Thalia tugged at the airplane door, but it was sealed shut. Panic flared in her chest as she turned sharply toward Vicious. He sat there, relaxed, watching her with that infuriating half-smile.
"Come sit," he said, patting the empty seat beside him.
She hesitated, weighing her options. Obey or risk provoking him.
"Come on," he repeated, voice low and surprisingly calm. "It's a surprise. I promise I'm not going to hurt you."
"I don't trust you," she muttered, but slowly walked over and sat.
Vicious leaned closer to fasten her seatbelt, and she moved back instinctively. He ignored it and secured the straps with practiced ease.
Her gaze shifted restlessly to the small window, scanning the skies and clouds below as if she could guess their destination.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine."
He handed her a glass of juice. Thalia stared at it suspiciously before finally drinking. Within minutes, she slept off
Then she felt a tap and she woke up
"Where… where am I?"
The plane door opened, Vicious extended his hand.
"Welcome to Mexico."
Her eyes widened. "Mexico?!" She stumbled out of the plane and backed away from him. "Why did you bring me here?! I knew it. You were planning something! You said you wouldn't do anything bad now you've dragged me to another country without my permission!"
"Relax," Vicious said calmly. "I brought you here to have a good time."
"A good time?" She scoffed. "Why does everything you say sound like a threat?"
He smirked. "I don't know. Maybe that's just how I talk."
"I didn't even bring any clothes, or anything."
"Don't worry," he said, already walking ahead. "We'll get you everything you need."
The boutique was luxurious. Thalia hesitated at the entrance, suddenly aware of how empty her hands were no wallet, no bag, nothing.
"Pick whatever you want," Vicious ordered.
"I can't pay"
"I didn't ask you to."
Left with no argument, she gathered a few simple items.
"That's all?" he asked, raising a brow.
"Yes."
"How long are we staying here?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Depends on when I decide to leave. I've got business and things to do here."
"Then why bring me? Look, I know you're into… gangster stuff. Just don't involve me. Please tell me you didn't place some kind of bet with your friends about kidnapping me."
Thalia Scoffed. "We're not friends. We barely tolerate each other. But I'm still human. Try putting yourself in my shoes for once."
He crossed his arms. "Try putting yourself in mine."
"I promise you," he said quietly. "Nothing bad is going to happen to you."
She exhaled, annoyed. "I can't trust you… but it's not like I have much choice."
She caught him wandering into the lingerie section of all places.
"Hey! What are you doing?!"
"Picking for you," he replied casually, holding up a matching bra and panty set.
Her face flushed instantly. "Put that down! I can choose myself!"
He hid a laugh, lips twitching.
"What are you smiling at?! Move!" She shoved him out of the women's section. "Go to the men's section!"
Later, at the hotel, Thalia's mouth fell open at the grand lobby.
"We only have one room available," the receptionist said. "We're hosting an event tonight. The rooms are occupied"
Vicious glanced at her.
"No. No way. I'm not sharing a room with you," she snapped.
"We'll take it," he said before she could argue further.
"What is wrong with you?!"
"It's either this or the streets."
She glared and followed.
"I'm taking the couch," she declared the moment they entered.
"Obviously." He tossed his keys aside. "Did you expect me to take it and leave you the bed?"
She blinked. "I… wasn't expecting you to be considerate."
She settled on the couch, hugging a pillow. He watched her in silence.
She frowned. "Why are you staring at me?"
"Why are you staring at me? "He repeated
She turned away with a huff.
A moment passed before she asked quietly, "Why are we really here?"
"Vacation," he said simply.
"Vacation," she repeated dryly. "After almost killing me."
He smirked.
"I'm not letting my guard down," she warned. "You don't look like someone anyone shouldn't trust."