster than I was expecting.

Lucan takes my hand and laces his fingers through mine, and I let him because his touch feels comforting alongside the intimidating speed.

Before I can fully adjust to the hurtling sensation, we’re in the air. The ground rapidly falls away, leaving my stomach behind briefly.

Transfixed, I stare out the window. From up here, the world looks ordered, neat, and small, like a carefully constructed model.

As we ascend through silvery clouds, a flicker of excitement forms in my chest amid the anxiety. I’m on a plane. I’m going to another country! How is this real? With a bittersweet pang, I wonder what my mom would say if she could see me. I know she would want me to enjoy myself, so that’s what I’ll try to do.

When the cabin levels out, Lucan unbuckles our seatbelts and pulls me into his lap.

“When I woke up this morning, I never thought I’d be taking my first flight,” I say.

“First of many,” says Lucan, tracing his fingertip over my jawline and chin to my lips.

He squeezes my hand, and I realize I’m shaking.

“You’re anxious,” he says. “Breathe, beautiful. I promise you’re safe.”

“I’m excited. But yeah, also anxious. The ground is so far away.”

He smiles. “I’ll hold onto you for as long as you like. Maybe longer.”

The flight passes as if I’m in a dream, sipping cocktails and watching the widescreen television while I’m nestled in Lucan’s lap. He strokes my hair, arms, back, thighs. Anything he can reach. Warm honey spills throughout my body at his touch, and my anxiety gradually eases.

In the second half of the flight, I make my way to the bathroom.

The soft lighting and high-gloss countertops are like a five-star hotel powder room. I wash my hair surrounded by fragrant steam, the quiet hum of the aircraft at my feet.

As promised, a garment bag hangs from a gilded hook, labeled with my name. The dress is perfect. Long, sheer, black layers, and a subtle slit over one leg. It’s sexy and timeless.

Slipping into the gown, I swish in front of the full-length mirror a few times before turning to the makeup case. Inside are staple products, but also a navy tube that makes me do a double-take.

Squinting at the name of the lipstick, I shake my head in confusion. This has to be a mistake.

Berry the Evidence was my absolute favorite shade of lipstick, but it was discontinued years ago. It broke my heart.

Twisting the end, the product is exactly as I remember. I apply two light layers with a sigh of pleasure. The color’s perfect.

I keep my hair and makeup simple, and slide my feet into the black slingback heels.

One last case sits on the counter, smaller and made of polished dark wood. Opening the lid, my eyebrows fly up.

The piece of jewelry must belong to his mother or another relative. The pendant and gold chain look very old and expensive.

I hastily close the lid, leave the box, and return to Lucan. He stands when he sees me, giving a low whistle and dragging his eyes over my face and body like he wants to eat me.

“You look incredible.” His gaze stops at my décolletage. “Where’s the necklace?”

I point my thumb at the bathroom. “The one in the case?”

“Was there another?” He snorts. “Yes, the one in the case.”

“Oh. I didn’t think—” My face heating, I take my seat. “That can’t be for me?”