Blade

Chapter 71: Temptation in the Ordinary

Sienna

Throughout the entire flight, Blade doesn’t speak to me and I don’t speak to him. He spends most of the time on his phone, texting or walking away to take calls before returning to his seat. From the way his fingers keep tapping against his knees, he seems on edge about something.

I was tempted to ask if he was okay or if something was bothering him, but I was already so nervous about our date and whatever he planned that the words never made it out.

Moments later, the private jet lands on a snow-dusted airstrip, the mountains towering around us like silent sentinels. Blade steps out first, pulling on his leather biker coat before holding the door for me. His nearness makes my pulse quicken.

I follow him out into the crisp alpine air, the cold brushing against my skin and carrying the scent of pine and frost. I wrap my arms around myself as I step down from the jet.

If it were anyone else, I would be anxious and suspicious, imagining they planned to kill me somewhere in Switzerland where no one would ever find my body. But this is Blade. He would never hurt me physically, and that is something I can swear on my life.

The truth I cannot escape is that I feel safest with him, safer than I do anywhere else. He may have broken my heart when he rejected my love and dismissed my feelings, but he is still the one person in this world I trust completely. Because of that, no real fear rises in me now, only curiosity.

"What did you plan for us to do here in Switzerland?" I ask, turning to face him as he walks down the stairs.

"No, no. You're not getting anything out of me, Sienna. I want to treat you right and show you how special you are to me." He steps closer and cups my cheeks, his eyes sinking into mine. "What I have planned is a surprise, and I really hope you like it. All I ask is that you trust me."

I nibble at the inside of my cheek and nod. He doesn’t need to ask, because I already trust him more than I want to admit.

Blade steps back from me just as a convoy of cars pulls into view. He starts guiding me toward it at the same moment two of his guards get out of the second vehicle.

"Is everything ready?" he asks.

"Yes, signore. The vicinity has been secured," one of them replies, bowing his head in respect.

Blade nods without adding anything else. The two guards open both backseat doors for us, and we step inside before the doors close behind us. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as the first car pulls out. Our driver starts the engine and follows, and I glance into the mirror to see the convoy of cars forming a protective line behind us.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I keep my gaze fixed on the window and take in the beautiful view while Blade stays focused on his phone. Silence settles between us and, for once, it isn’t awkward like it was on the jet. It feels comfortable, and my nerves aren’t running wild.

My phone rings, and I sigh as I reach into my purse, checking the caller ID. Azzurra’s name flashes on the screen.

I swipe to answer and press the phone to my ear, leaning back and letting my head rest against the seat.

"Hey, Azzurra, what’s up?"

Blade glances up from his phone, his eyes lingering on me for a few seconds before returning to whatever he is doing.

"Hey, Sienna. Sorry to bother you if you’re busy, but I just wanted to know if you’re still up for checking out the new Korean restaurant later this evening?" she asks, and I can hear the faint sound of running water in the background.