Chapter 214

“I can’t stand you! I cannot stand you!”

Ricardo roared with laughter, the sound unapologetic and gleeful. My wolf snarled; I barely restrained myself from clawing his smug face.

“You’re all so gullible,” he said, stretching luxuriously in his seat. “Your faces were priceless. You can’t find her, so you expect me to know where she is? Hilarious.”

My fists clenched. “Something is seriously, extremely wrong with you.”

He smirked, tilting his head. “So I’ve been told. A lot of things, actually—everything.”

“Don’t speak to me,” I snapped, waving a hand dismissively. “You’re infuriating.”

His grin widened. “Sounds like the start of a love-hate relationship.”

“Over my dead body,” I scoffed.

He leaned closer, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down my spine. “Careful what you wish for, Ava.”

For a fleeting moment, our gazes locked. His eyes were a kaleidoscope of unsettling emotions; I fought to hold my composure. I turned away, focusing on the dark sky outside. Ignore him. Pretend he wasn't there.

Then he spoke again.

“We never finished our conversation that day,” Ricardo mused. “The one where you were planning to poison someone. Who was it? Or should I guess?”

I remained silent.

His smile sharpened. “Let’s see… someone on this plane. Evelyn Pierce? And I see the resemblance. I wonder…”

“What will it take for you to shut up?” I whirled around, glaring.

His eyebrows arched suggestively. “Sure you want me to answer that?”

“You’re insufferable,” I said, wrinkling my nose.

He laughed, as if I’d paid him the highest compliment. “Fine. Since you can’t handle my charming company, I’ll leave you alone… on one condition.”

“What condition?” I knew I shouldn't ask, but I did.

Ricardo leaned in, the space between us dangerously close. His voice, smooth as silk, held a dark undercurrent.

“Play a game with me.”

“Not interested,” I scoffed, turning away.

He sighed dramatically. “Unfortunate. Because when I think, Ava, I get ideas. Like kidnapping you to see how fast Grayson would come running.”

My body froze.

He grinned, pleased with my reaction. “No hard feelings, right?”

I shot him a murderous glare. “Many, many hard feelings.”

He chuckled. “Disappointing. I was hoping for a bonding moment.”

I ignored him, focusing on the steady hum of the engines. For a moment, I thought he’d let it go.

But then—

“You’re no fun like this,” he drawled, shifting lazily. His tone was teasing, but sharp.

I ignored him.

“Come on, Ava,” he pressed, drumming his fingers on the armrest. “Just one game.”

I didn't blink.

He sighed theatrically. “Fine. Silent treatment. But don’t blame me when my mind cooks up something insane.”

I refused to react. But in the back of my mind…

I didn’t finish the thought. From the corner of my eye, I saw something glinting in the dim light—Ricardo’s claws, extending slowly, deliberately.

“What the hell are you doing?” I gasped.

He turned, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “My wolf is bored. He wants out.”

Panic surged. I grabbed his wrist, digging my nails into his skin. His claws grazed my palm, slicing deep, but the wound healed instantly.

“Ricardo! We’re on a plane! With humans!” I whispered urgently. “Are you crazy?”

His lips twitched.

“Don’t answer that. You are crazy. This isn’t funny! You could cause a crash!”

He tilted his head. “Inconvenient, yes. I could stop… but only if you play a game.” His claws flexed.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I said, my jaw tight.

His grin widened. “I faked my own death, Ava. Only those who’ve never lived fear death. And I? I’ve lived a very fulfilling life.”

I ground my teeth. I hated him. But I knew better than to call his bluff.

“What game?” I bit out.

His claws retracted. “Ah, finally! See? Not so hard, was it?”

He leaned back. “It’s called Two Truths and a Lie.”

I frowned. “That’s not psychotic.”

He grinned. “Oh, but it is when I play it.”

Something in his tone twisted my stomach. I should have refused. But he watched me like a predator, and I knew he wasn't bluffing.

“Fine,” I said stiffly. “You go first.”

His smile widened. He leaned forward, his voice almost gentle.

“One,” he said. “Grayson is on this plane.”

My heart stilled.

“Two,” Ricardo began, but a shadow fell over us.

I looked up as my mother appeared, her expression like stone. She wasn’t looking at me; her glare was fixed on Ricardo.

“Ava,” she said, her voice steely. “Change seats with me.”

I didn’t hesitate. I sat beside Isabella. But I heard my mother’s low words:

“I don’t know what your problem is, Ricardo, but stay away from my daughter.”

A dark chuckle followed. I forced myself to ignore it.

Isabella was staring intently out the window.

“Bels?” I nudged her.

She jumped, startled. “Where’s your mother?”

“She switched seats. Ricardo’s on the plane,” I muttered. “Are you okay?”

She shifted uncomfortably. “I was going to wait until we landed, but… don’t be mad, but… I might have spent some time with Monica… and I was so pissed at you that day… so I may have let it slip that you’re pregnant.”

My blood ran cold.

“Monica knows. And she mind-linked me to say she told Elaine.”

I took a deep breath. One more person knew. Fine. As long as…

Then Isabella spoke again, her words freezing me.

“Grayson is on his way to Italy… and he knows you’re pregnant.”