A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 167

"Oh, Jeremiah, you've never been in love—you just don't get it."

While Jeremiah fumed in frustration, high above the clouds, Elvis and Winona were perfectly content, lounging together on the sofa and watching a movie on the plane.

A flight attendant brought over a tray of fresh fruit, delicate desserts, and glasses of freshly squeezed juice, then quietly slipped out, leaving them in peace.

As Winona watched the film, a memory surfaced: the last time she'd flown with Elvis, she'd been convinced Jonah was the one she was supposed to marry. Back then, she'd assumed Elvis had a girlfriend already. She'd barely set foot on the plane before retreating to her own small cabin.

It wasn't that she'd gone out of her way to avoid Elvis—she'd simply thought that was the proper distance to maintain with a "future in-law."

She never could have imagined at the time that Elvis was actually her real fiancé. Or that the two of them would one day sit like this, side by side, sharing a movie tens of thousands of feet above the earth.

The thought made Winona chuckle softly, almost despite herself.

"What's so funny?" Elvis turned and looked at her.

"Nothing," she said, nestling her head against his shoulder. "I'm just… really happy."

Here they were, soaring through the sky, far removed from all their troubles. For now, she could forget the things waiting for her on the ground—the messes she'd have to untangle, the plans for revenge she'd set in motion… For just this moment, she could be still, and simply enjoy being with him.

Elvis's lips curled into a gentle smile. He wrapped an arm around her and said quietly, "Me too. I'm really happy."

Just then, the mood on screen shifted—a sudden car crash jolted the film's tone.

Elvis felt Winona tense beside him. He frowned, reaching for the remote. "Let's pick something else."

"No," Winona caught his hand, steady and calm. "It's okay. You don't have to change it."

He looked at her, concern flickering in his eyes.

"I'm fine," she said, gaze fixed on the screen. "I can't run from this forever."

"Getting shy?" he teased, his voice low and playful, breath brushing the top of her hair.

"Don't be ridiculous. Why would I be shy?" Winona retorted, trying to sound tough. "I'm not a kid."

"You're right," Elvis agreed easily, letting her keep her dignity.

He didn't tease her further, nor did he let her slip away.

The kiss on screen lingered, the music weaving a charged tension between them.

When the credits finally rolled, Winona tugged at Elvis's sleeve. "I'm a little tired. I think I'll nap for a bit."

"Alright," he replied.

He shifted, as if to get up and give her space.