by Tijan
What did this mean? My thoughts swirled.
“I’m sick!” I blurted. “You’re going to get sick.”
He fought back a smile. “I don’t get sick. Ever.”
Of course. I snorted. “You’re not human.”
He waited a beat. “Will you come?”
I wanted to go. That was the truth. But everything within me argued.
My mind: hell no.
My everything else: fuck yes.
I was still tingling from exploding in his arms a moment ago.
I looked up. “And if I wanted to go home?”
“I’ll have Tanner ride with you.” He didn’t hesitate. “You know the truth about Brooke leaving. I’m trusting you with that information. No one knows.”
“Not even your brothers?”
He nodded. “No one.”
“What agenda do you have? What’s your endgame here?”
“No endgame. I’m being selfish; that’s all.” He tipped my head up, raising my gaze to his. His finger caressed under my chin. “I want you to come with me. That’s it.”
Oh. Well. When he put it like that, I knew my answer.
“No.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
I held still after giving Kai my response.
My heart pushed against my chest, beating hard, and he dipped his head in an abrupt nod.
“Fine.” He stood. His hand fell away from my face. His heat left my side. There was no comforting weight on the bed with me.
I shivered, feeling coldness in the room and knowing it was him pulling away from me.
“I’ll tell Tanner and Jonah to accompany you home.”
My mouth fell open. He left the room with quick and decisive strides.
He was actually doing it. He was letting me go, after what we’d just done.
The shock lodged firmly in my throat and remained there long after he’d left, long after I heard the door click shut behind him, and even when a staff person came in and began packing a bag for me.
I stood, shaking. “Those aren’t mine.”
“Mr. Bennett said to pack you clothes since your scrubs are gone.”
Right. Because they put them on a look-alike to trick Blade.
Everything hit me with a thud.
Fuck’s sake. I’d been kidnapped and now I was aching because I got to leave?
My head began pounding.
“You can go with him, you know.”
Tanner stood in the doorway, his arms crossed, one foot over the other.
“What?” I croaked.
He flicked his eyes to the ceiling. “I know what you smell like, darling.”
The back of my neck heated. I snuck a look at the staff woman, but she didn’t pause. She folded a shirt I’d worn every other day here. She knew it was one of my favored ones, then reached for another I liked.
“That’s none of your business, Tanner.” I stiffened.
“I know that. I just don’t care. Listen.” He gripped the sides of the doorframe and let himself fall forward, his elbows pointed out. He began pushing back and forth, his biceps bulging from the motion. “Yeah, how we brought you here was shitty. But you know our name. You wouldn’t have come if we’d asked, and you wouldn’t have helped find Brooke either. You know it. We know it. Kai’s the one who has to make those shitty decisions—but make no mistake, if it wasn’t him, it’d be me. We have a whole family full of sharks who want to come in and take what we have. We will not let that happen, any of us. We’re Bennetts. That means something, even with Brooke.”
He tipped his head forward, his eyes knowing. “And you know it too. What Kai should’ve done, and I’m assuming he didn’t, was emotionally blackmail you. He should’ve said there’s a damn good chance Brooke’s going to do something stupid when she sees him on that doorstep. She’ll get someone killed because she doesn’t act rational sometimes. She jumps before looking where she’s going. Kai could’ve said that, but he didn’t, did he? Chew on that a second, huh?”
I swallowed over a hard knot. “What are you talking about? Who’d get killed?”
He shrugged. “Take your pick. Brooke. Kai. Brooke’s man—and Brooke will then blame herself or Kai.” He pushed off the doorframe, turned, and slid his hands into his pockets. “You should go, my two cents, but what do I know?” He strolled away, whistling once he got to the hallway.
The woman was done. My bag was packed and in her hand. She waited beside the bed.
I was going to regret this. I knew I would. “Put that in the vehicle Kai is leaving in. I’m going with him.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll notify him now since they’re leaving the driveway already.”
“What?”
But she was gone, hurrying out.
I blanked a second, then went into overdrive. I couldn’t travel in my pajamas…or maybe I should? No. That was ludicrous.
I grabbed a pair of black leggings, an oversized black hoodie, a black tank top, a pair of underwear, and a bra. I went to the bathroom, changed, and washed.
What am I doing?
I slipped on a pair of black flats.
I have no idea.
Oh God.
My throat constricted. Panic clawed at my chest.
Grabbing a hair tie, I piled my hair into a messy bun and left my wing.
It took a second to figure out what was wrong.
I blinked, and it hit me. There were no guards.
I was completely alone.
Shit.
I didn’t have a phone. I wanted a phone. I needed music when I flew. I hated not having music. Or a book? Maybe I should’ve grabbed a few from their library, but I was already off and weaving toward the front entryway.
Was I making a mistake?
After what we did—my body instantly warmed, and I bit back a groan.
It was going to happen again. More. More would happen.
But Brooke. Kai. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Brooke would listen to me. She would. Tanner was right about that. She’d talk first, before doing something rash. Right?
Was this all a calculated move? Had Tanner been supposed to come in, lay on a guilt trip, and send me running after Kai? Because, fuck. That’s what happened.
I stopped at the bottom step, the entryway beckoning me. A pair of headlights shone outside. They were waiting for me.
“He won’t come in for you.”
This time Jonah stood behind me, a drink in hand. He was dressed much like me, in a sweatshirt, but with sweats on the bottom.
“You’ll have to go to him. He’s been notified that you changed your mind, but the decision has to be yours. Totally. He’ll wait, but not for long. He’ll go without you, so decide quick. Otherwise, the next vehicles will be leaving in six hours. We’ll take you back to your other life.”
My other life.
He was right. If I went with Kai, somehow, in some way, I would be returning to my old life. But if I stayed, even if I went back to Blade and Carol, could I really return to that world?
I’d broken my vow.
I was still breaking my vow, now actually going with the person the hider wanted away from.
But…my eyes were glued to those headlights.
I knew my decision. I felt it deep down.
I went outside.
I hadn’t ever really considered not going. I’d been fooling myself.
The door to the SUV opened. Kai sat to one side, and I got in.
The inside was warm, a slight trace of bourbon in the air.
I sat back, not meeting Kai’s gaze, and smoothed my sweaty palms down my legs.
Had I just made a mistake?
Then he placed a phone in my hand. “For you to use.”
I choked up.
I turned on the screen, saw the WiFi connected already, and knew what this really meant.
He’d just offered me real freedom.
Next he placed a pair of headphones on my lap.
Without another word, I plugged
them in, put them on, and found some music. I slid down beside him, and it wasn’t long before I fell asleep.
I felt… I didn’t want to think about how I felt.
It was a way I shouldn’t have. I knew that much.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Kai traveled via private jet.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. Privacy and security were so important to them. It made sense.
We rolled up to the plane in a private hangar and got out. There was a slight drizzle in the air, a faint smell of manure underneath. I shivered, ducking my head as we went up the ramp.
“Welcome, miss.”
The flight attendant gave me a professional smile, indicating for me to take a seat. I was surprised how big the plane was—ten people could fly with us.
I took one of the seats in the back, and one by one, the others filled with Kai’s security guards. I wondered if more guards were coming, flying separately, or if he had a whole fleet to meet us when we landed. They kept the seat across from me open.
One guess who was going to sit there.
My phone buzzed, and I opened it up.
Hey.
Me: Who is this?
Blade.
I shot a look at Kai, but his back was still turned to me as he spoke to the pilot.
Me: How did you get this number?
Blade: Your man sent me a text with the number, said you’d be using it. You’re with him for real?
Me: No. I’m with him for Brooke.
Blade: He’s brainwashed you.
I waited a second before replying, my stomach rolling over on that one.
Me: Maybe. If he hurts Brooke, I’m going to kill him.
The phone rang, and I answered, “Hey.”
“What the fuck are you doing sending that text? It’s his phone. He’s going to be monitoring your texts.”
Kai turned now and made his way back. His eyes found me, took in the phone pressed to my ear, but he had no reaction. I shifted lower in the seat, getting more comfortable.
I lowered my voice, “He knows.”
“He knows?!”
“I told him.”
Blade sighed. “I don’t know what game you’re playing with him, or if that’s what you’re doing or not. Just…be safe, okay?”
My nerves were stretched so tight, I could’ve bounced a penny off them. “Oh, I will,” I remarked as Kai took the seat across from me.
We hung up, and I busied myself picking a new song.
“You didn’t tell him we were going to New York?” Kai asked.
I paused. “It’s none of his business.”
Kai frowned, but as I had in the car, I plugged in my headphones, buckled my seatbelt, and got cozy in my chair.
“You knew I would talk to him.”
Kai shrugged. “What part of being here of your own free will means you can’t make phone calls?”
“Touché.”
He frowned, then grinned. “Touché.” Sitting back, he pulled out some papers as we taxied to take off.
Once in the air, the flight attendant began serving us drinks and food. I asked for a blanket.
“There’s a full seat in the back.” Kai gestured behind us, and through a privacy curtain, I saw he was right.
It was almost big enough for two people to sleep on.
“I know you didn’t sleep last night,” he added.
“Do you?” Why did I bait him? I grimaced. “Don’t answer that.”
He didn’t, just smiled.
I didn’t know how to handle this Kai. He was smiling. He was kind. He was…not being calculating or ruthless, or holding the seat in a death grip.
“I thought you didn’t fly,” I said.
“I don’t, if I don’t have to.” He shuffled his papers. “And fear isn’t the reason we prefer not to fly. It’s because why risk another loved one the way we already lost one?”
His eyes were steady on me. He put his papers down, turning to face me as he leaned over the aisle. His voice lowered. “I will do almost anything for my family, and if traveling by vehicle a few extra hours is it, it’s an easy choice.”
“But flying to New York…”
“A necessary evil. I don’t have the time in my schedule to drive, and like I said before, you’re an exception.” His eyes heated before sliding to the back curtain. “You don’t want to lie down?”
I was tired. I was wired. I was all of the above.
I was confused mostly.
I shrugged, holding my phone with the music. “I’m good for now.”
He nodded, sitting back. He picked up the papers. “If you change your mind, I did pick this jet specifically because of that back area for you.”
Specifically?
Wait.
“You have more than one plane?!”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Hour one, I was content.
Hour two, I was restless.
Hour three, I took the flight attendant’s offer of a drink. I needed something to settle me.
Hour four, I went to sleep on the back seat. I left my phone and headphones in the other seat, so I could hear the background buzz from the engines. Every now and then, I caught a snippet of conversation from the guards. Their murmuring settled me somehow, lulling me into sleep.
Hour five, I woke to screaming.
I jerked upright, finding the flight attendant crouched on the floor next to me. Her hands covered her head, and she’d curled almost in a ball. She raised her head, and I could see she was terrified.
“What’s going on?”
Another scream.
I scooted to the side, my heart jackhammering.
The curtain had been pulled shut, and I reached forward.
“Don’t!” she hissed, grabbing my hand. “He’ll kill us.”
“Kai?”
“No. The man.”
The man?
“You will die!”
That voice didn’t sound human. It was high-pitched and animalistic, like a cat screeching.
I slipped to the floor to see under the curtain. A wall of men stood in front of me.
What do I do here?
Fear for Kai coursed through me, but my training also kicked in. Whatever was happening, letting the man stay in control was the wrong thing to do.
I moved to the opposite side, where the attendant was crouched. She watched me, her arms shaking. Tears slid down her face as she shook her head at me.
She knew I was going to do something.
I was stupid.
Kai had security guards.
They had a better chance of handling this, but where was Kai? Had he already been hurt? How had this happened?
The curtain moved an inch, and I almost gasped when I saw one of the guards watching me. He shook his head too. His face was deadly serious.
I mouthed to him, “What’s going on?”
He shook his head, closing the curtain.
“—you want.”
That was Kai. Some of my fear eased, just a bit.
“I want you to die!” Another strangled scream.
He must have a gun or a weapon if they weren’t rushing him. God. What weapon? Was it pointed at Kai?
“I know, but there are people on this plane who don’t deserve to die this way.”
“That’s where you’re wrong! YOU’RE WRONG! They all deserve to die. They work for you. They should all perish. It’s been deemed. YOU.”
A thud.
“MUST.”
Another thud. I could feel his footsteps through the plane.
“DIE!”
There was a rush of thuds, as if he ran forward or someone ran at him.
I looked under the curtain, my heart in my throat, and the wall of men was gone.
Jumping up, I peered through to make sure, and I was right. They’d all rushed him.
“No, no.” A clammy hand grabbed my arm. The attendant tried to pull me back. “Don’t go out there. Please.”
“AGH!”
&n
bsp; I’d never forget that sound. It was like the bleating of an animal dying slowly, asking for help in its last moments of life.
I didn’t think.
I tore my hand away from hers and rushed out, going to my seat and huddling down for cover. I could peer around it, just one eyeball.
The men were on top of a guy I didn’t recognize. His skin had a green tinge to it, soaked from sweat, and his eyes were wild. One guard held a gun, just by the end, and two others patted the man down.
Kai stood over him, staring.
I recognized that set in Kai’s shoulders. I knew what it meant. He was furious. But he was keeping it reined in.
One of the guards looked up at Kai. He gave him a firm nod as both of them stepped back. The others who had been pinning the man down stepped back too. All of them gave him a wide berth until only the man and Kai were left in the center of the plane.
Slowly, so slowly, Kai reached over and took the gun from his guard.
The man’s eyes darted from it to Kai. They were almost vibrating in his head.
His lips parted. “What—what are you doing?”
That’s when I saw that Kai had gloves on. And he was wearing a jacket, not one I recognized from before.
The man didn’t have a jacket. He wore just a shirt.
A sick feeling rose in me.
Kai was wearing that man’s jacket.
He had gloves on.
He was holding that man’s gun.
“This is the third time you’ve tried to kill me and my men,” Kai said calmly.
What? Shivers went up my spine. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.
“The first time, you went to prison. I let the police handle you.”
Kai’s hand fit around that gun like his own glove, like he’d been holding guns since he was three, like it was second nature to him.
“The second time, you went to a psychiatric hospital,” he continued.
The guy began crying, shaking his head, moaning. He crouched down, covering his head with his hands the way the flight attendant had been moments earlier. He rocked back and forth on his heels.
“No. No. Please, no,” he repeated. “Don’t do this.”
Kai crouched down close to him. “You lost your family to a drug deal. You blame me for those drugs. I took pity on you. I understand how grief can make you do bad things. I gave you mercy the first time, and the second time my sister pleaded on your behalf. She knew your wife, said you were a good man. You were a janitor at a hospital where she volunteered. My brother remembered you too, said you were a good worker there. That was the last time.”
