Shush demons

I laid, spread out on a plush chair in the private jet. I'd never ridden in one before, and if you haven't either, let me tell you it's great.

We were headed to Paris, only about a two hour flight, and I planed on sleeping for all of it. Well I was, until the sky decided it hated me, and all there'd been was turbulence for the past half hour.

I groaned, dramatically putting my arm over my forehead. "You're going to have to go on without me. I can't take much more of this."

"Stop being such a drama queen," Antonio said, not looking up from his laptop.

"Well excuse me for getting motion sick, I'll just tell my inner ear it can stop moving around."

He glanced up, concern flashing across his face. "You get motion sick?"

"Only when the plane decides to spin around in circles."

He rummaged around in his briefcase before pulling out a bottle, handing it to me. "Here, take this."

"I'm sorry, sir, I don't take drugs from strangers, only from dealers I know well."

The plane had an extra large dip and my face paled as my stomach did a back flip.

"Maybe it's fine just this once." I grabbed it out of his hand, downing two of the pills without water.

I'm so tough.

...........

Antonio's POV

I stared at the girl across from me. She was sprawled out, taking up as much room as she could, which wasn't that much. She grumbled, before shifting and going still again. The pills I had given her would keep her asleep until we got to Paris.

I pulled out my phone, quickly calling Sergio. "How are things doing at the manor?"

"Good, boss. Everything is in order."

"Excellent. Are they ready?"

"Yup. We're awaiting your command."

"Oh, and I want those reports ready by tomorrow."

I hung up, before going back to my laptop to finish up some more paperwork. Before we left, I told Sergio to get our men armed in case anything happened with Russians. I hoped we could negotiate, but I doubted we would.

Eva mumbled something and I looked up, making sure she was alright. I internally glared at myself, upset that with just a mumble she could have me worried.

This girl would be the death of me.

I watched her for a few more moments. It bothered me how you could be talking to her, when suddenly she'd look over your shoulder, staring at something no one else could see. It's like she wasn't really there half the time.

It concerned me.

But it shouldn't.

Going back to my paperwork, I checked the time, surprised that almost an hour had passed. I looked out the window, but all I could see was the white mist of clouds.

.....

I felt the plane dip, jolting me awake, as the pilot came on over the intercom.

"Please put on your seat belts, we'll be landing in five minutes."

I glanced over, making sure her seat belt was still on. Eva was still sound asleep, barely flinching when the plane connected with the runway. It came to a stop, and I stood up, stretching my arms above my head. They grazed the ceiling, before falling back to my sides.

I shook Eva gently, trying to wake her, but she didn't budge. Maybe two pills was a bit much.

I sighed, lifting her into my arms like someone would a sleepy toddler. A flight attendant came to carry our bags to the waiting car. I followed behind, using one hand to open the door, the other wrapped around her back to keep her in place. She subconsciously tightened her legs around my waist, burying her face into my neck.

"Shhhh, we're almost there."

"Almost where?" She asked sleepily.

"The hotel."

"Oh." I could tell she didn't really know what I was talking about, but I didn't elaborate.

I slid into the Audi R8, trying to get her off me and into the passenger seat. She grumbled holding me tighter. I sighed, deciding not to argue, and started the ignition.

"No Ferrari?" She mumbled, barely audible.

"We left that one in Italy," I laughed quietly.

She hummed in response before scooting out of the way and drifting off to sleep. I pulled out of the landing pad, speeding down the winding roads. The hotel was a lengthy drive from where we landed, but the scenery was beautiful.

A few miles passed before Eva woke up again, blinking drowsily and stretching.

"Have a nice nap?" I asked, my eyes not leaving the road.

"Yup," She said, popping the p. Seemingly unfazed by having her legs in my lap, she shifted to get comfortable, leaning her back against the door. "Are we almost there?"

"Just less than an hour left."

We sat in silence for a while, but it wasn't uncomfortable. My breathing fell into a steady rhythm, her chest rising and falling the same time mine did.

I felt her stiffen, and I looked over to see her staring wide eyed at the road.

"Watch out!" She yelled, gripping my arm in a tight squeeze.

I swerved, jerking my face up to look for any signs of a oncoming car, but the road was empty.

"There's nothing there," I said glaring.

She smiled sheepishly up at me. "Sorry, must have been a trick of the light."

I couldn't help but notice she seemed rattled.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

I decided to leave it at that. No reason to push her, especially since we were trapped in a car together.

We spent the rest of the ride in silence, occasionally pointing out pretty scenery. I felt strangely calm with her. Strange, but right.

...........

Eva's POV

The hotel was beautiful, with large, stained glass windows and tall white pillars. No expenses were spared, there was proof enough in the elegant chandeliers and plush couches near the snack bar. Everything was either ivory or gold, and it was the definition of aesthetic.

I could already see the Instagram pictures.

Antonio came back holding a room key in one hand, a brownie in another. He handed it to me, and I looked up at him, surprised.

"Is this for me?" I'm sure I looked like a little kid on Christmas, but a girl's got to eat.

He chuckled, patting my head. "Yes, of course it's for you."

We made our way up to the top floor, Antonio leading the way. My mouth fell open in wonder. The room was gorgeous, with tall ceilings, golden details and furniture that belonged in a palace.

I would die for this hotel room.

"I call this room!" I whisper-shouted, speed walking over to one of the big bedrooms that had a balcony attached. I didn't want to disturb the neighbors. I'm not that kind of person.

"You're like a kid," Antonio said, walking up behind me. "Mi fa sentire un pervertito."

(Translation: It makes me feel like a pervert.)

"Shhh. Let me enjoy this."

I felt his presence leave the room, and I ventured out towards the kitchen. I'm literally hungry all the time, don't judge me.

My eyes immediately fell on the fully stocked bar. I felt my inner alcoholic coming out and I practically raced to it, not caring if the neighbors heard.

Oh lord, sweet Jesus, is that Stoli elit Pristine Water Series?

That stuff goes for three thousand a bottle.

I pinched it off the shelf, since I highly doubted I'd ever get to try it again. I hadn't had any alcohol since the pina colada incident, and I was beginning to wear thin.

"What are you doing?"

I froze, slowly turning around.

"Nothing."

"What's in your hand?"

He was strangely calm. I decided I didn't like it.

"Just some stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

I noticed he was slowly coming closer, pinning me up against the counter, his hand snaking around to grab the bottle from my hand.

"Don't touch my dildo!" I screeched, making a break for it. He froze, a priceless look of confusion falling on his face, and I burst out laughing, almost falling to the floor in my haste to get away. So much for not disturbing the neighbors.

He frowned at me once he realized I was joking. "Hand over the bottle, Eva."

I pouted, but gave it to him. I'm not stupid enough to push all his buttons.

"But I was gonna get hammered."

"No. The ball is tomorrow, and I can't have you hungover."

I stared into his grey eyes, trying to get him to give in, but his gaze was steely.

"Fine," I said, pointing my finger at him. "But you owe me a bottle."

The car incident had scared me earlier, and I needed something to take my mind off it.

Time to go find the TV remote.

............

Well I had this chapter done yesterday, but I forgot to publish it so here you go.

Until next time my smol nuggets.

-SB