Free Exotic Desires: The Complete Series Box Set by M. S. Parker Page B

aren't met.”
    “Then call them in here. I'll hide while you have them carry the luggage to the last car like you'd said. Except, instead of me sneaking out and away, we're going to go together.”

Chapter 11
    Nami
    I stared at him, unsure if I was hearing him correctly. Surely he couldn't be suggesting that the two of us run away together. That was ludicrous. And yet a part of me was thrilled at the idea.
    I immediately pushed the thought aside. He didn't mean for us to run away together. Not like that. Besides, I couldn't do it, couldn't leave my family. But...I realized what he meant. A little detour before going home. A chance to have what I'd wanted, at least a single day of freedom. A day to have fun without Tomas and Kai breathing down my neck, watching my every move.
    “What do you say?” He held out a hand. “Want to have some fun before you head home?”
    I couldn't begin to say all the ways this was a bad idea. The risk to my reputation, being out and about with a virtual stranger. The chance that my parents would find out. The ruining of the engagement.
    Still, I couldn't help but think about what it would be like, to walk around Venice with Reed, like we were some couple on a romantic getaway. No eyes on me, no worrying about every little thing.
    Before I could second-guess myself, I slid my hand into his. “Yes,” I said. “I'd like that very much.”
    He raised my hand and kissed the back of it. “Then let's get started. We should be arriving in Venice soon.” He released my hand and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
    I took a moment to collect myself and check to make sure my clothes were all on properly. I didn't want to risk them thinking there was anything strange going on. I needed them to think that I was still going along with my father's wishes. They wouldn't force me to do anything. It wasn't like that. But they would stay by my side the whole time, make sure I was never alone. Use their presence to intimidate crowds to move around us so that I could only go where they wanted me to go. They could call my father, tell him that I'd tried to slip away...again. He wouldn't hurt me or anything like that. What he wouldn't do was trust me again.
    “Tomas, Kai.” I opened the door and gave them each a quick smile. “Come here please.”
    They both looked angry and, if what Reed had said was true, they had good reason to be. Neither of them said anything though. They wouldn't. Being detained wasn't exactly the kind of thing security would be pleased to tell their employer. They came in without a word or a greeting, but that wasn't entirely unusual.
    “I want to get off from the last car,” I informed them. “Avoid the possibility of any media.”
    They exchanged looks that I recognized. They didn't generally like it when I took charge. They preferred to follow things like class schedules, itineraries, things like that. They were loyal though, understood their role when it came to who was in charge. They would do what I asked unless it went directly against my father’s orders.
    “Take the luggage to the car and wait for me there.”
    “But, Pr–”
    “Are you really going to argue?” I cut Tomas off before he could call me by my title. I didn't know how much Reed could hear, but I didn't want him hearing that. “It's a simple task. Take our luggage to the last train car and I'll meet you there when we arrive in Venice.”
    “Shouldn't we not wait until we arrive at the station, take our things then and go together?” Kai suggested.
    I shook my head. “Do you really think it's a good idea to try to haul all of our luggage through crowded corridors while everyone else is trying to leave too?”
    They exchanged looks again and this time I knew it was because I'd made a good point. I honestly hadn't even thought about it until I'd said it, but it actually made sense. It seemed that luck was on my side.
    “Hurry up.” I motioned towards the suitcases and then stepped