I looked up into his eyes and felt my eyes sting. “That’s good, because you didn’t really have a choice.”
“I’m not much for words, Ava, but I want you to know something.”
“What’s that?” I brushed his hair out of his eyes.
“I love you.” The amount of sincerity in those three words brought tears to my eyes.
If I wasn’t looking up at him I would swear that I was floating. My body felt alive and my soul felt full. Full in a way that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
“I love you too, Owen.”
EVERYTHING WAS BATHED in a dark shade of red. I would kill them all. Staring at the floor was the only way I could keep from meeting other people’s eyes and sending them scattering. The monster I kept carefully caged was prowling behind the bars, thirsty for blood and the need to cause agony.
Every single man that turned and stared at Ava’s ass as we walked through the airport was on my shit list and that wasn’t a list people wanted to make.
Her skirt hung well past her knees and yet that only seemed to enhance the sexiness of her curves. The teal of her low-cut sweater made her eyes almost glow. She’d added a little extra sway to her walk with the mile-high heels.
I couldn’t really blame the men; she was a knock-out.
But she was my knock-out and watching other men enjoy what I’d just claimed made me want to rage. Jealousy was a nasty emotion. No wonder some people paid to kill off their rivals.
“Ms. Gardner, can you hand me the information for the flight?” Mavis held her hand out without looking.
“Of course.” Ava reached into her bag and pulled out a sheet with flight information and placed it in Mavis’s hand.
“As you can see, we have all the appropriate information.” Mavis cocked her head at the woman manning the private terminal.
“Of course, Mrs. Thomasino.”
“Miss Thomasino,” Mavis corrected her curtly.
“Yes, ma’am.” The woman smiled and it almost looked genuine. “And I’ll need the documentation for the people flying with you.”
“It’s in with the rest of the papers.” Mavis looked away from the woman, boredom radiating from every pore.
“Ah, yes. I see it here.” She punched some information into the computer before stepping around the corner and lifting a rope. “This way, please.”
Private planes came in different makes, sizes, and opulence. From the grandeur of the terminal we were being led down, I felt it safe to assume the company wasted no money on their planes. Flying wasn’t something that I minded, but doing so on an expensive private jet certainly made it more enjoyable.
The woman from the gate handed us off to a different attendant that placed our bags on a cart and led us onto the tarmac. White paint so bright it almost blinded us was broken up by a thin silver pin-stripe that ran from nose to tail. A tall bloke ducked out of the door and quick-stepped down the stairs.
He pulled his idiotic captain’s hat off his head and watched us as we approached, a giant smile splitting his face. His eyes tracked Mavis as she swayed toward him before darting past her to check out the other possible conquest and stopped dead.
The wind ruffled Ava’s hair around her face and Captain Horny’s smile grew to unbelievable proportions. Mavis held out her hand and said something I didn’t catch, but it brought the dickhead’s attention back to her. I’d seen Mavis using her full charm before and it wasn’t something most men were able to escape, but the captain’s eyes kept darting toward Ava.
My Ava.
He took Mavis’s hand and brought it to his lips to kiss and I used the time to move closer to Ava. I shouldn’t have moved closer because it made his next words all the more clear.
“Sexy little Ava.” He grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips for a lingering kiss. “I didn’t think I’d ever have the pleasure of seeing you again when I found out you had left the States, but today is my lucky day.”
“I didn’t realize you worked for this charter company.” Ava smiled at him and I tried to not be annoyed. She was merely playing a role.
“Come now, Ava.” His voice lowered and I had to strain to hear it without looking interested. “How many times have I begged you to run away with me? And now, here you are.”
“But I’m not running away with you, Captain.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder, almost hitting me in the face. “I’m here on business.”
“Business and pleasure often mix.” He winked at her.
Winked. At. Her.
“You two know each other?” Mavis stepped closer with a seductive smile. “Ava, darling, you didn’t tell me you knew the captain.”
“I didn’t realize I did.” Ava cleared her throat and pulled her hand away from the pilot’s. “Captain, this is my employer, Miss Thomasino. I work for her now.”
“Moving up in the world, then.” The captain replaced his hat and motioned for our group to move onto the plane. He held Mavis’s hand as she stepped onto the stairs and did the same for Ava. With a short nod to me and Kenny, he followed Ava so closely he needed to place his hand on her waist to keep from tripping on her. When they reached the top step, his hand dipped low enough to cup her ass. Ava stiffened when he touched her before willing herself to relax. A soft giggle floated back from her when he leaned down to whisper in her ear.
The other men in the airport had just received a reprieve. I would unleash all my hatred on the pilot.
Captain Horny must die.
A slight tug on my sleeve had me jerking around to wrap my hand around a thin wrist. I looked into Kenny’s annoyed face.
“Dude, you’re growling.” The teenager’s voice was low as he pulled free.
I clenched my jaw and stared into his eyes, trying to reign in my temper. The boy was right. I needed to get it together. If that bloody cocksucker was going to hone in on Ava, it wasn’t her fault. The fact that she hadn’t told him off was just her sticking to her part. We needed the fucking idiot.
“I don’t like him.” My teeth clenched shut after the words escaped. Emotions were a double-edged sword.
“Yeah. I get that.” Kenny straightened the suit jacket he was wearing. “There is a schedule to keep, though.”
He was trying to remind me that we needed to stick to the plan, as if I’d forgotten. I hadn’t forgotten our agenda; I was just debating if I still wanted to follow it.
Leaning forward, I lowered my voice. “If you play your cards right, I’ll let you use him as a practice dummy.”
“We need him to fly the plane.” Kenny grinned. I wasn’t sure if he believed me or not. “And other stuff, you know?”
“After, then.” I narrowed my eyes.
“Sounds good to me.” His smile grew even more. “Would be nice to not be the punching bag for once.”
A bruise still showed along his left cheek and his nose was a bit swollen. I slapped him on the shoulder and steered him in front of me. He hadn’t bitched once during the last couple of sessions, even if his face had warranted a good curse. He’d thrown himself into the work with vigor.
“You’re a good kid, Kenny.” I walked up the stairs slowly. “But you really need to learn to duck.”
“I duck just fine. I need to learn to be faster, is what I need to learn.” Kenny shook his head as he dipped into the plane. He hesitated for half a second before clearing the doorway. I knew by the way his eyes darted briefly in my direction that I wasn’t going to like whatever he had seen.
Ava was sitting in a chair across from Mavis and the pilot was crouched down next to her blocking the aisle, his hand on her knee as he asked her if she had been to Paris before. Not sure what to do, Kenny turned and grabbed the seat at the front, which left me with nothing to do but push past the prick hitting on Ava.
“Pardon me.” I let the bag I was carrying swing into the back of his head. “These bloody planes are so small inside.”
The pilot looked up at me with a careful smile. “Not used to flying in a p
rivate jet?”
“Not this small.” I threw my bag into a seat. “The last one had a gold toilet seat and a stripper pole.”
“That sounds like some plane.” Captain Horny stood up and looked around the plane. “What do you say, Ava? Think your old employer would throw in a stripper pole and gold toilet seat for a loyal customer?”
Ava dragged her eyes away from me with a grimace. I wasn’t sure what I’d said that had upset her. It wasn’t like I’d alleged anyone had been using the stripper pole.
“I’m sure they’ll put in whatever you want.” She smiled up at the pilot and I had to busy myself with the contents of my bag to keep from decking him while he stared down her cleavage.
“I’ll have to give that some careful thought.”
“Which arrondissement is your flat in?” Mavis crossed her legs and leaned back in her seat.
“Oberkampf,” he said.
“Oh, that’s a great area.” Mavis smiled. “I keep a place in Avenue Montaigne.”
“Rubbing elbows with the stars, eh?” He looked from Mavis to Ava. “If you want to see the real Paris, I could show you two around. It would be my pleasure.”
“You could really show us around?” Ava sat forward, a slight blush to her cheeks. She was a horrible flirt, which made her even more adorable. Bloody hell. “I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to travel and Paris is at the top of my list, but I don’t want the tourist version. I want the nitty-gritty version of Paris. The real Paris. Exciting and edgy. Not just museums or tombs, you know?”
“Is that why you decided to work with Miss Thomasino?” The prick sat down on the arm of her chair like they were long lost friends. “She offered to show you the world?”
“I basically dangled it in front of her like a carrot,” Mavis laughed. “I couldn’t let someone like Ava slip through my fingers. She’s so efficient. Isn’t she, dear?” She looked over at me with a gentle smile and I tried not to sigh.
Looked like I’d landed the role of arm candy for this trip.
“Mmhmm.” I leaned the chair back and closed my eyes. “She’s got an eye for numbers.”
“How did you two meet?” I heard him shift but I didn’t dare open my eyes. Pretending indifference was the best I could offer at this point. It was that or the blade strapped to my left leg.
“I’m friends with the owners of Heartland Entertainment. I went with Penelope to see her plane and Ava assisted us with a few things.” I could hear the smile in Mavis’s voice. “I snapped her up. You can only be as profitable as your employees are diligent.”
“Well I’d be happy to show you both and your friend around. Not sure the boy is old enough to go everywhere and get the full experience, though.”
“That’s fine. Kenneth is my newest investment. Brilliant with numbers, horrible with people. He’ll be much happier staying in.”
I assumed the pilot had turned to look at Kenny. I could hear the boy’s fingers dancing across the keys of one of his newest toys.
“Right then, it’s settled.”
“Thank you, Patrick. I’m so excited. I used to dream about visiting Paris. Even took French classes in high school.” The wistfulness in her voice made me grimace. I could just imagine her big eyes shimmering like something out of an anime film.
I needed a stiff drink.
“What drew you to Paris? Why not Italy or Greece?” Mavis asked.
I cracked open an eye and watched as Ava shook her head and sighed.
“It just seems so romantic. I watched Les Misérables and became obsessed.”
“Well, it’s my pleasure to show you around.” Captain Dick-Head stood up. “And if you need a refresher on your French, let me know.”
I snapped my eye shut and imagined strangling him. Slowly.
Was I being reasonable? Hell no.
“Would you care for anything to drink, sir?” The flight attendant leaned down to ask in a quiet voice.
“Scotch.” I opened my eyes. “Thank you.”
Silence rang through the cabin by the time the plane had leveled out. Ava had taken a book out of her bag and was thoroughly engrossed in the contents. I bit my cheek to keep from laughing at the kilt-wearing hero on the cover. As if she could sense my amusement she looked up at me and wiggled her eyebrows before diving back into the story.
I flipped through the New York Times, The Telegraph, and a few Parisian papers. Eventually I pulled out an old deck of cards to busy my hands.
I let my mind wander as I shuffled and flipped cards. While it was important to stay loose and roll with whatever happened, it never hurt to have back up plans and open options. I’d make contact with some of the people I could trust. And by trust, I meant ‘not need to kill on sight.’
The door to the cockpit opened and Captain Dick-Head strolled out. He stopped at the coffee pot and refilled his mug. Leaning against the bulkhead he took a sip from his cup and watched us with a smug smile.
Ava looked over her shoulder, her eyes going round. “Shouldn’t you be flying the plane?”
“Auto-pilot. I’m mainly here for take-offs, landings, and emergencies.” He lifted his mug in salute. “Need to be able to use the bathroom from time to time.”
“And refill your caffeine tank.” She smiled at his cup.
“Would you like some?” He pulled another cup from the cabinet.
“That would be great.” She tucked her hair behind her ears and leaned forward.
“So, you’re a card man.” He looked at me over the rim of his cup.
“I’ve been known to play a hand or two.” I looked over at him and forced a smile. “You want like cards?”
“Indeed. It’s a hobby of mine.” He took another sip.
“Care to play?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, sweetheart, don’t steal the poor pilot’s money.” Mavis looked over at me with a sly smile. “I’m sure you can find someone to challenge in Paris.”
I shrugged. “Let the man decide.”
Captain Bellend looked irritated, but hid it behind a cool expression. “Now, I’m not exactly a novice. I’ve held my own before and walked out with more money than I had going in.”
“You know a table that would let me in?” I flipped the cards overs quickly before folding them back into the stack. “I’ve got the paper.”
“I might know a place.” His eyes studied me over the coffee cup. “I can make some calls.”
“Ugh. I don’t want to sit around in a dingy place filled with smoke while you take everyone’s money again.” Mavis leaned back and closed her eyes. “I’ll just stay in tonight and work. Ava, we’ll make calls to the Americans. We should get ahead while we can, I suppose.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ava closed the book in her lap and did a horribly perfect job of hiding her disappointment. “Excuse me, I need to use the ladies’ room.”
“Ah, of course.” The pilot stood up and motioned toward the head.
“Thanks.” She skirted past him, keeping her face down, but letting her body brush his.
It was surprisingly well executed. A damsel in distress. Which was hilarious when you considered how she had cussed and hollered at me when she really was running for her life.
“I feel bad, going back on my promise to show you Paris.” The captain sat down in Ava’s seat.
“I’m well used to Owen’s need to gamble.” Mavis waved a hand. “We’re here for business anyway. I’ll give my assistant tickets for the holidays.”
“Still, I might know a good place to visit that would appeal to all of you.” His smile was back in place. “It’s a real big deal in town, but I have to warn you, it’s not exactly government sanctioned.”
“That sounds like it’s exactly up our alley,” I said.
LEANING AGAINST THE railing of the Juliet balcony, I sighed. The Eiffel Tower glowed in the dimming light and I couldn’t stop looking around in awe. I was finally in Paris. I hadn’t been lying on the plane. I’d dreamed of visiting France from the time I was twel
ve.
Jasmine wrapped around the wrought iron railing and I took a deep breath. Tonight was a trip into the lion’s den, but I’d be damned if I could help enjoying this brief moment.
“Gold straps or pearl heels?” Mavis walked into the room from the spacious adjoining bathroom. She held up two pairs of shoes.
I pursed my lips. “Gold straps.”
“They’re definitely more eye catching.” She tossed them on the bed and put the other shoes back in the closet. “And on the plus side, blood washes off these with no problem.”
“I guess that’s something to consider.” I hoped my face didn’t show how I really felt about that tidbit of information. Instead I held up the slinky dress Mavis had suggested for tonight. “Are you sure this is the right one?”
“Trust me. You could be packing a bazooka in that thing and Captain Horny would never notice. He’ll be too busy checking out your ass and cleavage.” Mavis finished strapping on her last shoe. “He’s really not that bad. I’ve had to deal with much worse. One guy stuck his tongue in my ear while his wife watched. I would have killed him for free.”
She squirmed and rubbed at her ears while I tried to not laugh. “So you’d already been contracted to kill him?”
“Yes. The bastard had cheated on and beat his wife. After years of trying to have a baby, she got pregnant. She finally saw the light and tried to leave him, but he wasn’t having any of it. He pushed her down the stairs and she lost the baby. It was ugly and she almost died. He forgave her.” Mavis snorted before standing up and brushing the wrinkles out of the gold cocktail dress she was wearing. “Someone gave her my contact information. I accepted.”
“What a fuck-head.” I shook my head.
“Yeah, so at least Captain Randy hasn’t done anything so heinous.”
“No, he’s just busy chasing skirts and running from venereal diseases.” I frowned. “He’s like a used car salesman trying to park something dirty in my garage.”
The Accidental Assassin (Assassins #1) Page 25
