The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 212

-Ava’s POV-

Ricardo’s smile stretched across his lips, but I still saw the dark gleam twinkle in his eyes, like he was savoring something had been waiting for my reaction, “Well, the universe must really be in my favor today, Ava Pierce, Or is it Blackwood?” He tapped his chin, pretending to think, “I did hear that things aren’t so cozy with you and His Highness right now. So, Pierce?

My eyes narrowed even further. His tone was dripping with sarcasm, and I couldn’t decide if I wanted to throttle him or just walk away, “I asked, what are you doing here?”

The smile didn’t falter, and he leaned back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement, “Same thing you are. Flying to Italy.”

“In coach?” I shot back, glancing at the cramped space around us.

He grinned, his teeth flashing white against the darker tone of his skin. “I’m a man of the people.”

The last part was said with a mocking lilt, as if his idea of ‘people‘ was anyone who wasn’t on his level,

Before I could reply, the voice overhead crackled to life, echoing through the cabin. “Attention, ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. We will be departing shortly.”

I didn’t need a second invitation. There was no way I was going to spend an eight–hour flight with Ricardo, not when every fiber of my being was telling me to get as far away from him as possible. But as much as I wanted to escape, I didn’t see a clear way out.

The voice repeated the announcement, this time more urgently, and a stewardess moved up the aisle. She stopped beside me and gave me a polite but firm smile. “Excuse me, miss, you’ll need to take your seat now. We’re preparing for departure.” “I was wondering if I could switch seats?” I asked quickly, glancing around, “Is there anyone willing to trade with me?”

The stewardess’s smile didn’t falter, but her voice held the same polite detachment that all airport employees seemed to have mastered, “I’m afraid it’s not up to me. However, if you’re able to find someone willing to swap, you’re welcome to do so. But you’ll need to sit down now.”

She turned away before I could say anything else, leaving me standing there, fuming. I glanced around the cabin, but my eyes instinctively landed on my mother, sitting a few rows ahead of me.

I sighed, the sound escaping my lips louder than I intended. I turned back to Ricardo, whose smile was still plastered on his face, and I didn’t miss the subtle glint of triumph in his eyes. The bastard was enjoying this.

“Fine,” I muttered, my voice low and tight. “But I don’t want you speaking to me. Not a word.”

His grin widened, almost like a predator savoring its prey before going in for the kill. “As you wish.”

the seatbelt sign chiming above us seemed to amplify

runway, I felt the tightness in my chest grow. I had been in tight spaces before–on private jets, in small rooms,

it was hard. Every time I glanced over, I saw his

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Chapter 212

from after Grayson pulled me away when

because I guess I wouldn’t have been here with my mother right now.

Evelyn Pierce had been the person I had been trying

in my ears shift. My thoughts were a mess, bouncing between irritation and confusion. What the hell was he doing here? Was it really a coincidence, or was this something more deliberate?

seat, trying to find a more comfortable position, but I couldn’t escape the feeling that Ricardo was still watching me. Even when I turned my body toward the window, hoping to shut him out, I could feel

finally broke the silence between us, my voice colder

“What makes you think I want anything

together. “I don’t

stalking you now?” He

with what was happening with Grayson didn’t you say you were extremely occupied and you weren’t in the state?” I pressed, my voice low, but the intensity behind it

expected, Grayson is fine isn’t he? The man doesn’t die easily,” He said smoothly. “And besides,

my eyes, unconvinced. “Spare me

“Don’t be so cold, Ava. You do not want to become

my eyes. Maybe if I pretended he

of course, he didn’t.

what’s going on between you and Grayson?” he asked

He met my gaze with an easy smile, clearly unfazed.

just when I thought I could finally

throttle your mother.

help but laugh and sent a message back. I survived

the connection. I settled back into my seat, relieved for the brief

the