sǝlɔᴉuoɹɥƆ

Rio

Chapter Twenty

When I land in Chanhassen a week later, Prince had called and said he had a surprise for me. I expected my usual rental to be waiting when I stepped off the jet, but instead, Prince himself was there, grinning like a loon. The sight of him makes my heart skip a beat. I can't help it—I run into his arms with a huge smile, inhaling the familiar scent of him. It's comforting, grounding, and for a moment, I just want to stay wrapped in his embrace forever.

"I missed you so much!" I tell him, squeezing him tightly.

He chuckles, his deep voice vibrating against my cheek. "The feeling is mutual, mama."

I pull back just enough to look into his eyes. "Take me home," I say, serious now. I want to be at Paisley Park, where it's just us.

But he shakes his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'd love to, but we're not going to Paisley."

He takes my hand and starts leading me away from the usual path. Confused, I glance back at the terminal, noticing the camera flashes that have already started going off.

"Prince, are you guys together? How do you feel about Michael's case? Bibi, do you support your father?" The questions come rapid-fire from every direction, the reporters like vultures circling their prey.

I glare at them. "Always. Now go away, you vultures."

Prince squeezes my hand, guiding me toward his own private jet, parked in a nearby hangar. As we approach, Romeo appears from the shadows, a grin on his face.

"Everything's ready for takeoff, boss," he says with a nod.

"Thanks, Rome," Prince replies. "You can take the next couple of weeks off. Spend some time with Farah."

Romeo's grin widens. "Thanks, boss! You two have fun, you hear?"

I laugh at his antics. "You too, Rome," I say as he bows and kisses my hand in a playful, exaggerated manner. I roll my eyes but smile as he heads off.

Prince squeezes my hand again, his eyes twinkling. "Your chariot awaits, mama."

I smile back, curiosity bubbling up inside me. "Where are we going?"

But he just smirks, leading me up the ramp. I've never been on his personal jet before, always opting for the family one when traveling. As I step inside, I'm greeted by a world of purple. Everything from the crushed velvet seats to the lavender carpeting screams Prince. I can't help but laugh, shaking my head as I settle into one of the plush seats.

Prince sits beside me, and within minutes, we're in the air. The ascent is smooth, and soon we're unbuckling our seatbelts. Prince heads to the mini-fridge, pulling out a Dr. Pepper—my favorite—and hands it to me as he takes a seat on the purple velvet couch opposite me.

"So, you're really not gonna tell me where we're going?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I take a sip of my drink.

He shakes his head, a secretive smile on his lips. "Nope. It would ruin the surprise."

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "I guess it doesn't matter as long as I'm with you."

His eyes soften at that, and he reaches out to lift my feet into his lap, massaging them gently. "Well, that just warms an old man's heart," he teases.

I giggle, feeling light and happy. "Silly."

Suddenly, he pulls me into his lap, tickling my sides mercilessly. "Prince, stop!" I scream between giggles, trying to squirm away.

He laughs, his hands finally stilling as he cups my face. "You are so beautiful when you laugh."

I blush, leaning in to kiss him softly. "I love you," I whisper against his lips.