Chapter 52
[Amelia's POV]
Walking up the steps to the private jet, I forced a professional smile onto my face despite the lingering irritation from Violet's cold treatment. I couldn't afford to let personal feelings show, no matter how much her icy demeanor grated on me.
Stay professional, I reminded myself, adjusting the strap of my backpack.
The interior of the private jet took my breath away. Cream leather seats, polished wood panels, and soft lighting that screamed luxury. But what really caught my attention was the group already seated in the main cabin area.
Alex sat in one of the plush leather armchairs, looking completely at home in his expensive surroundings. Next to him were two other men I recognized – Ethan Montroy, who Alex had introduced as the Pack's creative director, and Carter.
"Millie," Alex called out, gesturing to an empty seat across from them. "Come join us."
I made my way over, still clutching my single backpack like it was a lifeline. These guys looked like they'd stepped out of a business magazine, while I felt like I was playing dress-up in my best attempt at travel clothes.
"Gentlemen, you remember Amelia," Alex said as I approached. His amber eyes held that familiar warmth that made my stomach flutter.
Ethan nodded with a friendly smile. "Good to see you again, Amelia. Ready for Africa?"
"As ready as someone can be for a trip they knew about for exactly six hours," I said, trying to keep my voice light.
Carter finally looked up from whatever he'd been staring at outside the window. "First time on a private jet?"
"First time anywhere, really," I admitted, settling into the seat Alex had indicated.
Alex leaned forward slightly, his presence immediately commanding attention. "We'll be in South Africa for seven days. Consider it a special project expedition."
Project expedition? That sounded way more serious than the cultural research trip he'd mentioned earlier.
"Are you sure we should be going to that place?" Ethan asked, his voice carrying a note of concern that made me look up sharply.
Alex nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "It's time."
Carter continued gazing out the window, seemingly unbothered by their cryptic exchange.
What place? I wanted to ask, but something about their body language told me this wasn't a conversation for Pack outsiders. Even though Alex had made me his personal assistant, I still felt like I was on the periphery of the real decisions.
Before I could dwell on it, I heard the soft click of heels approaching. Violet appeared with a silver tray, perfectly balanced despite the slight movement of the aircraft.
"Coffee, everyone?" Her voice was professionally pleasant, but her ice-blue eyes held that familiar chill when they landed on me.
Alex, Ethan, and Carter each took a cup and sipped without hesitation. The rich, dark brew smelled amazing, and I was grateful for something to warm my nervous stomach.
I lifted my cup and took a large gulp.
"Shit!" The word escaped before I could stop it as the scalding liquid burned my tongue. The cup wobbled in my hands, and I barely managed not to drop it entirely.
"Millie?" Alex was on his feet instantly, his concern immediate and intense. "Are you alright?"
I pressed my tongue against the roof of my mouth, tasting the metallic sting of the burn. "I'm fine, just... drank too fast."
But even as I said it, I noticed the others had all been sipping their coffee comfortably. Same pot, same temperature – except mine was obviously much hotter.
She did that on purpose, Ashley snarled.
I glanced at Violet, who was watching me with barely concealed satisfaction. Her expression was perfectly innocent, but I could see the triumph in her eyes.
"Perhaps I should have warned you it was fresh from the pot," Violet said sweetly. "So sorry."
Yeah, right. Sorry my ass.
Alex settled back into his seat, but I could feel his gaze on me, protective and alert. "Better?"
"Much," I lied, still feeling the sting on my tongue.
The plane's engines roared to life, and suddenly we were moving. The acceleration caught me off guard, and I felt myself sliding sideways in my seat.
Strong arms caught me before I could fall, pulling me against a solid chest that smelled like pine and something purely male. Alex had moved faster than should have been possible, steadying me with an ease that made my heart race.
"Easy there," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
For a moment, I was surrounded by his scent, his strength, his presence. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I realized how this must look to everyone else.
"Thanks," I managed, carefully extracting myself from his arms once the plane leveled out. "I'm not used to... this."
Ethan and Carter had both suddenly found other things to look at, giving us the illusion of privacy. I appreciated the gesture, even if it made me feel more conspicuous.
"Now then," Alex said, seamlessly returning to business mode. "Let's discuss the specifics."
Carter set down his coffee cup with a soft clink. "I'll need about three days for my independent research schedule. Cultural immersion, local interviews for the script. Ethan can accompany me for that portion."
"No problem," Ethan replied. "As creative director, I'm here to support whatever the Pack needs."
Alex nodded his approval, then turned toward me. "That leaves you, Violet, and me to handle the primary objective."
I couldn't help myself. "Wait, I thought we were going to experience the local culture for the film? You know, get a feel for the setting?"
Alex's amber eyes caught mine. His smile was both mysterious and predatory.
"Millie," he said, his voice dropping to that low, commanding tone that made my knees weak. "I'm going to show you culture you've never experienced before. The real kind."
The way he said 'real' sent a shiver down my spine. There was something in his expression, something wild and ancient that had nothing to do with movie research.
I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware that I'd agreed to fly halfway around the world with a man who kept more secrets than the government.
"What exactly does that mean?" I asked.
But Alex just smiled that infuriating, captivating smile and leaned back in his seat.