His Shortcake

Chapter 17

Dustyn Franco

I'm starting to regret letting Mara spend so much time around this idiot. Only time will tell how long he can keep my secrets to himself—things I confided in him during our university days when I thought he was a trustworthy friend. But now, after all the times he's tried to rat me out to my shortcake, I don't feel that way anymore.

As crazy as it might sound, I want Mara to hear those secrets directly from me, not from someone else—especially not from Eros. He can't seem to keep anything to himself, not even his unexplained hatred for Alec. I can see Mara's mind working, analyzing everything that was said in front of her. I just hope my words were enough to reassure her that whatever happened between Eros and Alec has an explanation.

Now that I think more about it, Eros's bitterness about Aurora and Alec's relationship is understandable. He lost the love of his life because of his own foolishness, much like Al. The difference is that Al managed to track down his woman, while Eros is still searching without any luck. In hindsight, I think he was just jealous of Al's skill in finding and following someone. After all, their mansion in Greece isn't a place you can easily stumble upon.

For the rest of the tour, Eros stayed quiet and acted like the perfect host. Even while talking business, he was clearly thrilled to be doing this—guiding his guests was just an excuse for him to roam the grounds. Eros finished the tour with his usual bubbly demeanor, the one he always wears whenever he's in his plantation.

Afterward, Mara and I bid him goodbye and thanked him for his hospitality. Well, Mara did. I wasn't thankful at all and called him an asshole as we left, which only made him laugh joyfully. Mara just shook her head at my attitude but smiled—I guess she's used to how we treat each other by now.

"I wonder if we should start finalizing the details for the wedding," Mara mused as she settled back into her seat. The plane had just successfully taken off.

"We already are," I replied with a cheeky smile. I knew exactly what she meant by her words.

Even though we've begun choosing themes and decorations, we haven't had the chance to sit down and talk about the date and location. Both of our schedules have been hectic, not to mention the media hounding us constantly. And we still haven't discussed these details with the wedding planner. But if it were up to me, I'd marry her as fast as humanly possible.

I can't wait for her to finally be Mrs. Franco.

"You know what I mean," she said, shaking her head with a smile.

"Sir," Emil's voice cut in, making me turn to him. He and his colleague were sitting behind us, looking as professional as ever. "The media is at the airport waiting for us."

My eyes widened in surprise. I had hoped the media wouldn't catch wind of us leaving the city, at least not yet. By now, I'm sure they've spun a thousand articles out of this short trip. Add to that the interview that aired last night—I haven't even had a chance to warn Mara about it.

This is turning into a real mess.

I just need an opening to tell her that Alec and I have taken steps to ensure no one will ever call her those horrible names again. But even as I think about it, guilt gnaws at me for going behind her back. I doubt she'll be happy to learn I used this trip as an excuse to hide that from her.

I glanced at Mara, only to find her already looking at me with a worried expression. I offered her a reassuring smile before turning to Emil. "We can handle them. Alert airport security."

Emil nodded immediately. "Right away, sir."

"I thought he works for us?" Mara asked, her voice tinged with amusement.