Stealing Beauty

“Shut it.”

We get into the limo that my brother scheduled to pick us up in and head to the airport. We go straight to the private jet area, and there are two planes that are being loaded. “Ms. Navarro, this way,” our driver says, leading us up the stairs. I don’t recognize the driver, but then again, I don’t know all my brother’s employees. I haven’t spoken to Julian today since he has an early morning meeting, but my arrival has been planned for days. My fingers are crossed that everything rolls along smoothly.

As I’m climbing the stairs, I spot a pair of girls about our age getting on the other jet getting ready to take off. “I guess I’m not the only one getting spoiled today.” I’ve never been on his private plane before, so this is a sweet treat for finishing my first year of college.

“Hello Ms. Navarro, I am Stacia, and I’ll be your stewardess. Please take a seat over here, and I will prepare a drink for you,” she says, smiling at me a bit too alarming. Maybe she’s trying to get in good with my brother.

“I’ll have a drink as well. I’m Ms. Walker. Whatever liquor you have will do.” I’m glad she said something because I was feeling a little uncomfortable about the way she was being treated. I’m not usually one to

“Sorry, yes, Ms. Walker. We have some great vodka on board.” She walks away as we take a seat.

“Damn, did your brother forget to tell them I was coming, too?” she asks.

I let out a huff. This isn’t the way I wanted it to start off. I should text Julian, but he’s in a meeting. “I think so. I’m sorry. I didn’t know my brother’s stewardess was Eastern European. That accent is hard to miss.”

“Well, maybe they rotate like they do on commercial flights.”

“Ah, maybe. I’ll ask when we get there.” I plop down on the seats that are so large I feel like I’m floating in them. I close my eyes and relax. The stewardess returns faster than I expected, but I thank her and take the refreshing drink. As soon as it hits my lips, I know that I’m in love with it. The vodka in it must be smooth because it’s nothing like the stuff I tried during one of the freshman parties.

“Damn, I could get used to this,” I sigh, leaning back and getting cozy as I feel the plane start to move. The tarmac is short and before we know it we’re in the air. I love that initial pull as the plane lifts off the ground. I take another sip and set my glass down just as I hear a gasp come from Destiny. Opening my eyes, I see two men who one who I remember very clearly. Oh hell, a chill of fear and a shiver of delight race through me. I’m not sure if I should be afraid or if I should be thankful for a second chance.

“Oh my God, I think we got on the wrong plane,” I stammer out, sitting upright. They are both ruggedly handsome even in their expensive suits. He has on a black suit, black dress shirt, and that pink tie. That damn pink tie. A little moan comes from my mouth. He lowers his gaze directly to my mouth. I shouldn’t be thinking about the way his strong arms stretch the sleeves or his wicked eyes leering at me.

He smiles at me, taking the seat across from me with his legs parted and relaxed as if he’s not bothered that we’re on the same private jet. With a smirk, he responds, “No, you’re on the right one. You’re on my plane. I am Mikhail. It is a pleasure to meet you again, Marisol.” Fuck, I’m here because he wanted it to be. Why am I not repulsed by it? Why am I feeling heat shooting straight between my thighs at being here with him?

“Um…how…” It hits me. Mikhail Dobrev, my brother’s latest competition. They bought an island resort out on an Island called Ostrov. I don’t remember the original name, but my brother said these men were in the Bratva or Mafia, something like that. I take in my captors. I know that’s who they are. They have to be. There would be no way Julian would let a stranger who he didn’t know or trust escort me anywhere.

“What are we doing on your plane? Your staff knew my name,” I inform him, doing my best to seem pissed off, but it’s not working.

“You’re my guests, Marisol. So is your friend, but it wasn’t she who I cared to meet.” I shiver runs through me in the most interesting way. “You need to relax. I would never harm you. Unless you wanted me to pink up your skin.” Holy shit, he’s insinuating what I think he is. He wants me in his bed.