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