Suddenly she felt herself bouncing and she quickly averted her gaze to the window. They had finally touched down on solid land and she could see the airport outside. She wondered if her brother and sister would be waiting for her at this time.
No, they probably sent some stupid crook. They would actually have to care for me to show up themselves. Don’t fool yourself Lily, you’re just a pawn in their game.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the airport. Local time is 3.15 am and the temperature is 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move around. At this time, you may use your cellular phones if you wish.
Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.
If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.
On behalf of Eagle Airlines and the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. For those of you returning, welcome home and for those of you visiting have a nice stay!”
Am I returning home or am I just visiting? I guess I’ll find out.
She watched as fellow passengers completely ignored instructions and started unbuckling themselves and grabbing at the overhead lockers. Lily felt slight satisfaction when a bag fell out and smacked a particularly obnoxious man in the face when they were turning into their parking area.
Serves you right. Why can’t anyone just follow the rules? I guess my siblings missed that memo too.
Finally the lights went off. Lily unbuckled and lifted herself from her seat. It was a mad scramble to start queuing, so after pulling her backpack down from the locker, she allowed the others in her aisle to brush past as she retook her seat. She didn’t need any assistance off the plane. She’d rather wait until everyone had disembarked, than to join the fight of getting out first. It wasn’t until the last passengers had left the cabin, and the stewardess started looking at her, that she decided to leave. The captain, who had just left the cockpit, gave her a quick salute on her way out. She realized that she was still wearing her uniform and that people recognized her as service member, even though she was off duty.
Her eyes locked on the last person walking towards the doors to the airport and followed swiftly after him. Inside, her eyes had to adjust to the bright overhead lights and she wandered through the corridors to get to border control. There she was whizzed through, the man barely glancing at her passport after acknowledging her uniform.
“Welcome home ma’am. Thank you for serving our country,” he drawled before waving her through.
She was glad she didn’t have to waste any time at the baggage carousel. Everything she owned and needed were neatly placed within her rucksack. Lily had never been one for material things, valuing actions over belongings.
Sidestepping the masses waiting impatiently for their luggage to arrive, she hurried towards the door. Yet again no one dared to stop her as she made her way towards the exit to the waiting area outside. The automatic doors swung open as she went through and past the barriers. Her eyes scanned the crowd of people waiting to collect the new arrivals, but she couldn’t spot neither of her siblings.
Fuck. Now what? They wouldn’t have left me stranded at the airport. They’ve been excited for my arrival ever since I told them. Now, what low life have they sent to pick me up now?
Sure enough, she could see a muscled man with gelled back hair pushing his way through the crowd. People soon got the message after a couple of swift elbows and they cleared a way for him to make it through. He finally made it to the front and gave her an awkward side smile.
There in front of her stood a toned and rather handsome man. He had raven black hair with a single silver streak snaking its way through the side. His eyes were a very light brown, verging on a yellow/orange. He had facial hair cut short and tattoos winding their way around his muscled arms. Wearing simple black jeans and a black t-shirt, he clearly wasn’t a pretty boy, his appearance was all natural and he probably didn’t even acknowledge it. This had to be her guy.
Chapter 2
VAN
He could make out the blond in the distance, still in her uniform as the twins had told him she would be. Elbows out, he starting making his way towards her, still trying to get a proper look at the third Romano he had become aware of only hours ago. He prayed that a mini Pearl hadn’t come to wreak havoc on the city. After some strong words with a man blocking the way, the crowd finally eased up slightly and he could get himself to the woman waiting patiently for him. He was looking at the ground, trying not to trip over any stray feet when he found himself in front of her. He looked up.
Holy fuckballs. Is this her? This can’t be! She’s like a goddess. A goddess in green. Am I dreaming because, in which case, I hope I never wake up! How could the woman of my dreams appear to me like this? Oh no… not her. Please tell me it isn’t her. Please tell me she isn’t a Romano.
“Lily Romano?” he asked, praying that he was wrong.
“That’s me,” she smiled, her teeth gleaming in the light, “You must have been sent by my siblings, Joe and Pearl Romano? Pleasure to meet you.”
She held out her hand and Van enveloped hers in his as he shook it firmly. She maintained eye contact with him the entire time and he couldn’t help but get lost in those aquamarine eyes. Her entire being was flawless, even in uniform with her hair pinned tightly back in a bun, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes upon. Her skin looked smooth and powdery, beige from where she had spent time in the sun. Pale gold hair scooped back, shone in the overhead lights and her lips, even without lipstick, were almost a cherry red. Even though her body was completely covered, he could tell she had a rocking figure underneath. His eyes zoomed in on the distinctive insignia on her uniform. It was a gold colored metal caduceus, bearing an ‘N’ in black enamel.
“Well, Nurse Romano, we’d better get you home. Please tell me that is all the luggage you have because your sister told me you would be carrying light.”
“This is all I have. Why? What would be the problem? You have a smart car or something?” she smirked.
“Not quite. No car at all actually. I ride, not drive.”
Lily grinned widely, “Please tell me you’re referring to a bike and not a horse.”
“I ain’t no cowboy, pretty lady,” he tried his best Texan accent before giving up, “We’ll be riding on my bike, if you don’t mind. Otherwise I have no issue hailing a cab for you. I’m sure any of them would give top level service to a lady such as yourself, who has served our country.”
“I haven’t been on a bike in years. I think I’d prefer to be straddling yours. What do you say my hell’s angel cowboy?” her eyes sparkled mischievously.
His heart was pumping wildly. It felt weird to feel this sort of attraction after so long of barely noticing women. Van’s mind had been so focused on work, he had forgotten what it felt like to want a woman. And he couldn’t believe how much he wanted this particular one.
“Sounds perfect to me. You ready to go?”
“I’m all set. But don’t take me home straight away.”
“Oh?” he raised his eyebrow once more.
“I’m feeling a bit hungry after the flight. Know anywhere that might be open at this time?”
Van felt a rush of excitement.
“I know just the place.”
He started pushing through the crowd once more. Recognizing the man with elbows accompanied by a service member, people quickly parted way, allowing them easy access to the exit. She breathed in the night air as they made their way to the car
park. Van kept looking behind him to check the woman wasn’t a figment of his imagination. She walked with confidence but he could tell behind those eyes stood some dark secrets, just needing to spill out. He wondered what horrors she had witnessed on the battlefields.
After a quick walk, they finally made it to the bike and he got on first, balancing it for her to hop on. She eased herself on expertly and he wondered who else she had ridden with. A surge of jealousy surprised him and he pushed it back.
After all the shit you gave your brothers for fucking up their jobs, how can I do it myself? Especially with Lily Romano of all people? Pearl may have been mad at my brothers for getting off with their clients, but it will be nothing compared to my involvement with their little sister. Control yourself, Van. I need to think logically.
He handed her back the spare helmet he carried. She was about to put it on when she realized the bun in her hair wouldn’t allow it. Tentatively, she reached behind her head and undid the creation, allowing long golden locks to cascade over her shoulders. It reached about midway to her chest where it curled into tiny spirals. She caught him looking and he quickly turned back, pretending to be busy with something.
“I’m ready,” came a muffled voice behind him.
He looked back to see those dazzling blue eyes staring out at him from behind the visor. Nodding he started the bike and the engine came to life. She politely gripped her hands onto his shoulders and they were off. He slowly pulled out of the parking lot before putting it into gear and speeding away. The rush of air against his bare arms made his hair stand on edge as they sped through the night. Even at this time, the sun was starting to make an appearance and he could make out tiny yellow beams clawing them into daytime. He wasn’t ready to let his moment end with Lily just yet so surged forward to their destination.
Just off the motorway was one of his favorite 24/7 diners. It was used to serving those coming to and from the airport. As one who never felt like he truly belonged anywhere, he was drawn to the pull of the little diner, with very few regulars. They pulled into a spot and he put the kickstand down. Before he could even offer help, she had leapt off and was pulling off the helmet. Her hair stood up slightly from the friction and she had to smooth it down before giving him another one of her heart-stopping grins.
“God, that was amazing!” she squealed clapping her hands, “I haven’t felt like that since I was a teenager. I almost wish I could stay on it all night.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it and, for the record, you can come riding with me anytime.”
“I doubt Pearl would let me go riding with one of her goons.”
“Goons? I’m contracted for one thing, and secondly, she trusts me. I’m the only Bailey boy that hasn’t fucked up a job yet.”
“Bailey boy?” she looked confused before her mouth dropped open, “Holy fuck! I never even asked your name! I’m so dopey from the flight.”
Van laughed before offering her a handshake again, “My name is Van Bailey. Now should we get something to eat before you start chewing off your own arm?”
Lily laughed before following him into the diner. Van wasn’t surprised to see a small collection of customers even at this time of the morning. There were a couple of worn down business men lapping up coffees and one exhausted family practically falling asleep into their plates. It wasn’t much of a place, but he liked it.
“Hey, Van. Long time no see. You been away?” a voice called over.
Van looked up to see Lydia, an old and extremely overweight waitress, come over. Van took his usual seat in the corner booth and Lily sat opposite him. The waitress placed two plastic menus in front of them before automatically producing coffee cups and pouring them out black.
“Do you want cream or sugar?” she asked Lily.
“No, I’m good, thank you.”
“Bit of a weird time to go on a date, don’t you think, Van?” she winked, her clumpy mascara catching her top and bottom lashes together so she had to blink extra hard to reopen them.
“It’s not a date, Lydia. This is my boss’s little sister. I’ll have you know, she’s just returned from serving our country.”
“Ah, well that’s good. I thought you were into some kinky role play with that uniform for a second,” Lydia burst out laughing before it ended in a fit of coughing.
Van looked over at Lily apologetically but she seemed to share in the woman’s humor and joined in her laughter. When everyone settled down, Lydia went back to speaking.
“So, what am I getting you both? You want the usual, sweetheart?” she directed the last question at Van.
Van nodded and Lydia scribbled on her pad. She then turned to Lily expectantly.
“I’ll have sausages, bacon, waffles, and fried mushrooms, please. Oh, and can I get some orange juice too?”
Lydia wrote it down before drifting back to the kitchen to give the chef the order. Van looked over at her, surprise written all over his face.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman eat a breakfast like that before. Did they starve you on the flight or something?"
“You don’t understand, I absolutely love food. And being out there, living off rations half the time and slop the rest, well I definitely missed being back here for that at least. I’ll be damned if I don’t make the most of it while I’m back.”
“While you’re back?” Van queried, “You’re not planning on staying?”
“Unless you’re about to tell me my siblings have changed and they’ve given up the family business, then I highly doubt that. I joined the army to get away from all this bullshit, I don’t want to be stuck back in it.”
Van felt his hopes drop.
What did I fucking expect? I couldn’t very well ask her to stay, now could I? And plus, what did I think was going to happen between us? Nothing if I value my life. Think straight, Van.
“Well, I can’t lie to you. Pearl and Joe are still keeping the family business alive and well. In fact they’re planning on expanding soon. Do they know you’re not planning to stay?”
“They’re expanding? Where? And no, of course they don’t. They’d probably lock me in the room and throw away the key, if they found out. I plan to leave a note and just sneak away in the night, like I did last time. They were not too pleased to find out I wasn’t planning to follow in their footsteps. But I’m not one for the criminal life. I never was and never will be.”
“They’re expanding into another city. I just spent the last couple of weeks standing guard over their warehouse. Although I must say, sneaking out is a very bold move when it comes to them. Weren’t you scared they were going to track you down?”
Lily had a look of sadness in her eyes as she replied, “I knew they would try to track me down so I had enrolled in advance and took all the tests and training in secrecy. They thought I was going on holiday all the time, never realizing what was going on right beneath their noses. I doubt it will be so easy this time but I will find a way. I just want to be normal and as I can’t get that, then at least I can have a career I’m proud of.”
Van felt himself pull towards her pain and before he knew it, his hand was on top of hers on the table. She stared down at it, the shadow of a tear glistening on her eye.
“Food has arrived! I hope you’re hungry little miss because the chef sure did a number on yours,” Lydia appeared carrying a tray stacked high with their breakfast. Her appearance broke the moment between them and Van hurriedly withdrew his hand.
Lydia placed a steaming pile of pancakes in front of Van along with a large jug of syrup and a vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream. Van could see the look of surprise at his choice of drink written all over Lily’s face. Next went down the extremely large plate of food for Lily to dig into accompanied by a glass of fresh orange juice.
“Can I get anything else for you?”
“No, that’s just fine, Lydia. Thank you.”
She nodded, “Alright then. You two enjoy your non-date meal and just call if you nee
d anything.”
With that she gave Van a knowing look before walking over to the next booth to check on them. He was surprised to look over and see Lily blushing ever so slightly, a shade of pink tinting her bronzed cheeks.
“Are you going to manage all of that?” he nodded at the gigantic plate in front of her.
“Just watch,” she smirked and without further ado she grabbed hold of her silverware and tucked in.
Van followed, but was surprised at how fast the petite woman across the table from him almost inhaled her breakfast. He wished his brothers were there to witness it because it would have put even them to shame. Van managed to finish his pancakes first but only just as she speared the last fried mushroom on the plate and devoured it.
“Well, I take everything back. I don’t think I’ve seen a woman enjoy her meal so much before.”
Lily chuckled and grabbed hold of her orange juice before leaning back into the padding of the booth seats. She rubbed her stomach absentmindedly then took a sip of her juice.
“What’s with the milkshake? I wouldn’t take a man like you to pick something like that,” she questioned.
Van grinned, “What? Because I look like a biker and work for the mafia, I can’t enjoy a milkshake once in a while? It’s the guilty pleasures in life which keep me going. But you go ahead and keep stereotyping.”
“Excuse me!” she laughed, “Weren’t you the one stereotyping by presuming a woman such as myself wouldn’t be able to enjoy a big breakfast? I guess looks can be deceiving in both our cases.”
He smirked, “I guess so. Talking of which, I would never have picked someone as beautiful as you to join the army. I can tell you have seen some horrible things out there. It’s the same look the men get, when they witness their first death out on a job. I see all these innocent boys join, thinking they can become these gangsters they’ve seen in movies, only to have reality come crashing down around them when they’re thrown into the field. It must be even more so in your line of work.”
A frown blemished her face, “You’re quite right there. There’s always these stories about what it would be like in a war or out in battle. I did my research before I left, I thought I knew everything and no matter what was thrown my way I would be able to handle it. How wrong could I be? Nothing prepares you for seeing it first-hand, the memories never leave. I may have left the battlefield, but I can ensure you the battlefield hasn’t left me. Even as a nurse I witnessed the worst of the worst. It makes me wonder sometimes whether the life I left behind is any better than the one I have now.”
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 37