16. Typhon

16

TYPHON

S ophie had joked earlier about wanting an invitation to my home in Algarve, but I hadn't asked anyone to visit. It was my sanctuary, and up until this very moment, I hadn't imagined I'd want to share it with anyone. Now, I couldn't wait to take Eliza there.

"Levi?"

"Do you trust me?"

I liked that she thought about her answer before giving it. I wanted her to be honest, not placate me.

She looked into my eyes. "I do."

"I'd like to take you to Casa Melro. I know it's sudden, err, spontaneous. Maybe too much, like me suggesting I purchase the house."

When she smiled, I felt warm all over. "It's not too much at all, and honestly, I need spontaneity in my life."

"I have to make a couple of calls, then we can leave. If you're sure, that is."

She squeezed my arm and smiled. "I am."

"Come on." We rushed to the inn, and while El went upstairs to gather her things, I let Sophie know we were checking out but would be back soon.

"You're taking her to Casa Melro, aren't you?"

I had no reason to lie. "I am. How did you know?"

"You get this look on your face when you talk about it. You have the same expression now."

"It's a special place," I said under my breath.

"She's a special person." Sophie winked, then waved behind her when she retreated into the kitchen.

The innate urgency of Unit 23's missions necessitated that pilots be kept on call if I or a member of my team needed immediate transport. The plane I intended to take today, however, was mine. Rather than assign anyone to the flight, I sent a message, asking it as a favor. Paid, of course.

I received an immediate response from the pilot I preferred over the others, Angel.

Where from and to, boss? she asked.

Gatwick to Faro.

Desired departure time?

As soon as you can file the flight plan.

On it, sir.

I won't be in the cockpit.

Roger that, sir. I'll find a copilot. Given the destination, it won't be difficult.

I raced up the stairs and knocked on Eliza's door.

"We're all set."

"I don't have much with me," she said, holding her bag up.

"As you know, there are many shops where we can pick up whatever we need. I'll just grab my bag, and we can be on our way."

"Levi, wait," she said when I exited the room.

I turned toward her, holding my breath and hoping she wasn't about to tell me she'd changed her mind.

"Thank you," she said, closing the distance between us, leaned up, and kissed me.

"I'm the thankful one." Our lips met once more, then I went to get my bag.

"By the way, I contacted my solicitor. He said everything seemed straightforward, but if he had questions, he'd ring me," she said once we were in the car on our way to the airport. "I can't believe that by tomorrow, the studio will be mine."

I squeezed her hand. "Congratulations, El. I have a feeling you're going to create beautiful and amazing art there."

She beamed. "You know, I think I will too."

"What will you make first?"

"Not the one you're thinking of. I'll need to get comfortable with the equipment before I undertake something on that scale."

I glanced over, and she was studying me. "Yes?"

"Two days ago, or was it three? I've lost track. Anyway, I felt purposeless. A friend called out of the blue. I've known her since I was a teenager. She and friends of hers own a gallery in Manhattan, and after catching one another up on our lives, she asked what I was working on. I told her nothing, and she urged me to get off my arse—not in those exact words." She chuckled. "My idleness wasn't related solely to my art. I felt stuck. I took a leave from my position in Edinburgh but knew I wouldn't return. I'd already moved into the flat I'd let for a few years and was contemplating turning a spare room into a studio, yet staying in London, at least full-time, didn't sit well either."

"Go on, El."

"I'm rambling."

I shook my head. "You're telling me about yourself, and I'm fascinated."

" Nothing felt right, and now, everything does. Even the house that gave me such pause." Her eyes met mine. "I can see myself there."

"I can too."

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There's the issue of being away from London, though."

"Apart from your flat, what keeps you there?"

I glanced over again when she didn't respond. Her head was turned, and her gaze focused out the window.

"Eliza?"

When she turned again to look at me, her cheeks were flushed. "You."

"What a coincidence."

From the corner of my eye, I saw her head cock.

"We have the same reason for wanting to remain in the city."

"Your work doesn't keep you there?"

"My work doesn't keep me anywhere in particular. Of late, I've been spending more time in Shere. Although being in Brighton has become particularly interesting to me." I looked over at her and winked.

"I should probably tell you now. We won't be flying commercial," I said when we were a few minutes away from Gatwick.

"No? How exciting!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious. "I love your smile, Eliza." I squeezed her hand again. "You have no idea how much," I added under my breath.

She was looking out the window, seemingly distracted by some thought like she was a short while ago. I wondered what else was on her mind.

I recalled her saying earlier that she'd learned to live her life in a way that made her happy, but had she truly mastered the art of doing so? What about when she thought no one was looking, like the day I saw her walking on the opposite side of the busy London street? Her shoulders had drooped, as if she carried pain too heavy to bear. That depth of sorrow didn't come from feeling purposeless.

Maybe someday soon, she'd trust me enough to allow me to soothe whatever it was that made her sad.

When I pulled up to the hangar, the plane was already outside.

Angel approached when I opened the passenger door and El got out.

"Eliza?" said Angel with wide eyes.

El gasped. "Teagon? My goodness. How are you?" The two women cheek-kissed and embraced.

Angel glanced over at me and smiled, then looked back at Eliza. "I had no idea the two of you were acquainted."

"I don't know how you would have," I said, raising a brow.

"Apologies, boss," Angel said, winking at El.

"Teagon and I have been friends since primary school, but it's been far too long since we last saw one another."

"I do wish we had time to catch up, but we should board before we miss our departure window," Angel said, motioning to the plane.

"Who's flying with you today?" I asked.

"Crash, err, Smith."

"Smith Lavery?" El gasped. "You're both pilots. Well done."

When my eyes met Angel's, she nodded once.

I kept my hand on the small of Eliza's back as we made our way to the airstairs. After leading her to seats closer to the plane's aft, I raised the armrest between us. "I hope you don't mind that I cannot seem to stop touching you."

El's expression sobered, and she leaned closer to me. "I don't want you to stop," she whispered, stroking my hand with her fingertip when I rested it on her leg. "Levi, I…"

"Go on."

"Being with you feels so natural, as if I've known you far longer than I have."

I waited, knowing if I spoke, she'd likely not tell me what was really on her mind.

"Earlier, when we were on the beach, I said if you didn't stop what you were doing, I'd have my way with you."

My already stiffening cock strained against my trousers. "Yes."

Her breath quickened, and her eyes met mine. "I'm unsure what to expect once we arrive in Algarve."

I reached up and brushed her hardened nipple with the back of my hand, then leaned closer and kissed her before resting my head against the seat. "I've never brought anyone to Casa Melro, El. Not even my family. Rather than second-guess doing so or talking myself out of it, I went with what felt natural. From this moment on, I want that to be what leads us. No expectations, just what feels right."

Eliza closed her eyes and brought my hand back to her breast. "Do you know how much I want you, Levi?"