Desire or Revenge (Cancelled)

Chapter 21: Arrival

"Alexa?" Hunter gently nudged me waking me up from my slumber. "The plane is about to land."  I sluggishly opened my eyes, keeping them slightly closed to avoid getting blinded by the airplane's bright light.
I had fallen asleep just after dinner on the plane. Hunter and I ordered some warm vegan spaghetti to get the Italian vibe. Hunter kindly paid. For most of the journey, Hunter and I talked about many things. We had plenty of time spare so we got to know each other well. He told me about his family, friends, life experiences, likes, dislikes and all of the important stuff. It was nice for him to open up. While I was the main listener, I "talked" about myself as well. Although most things I told were lies. I lied about where I was from, I left out my family history, my cop life and created a whole new story. I was an adopted orphan from Rome, worked as a barista, joined Coltelli and moved to LA not long ago. It didn't feel good to lie... But he couldn't know the truth.

Hunter looked at me smiling gently. "Look outside Lex..." he said and softly turned my body so that I was facing the window. He put his hand on my shoulder and quietly whispered into my ear. "You're home, and you're safe."
I looked out the window in awe and I felt my whole body quickly turn warm and I felt like My heart was melting away. Tears formed in my eyes and my lip quivered into a smile.
I was flying above my home. And it brought me such a sensation of bliss that I couldn't even imagine. I put my head against the window and cried softly from joy. I watched the buildings get bigger and closer, and I felt my body getting more tense in excitement as the plane neared the ground. I took a deep breath and squeezed my eyes shut just as the plane tires roughly impacted the ground. I gasped happily. I was home.

I opened my eyes and everyone began to clap, thanking the pilot for the journey. Tears were streaming down my face as I wholeheartedly clapped too. And then, I immediately and unexpectedly turned around and wrapped my arms around Hunter tightly. "Thank you..." I whispered. He hugged me back and stroked my hair. "You're welcome Lex."

As he were walked down the stairs to disembark the plane my heart was jumping out of my chest! At the last step, I jumped off and onto the Italian ground. I took a deep breath in and mesmerised this moment as best as I could, taking in the sights, the smells, the noise and how magnificent it felt. Hunter looped his fingers around mine and we began to walk straight towards the airport building. I swung open the doors of the Milan airport. People were bustling around, speaking Italian. How I missed the language!
"If I knew it would have made you this happy, I would have brought you here long ago!" Hunter exclaimed with a chuckle. Why did he bring me here? What was his business? He never answered me. I tried to ignore this and focused on my happiness. As we  walked over to the passport check, Hunter was acting strange. Once it was our turn, Hunter walked over to a bald man with several tattoos scattered around his neck and body. His eyes were distinctly focused on Hunter and in a stern Italian accent, he greeted Hunter and nodded slightly bowing his head "Welcome to Italy, Sir. Michal." We were immediately allowed to pass. "He, knows you?" I quietly asked.
"Of course. Antonio there is in on this."
"In on what exactly?"
"Not now Alexa!" He whispered shouted "We're in a crowded area." I kept quiet. But this upset me, he ruined the happy moment. Once we exited the airport we got into the back of a black, sleek car parked at the entrance of the car park.
"The hotel please." Hunter told the driver as he sat down.
"Yes Sir." A quiet voice replied.

From my experience I could tell that Hunter was a very important man in this country, many seemed to praise him in fear. "Get some sleep, you must be tired."
I obeyed him and closed my eyes turning away from him, for caution or fear? I didn't actually sleep, I just attempted to relax while looking out the car window. The vast and vibrant city was passing us in a haze and soon we were more in the outskirts of Milan. The car took a left and slowly drove up a long straight road which led to a golden fancy gate opening upon our arrival. We were driving towards a beautiful, huge castle like hotel. Once we stopped, the  chauffeur got out of the car and elegantly rushed to open the door for Hunter, he had his head bowed down in respect, his face not visible. Hunter stepped out without speaking a word to the chauffeur. The chauffeur then spun around the car and opened my door. I felt very uncomfortable, this was not the Hunter I knew...
"Thank you..." I quietly said to the chauffeur who immediately responded with a "You're welcome. Enjoy your stay ma'am." I nodded and hastily ran up to Hunter who was already at the hotel's front door waiting for me. The automated doors opened as we neared and we strolled into the grand lobby, with me in awe. The hotel had a marble floor, with golden walls and velvet curtains hiding the windows. The hotel sparkled from the light of the crystal chandeliers on the ceiling. I think this was a 5 star hotel! We walked up to the receptionist who had a bright forced smile on her face.
"Benvenuto! A single roomed VIP room with a king sized bed, sì?" She said, still smiling.
One bed? Hold on, no!
"Hunter... not one bed!" I whispered to him.
Hunter kept his straight face.
"Two bed room then."
The receptionist nodded uncomfortably and gave us the key to our room.

"Are we not together Lex?"
"Uhh... I'm not ready... And we aren't really-"
"You were ready on our first night. I wasn't even going to do anything to you even if we shared. Good to know what you think of me." He said sarcastically with dissatisfaction.
"It's not that." I gulped.
"I get it. I'm just you're friend, boss, play date?"  No more like my mission I said to myself.
"Forget it Lex, it's nothing..." he spoke up after a few silent seconds of walking up the stairs. He unlocked the door to our room and we entered...