The hum of the plane was steady, a lulling background to the stillness that had settled over the cabin. Tatum reclined slightly in her seat, her gaze wandering to Aiden. He was focused, his brows drawn in concentration as he reviewed documents, his pen occasionally tapping against the edge of his tablet. He had that air of control that she couldn't ignore, a presence that dominated even when he wasn't trying.
It was infuriating, yet oddly sexy.
Tatum shifted her gaze, feeling the need to center herself. She caught Kyle staring out the window, his expression distant, like he was mentally bracing himself for something. She didn't blame him. This trip wasn't just business, it was a performance of alliances and negotiations.
The seatbelt sign pinged on, jolting her from her thoughts. The captain's calm voice announced their descent into Italy, and Tatum straightened, adjusting her jacket.
Aiden leaned slightly toward her, his voice low enough that it felt like a private exchange despite the people around them. "Ready to have some fun?"
Before she could respond, Vivienne swooped in, sliding into the seat beside Aiden with a dazzling smile. "I'm so thrilled, Mr. Black," she gushed, her voice pitched just a little too high. "I've been looking forward to this for weeks!"
Tatum suppressed a groan, her reply fading before it even formed. She glanced at Aiden, who offered Vivienne a polite nod, his expression unreadable. It was the kind of professional detachment that drove Tatum insane.
You're such a fucking crow.
"Fantastic," Aiden replied, his tone distant but courteous.
Tatum turned away, pulling out her phone as Vivienne continued to chatter about their itinerary, the luxury accommodations, and the charm of Italian parties. She knew Vivienne wasn't just excited about the trip, this was her opportunity to keep herself firmly in Aiden's orbit.
Kyle shifted beside her, his fidgeting drawing her attention. His foot tapped anxiously against the floor, and his hands clasped and unclasped in his lap.
"You good?" she murmured, tilting her head slightly toward him.
He gave her a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just... processing."
Tatum nodded, her fingers hovering over her phone screen. "If it gets too much, just breathe," she said softly. "You've got this."
Kyle gave her a small nod, his gaze returning to the window as the plane began its final descent.
She's polite now? Wow.
Tatum's attention shifted back to her phone. She scrolled aimlessly, letting her mind wander. It was her way of maintaining control of keeping her thoughts in check while the world outside battled in chaos.
Meanwhile, Aiden's voice broke through Vivienne's ramblings. "You should prepare yourself," he said, his tone calm but firm.
"For what?" Vivienne asked, her brow furrowing.
Aiden's gaze flicked toward Tatum before settling back on Vivienne. "The real work starts the moment we land."
Tatum smirked to herself, feeling a strange satisfaction as Vivienne's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. Aiden might tolerate Vivienne's outbursts, but he was always focused on the mission.
As the plane touched down, the cabin filled with the usual bustle of passengers gathering their belongings. Tatum stood, adjusting her jacket once again. She was ready for whatever the next few days would throw at her or so she told herself.
"Let's make it count," Aiden said, his voice low but charged with determination as he passed her in the aisle.