Silent Flyght – Chapter 14

“Did you have a good time today? I was hoping you’d stay a little later.”

Mat’s smile is warm and sincere as he walks me through his house. If I worried him today about stealing his land out from under him, there’s no sign of it now.

“I had the best time. Really.” My smile is broad and maybe a bit manic. “I learned so much, and yet I know so little.”

“That’s okay. It takes a lifetime to master this stuff. I’m still just a baby at this.”

“You? A baby?”

This makes us both laugh.

“Well, maybe more of a toddler,” he signs and winks at me. “You seem keen to learn.”

“I’ve always been a fan of school and learning, learning, learning until the day I die.” I place my hands on my heart. “Honestly, I hope I learn something new on my deathbed.”

We halt our saunter at the front door, and I peer out, looking for my ride.

“Would you, maybe…?” His hands halt for a moment. “Would you like to collaborate on a blend together? I think your knowledge of herbs and spices would be a fun addition to a small batch. Something… special.”

I like the way he signs ‘special,’ like it would be something he’d cherish.

I draw in a deep breath. “Wow. That would be… yeah, that would be truly special. I’m honored you’d want to work with me.”

It must have been the right thing to say because he doesn’t respond. His hands reach for mine, but the sound of crunching gravel stops him. We both turn to look out the front door. My ride is here.

Mat coughs a bit, bringing his hands back to himself.

“So, I’ll see you again tomorrow?” he asks, escorting me out the door to the front driveway.

The autocab door opens, and Marcelo steps out, dressed down in a sweater over a collared shirt, relaxed shale gray pants, and polished black shoes.

“We have one more full day here, and then we need to be off to Palo Alto. I would love to come back if you’ll have me.”

The wine I consumed today lightens my head and sits at the bottom of my stomach, mixed with bread and cheese… More bread and cheese than I’ve eaten in weeks. I could really use a bowl of rice right about now.

“Please return for dinner and dessert.” His smile is even more seductive under the power of alcohol, and I suddenly wonder what he’s like in bed. Silent, yes, but not in ways that matter, I’ll guess. I lick my bottom lip and try to control my lust.

“I will.” I turn to approach the car but stop. “If you have business on Palo Alto that needs to be done, perhaps you’ll consider joining us. We’d be happy to have you along.”

His face is unreadable this time. “I will discuss it with Peter. Perhaps there is business. I’d love to see your home, your ship.”

My ship, my home.

“You’re always welcome on my ship.”

He reaches out and wraps his hand, firm but gentle, around my elbow, and I drift closer. With his hands occupied, he can’t speak to me, but I know what he wants. His free hand comes to my face, he leans closer and pauses. He can only ask for permission with his eyes, and I respond with a smile before our lips meet. His kiss is practiced and hungry, from someone who hasn’t had this kind of connection in a long time. I rest my hand on his waist and relish the newness of this kiss. Every man kisses differently, and Mat is no exception. It’s a singular pleasure, like I’m the only thing on his mind.

He’s slow to pull his lips from mine, and I stick close so I can savor the moment.

“I guess I passed your tests,” I whisper, stepping back to give him space.

“What tests?” he signs, grinning at me. “If anything, I wouldn’t measure up to your standards.”

“I’ve enjoyed our day.” My heart beats wild and fast. I remember the first time I looked into his eyes on the Lee home ship. I knew then what I surely know now. Mat and I have instant attraction going for us, and I want to see how much farther it’ll go. “Perhaps, when I return, we can enjoy more… personal time together.”

His chest rises and falls as his eyes meet mine. Yeah, I will definitely sleep with him at my first opportunity.

I back away, smile, and make eye contact with Marcelo before getting in the car. Marcelo is right behind me, the car door shuts, and we zoom off towards town.

“So, that went well?” Marcelo asks, watching the estate shrink behind us. I follow his line of sight and find Mat still standing out front.

“He’s interested, and so am I.”

I drum my fingers on my knee and stare out the window at the vineyard rolling around us.

“But?” Marcelo asks and shrugs. “There’s always a ‘but’ with you. I expect it now.”

“He’s great. Smart, knowledgeable. He knows so much about wine.” I shake my head. “I spent the whole day with my mind reeling. The science of it is staggering.” My chest shakes with a deep inhale. “I’m totally in love.”

“With winemaking.”

I nod. “With winemaking. Mat, possibly. Well, there’s the possibility.” I sigh and scoot back into the seat. “I need you to work your magic. And I’ll ask Ai to help. We need more information before I can proceed.”

“Information about what?”

“His chief of staff, Peter. I overheard him talking to Mat before they knew I was there, and the conversation made me uneasy. He’s convinced Mat to do something or get involved with something that’s not entirely legal. He has a manipulative mindset. Peter kept appealing to Mat’s kind and generous nature, making him feel guilty for not helping as much as he could. Though I’m not sure what about.”

Marcelo frowns. “Mat was an orphan who was neglected by the orphanage and brought the winery up from nothing. If anything, he is owed more for his hardship. He doesn’t need to keep giving if he doesn’t want to.”

I point at him. “Yes. But manipulative people will do anything to find a crack of humanity and open it up with a crowbar.”

I bop my head slowly as I gaze out the window at the turn to the main road.

“God, I’m so tired of being manipulated.” Panic overwhelms my brain for a moment when I realize I said that out loud. But Marcelo has told me time and again that he won’t judge me.

“Rightly so, Ms. Vivian. It makes me angry to see people try to take advantage of you. Every time a new person comes into your life, I hold my breath, hoping they’re a better human than I give them credit for.”

My jaw hardens, and anger swells up in my chest. “I’m on a dangerous precipice, Marcelo. I feel like, at any moment, I’ll break in two. I don’t feel…” I place my hand on my chest and think about all I’ve been through. “I’m not whole anymore. I’m broken into little pieces that everyone picks at like vultures.” I entwine my fingers and clench my hands together in my lap. “Am I just a tasty meal for other people, or am I worthy of a life of my choosing?”

Marcelo’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “It would seem to me that the men you’ve chosen want you to live the life you choose. Anyone else who wants to pick away at you is not worth your attention.”

“Yes, but those people keep offering to help me get my farm back.”

“They are poisoned offerings meant to entice you, trap you. There’s an old Earth saying, ‘Beware of strangers bearing gifts.’ It applies here. Now, if you think Peter is trying to manipulate Mat and you, then we should figure out what he’s up to and guard against anything he may be plotting.”

I nod, glad that Marcelo is on my side. “He’s up to something.”

“I’ll get on it right away.” Marcelo turns his head to look out the window and mumbles, “I’ve become a detective, not a matchmaker.”

I hold back my smile. “And what have you found out about Gabriel Almas?”

“That, my dear Vivian, is another story entirely.”

“I hope you can tell it in the, oh” — I check my wristlet and see where we are on the map — “fifteen minutes before we reach our destination.”

Marcelo’s smile returns. “Trust me. You’re gonna love this.”