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.”

this situation, I reluctantly sat down, forcing myself to buckle in and keep my hands steady. The sound of the seatbelt sign chiming above us seemed to amplify the weight of the moment, and I sat back, closing my eyes for a brief second,

grow. I had been in tight spaces before–on private jets, in small rooms, but this? This was different. Ricardo’s presence felt suffocating, like

to focus on something else, anything else, but it was hard. Every time

1/3

88%

Chapter 212

after Grayson pulled me away when he had made a memory

to think about because I guess I wouldn’t have

Evelyn Pierce had been the person I had been trying to

bouncing between irritation and confusion. What the hell was he doing here? Was it really a coincidence,

was still watching me. Even when I turned my body toward the

finally broke the silence between

never faltering. “What makes you think I want anything from

my teeth together. “I don’t

now?” He leaned back, his hands clasped behind his

this flight? And when Rickon called you a week ago to help with what was happening with Grayson didn’t you say you were extremely occupied and you weren’t in the state?” I pressed, my

smoothly. “And besides, I live in

unconvinced. “Spare me the act. I’m not interested.”

“Don’t be so cold, Ava.

eyes. Maybe if

of course, he

about what’s going on

my gaze with an easy smile, clearly unfazed. But, for once, he took the hint and said

stretched between us, and just when I thought I could finally have some

will throttle

back. I survived twenty–five

back into my seat, relieved for the brief distraction, but then Ricardo’s voice pulled me back into the

the