repeated with a look at Ramsey.
“Am I allowed to refuse his contract?” I asked.
“Of course,” Gen said. “If you refuse his contract, you will come back here and continue with the training program like we had originally planned. Nothing changes.”
“No, I mean, am I allowed to refuse right now? And not even fly to New York to meet with him?”
Ramsey glanced at Gen and then back to me and said, “I don’t normally discuss our clients, but I know Hadrian personally. He’s a man of his word—in all regards. You want to meet with him. Trust me on that.”
“I don’t trust anybody,” I said before I could hold it back. “You’re vouching for Hadrian, but you said you know him personally. Does that mean you’re going to tell him who I am…tell him about my past?”
“No. You’re a Rex girl, and the rules don’t get bent for anyone, not even Hadrian. Meet with him and then decide. What do you have to lose?”
Chapter Thirteen
“Would you like another glass of champagne, ma’am?” the flight attendant asked with a pleasant smile.
“No, thank you, I’m fine. Just a glass of water, please.”
She nodded and scooped up the empty champagne flute and moved through the rest of the empty cabin of the private aircraft.
It was only my second time on an airplane, and I was being flown on a private jet to New York City to meet with a man I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I could grow used to this.
Two hours after my meeting with Ramsey and Gen, I was on my way to the airport in the back seat of a jet-black Mercedes Maybach with a driver dressed in a bespoke suit, and a new ID and social security card in my purse.
I had become Eden Smith. They’d come through for me.
The Great and Powerful Rex.
I didn’t take any luggage—not that I had any appropriate clothes to pack anyway, and Gen had assured me my wardrobe would be taken care of when I got to New York. A woman named Elodie would greet me at The Manhattan Rex.
“She’s the New York version of me,” Gen had explained. “You can take her into your confidence, and you can discuss with her anything you would discuss with me.”
Before takeoff, I remembered to text Tiffany and quickly filled her in on the fact that I was leaving for New York. I hated that we wouldn’t have a goodbye dinner before she flew to London, but she understood.
The champagne fizzed in my blood. Or maybe it was excitement. I couldn’t tell which.
I’d tried to play it cool in front of Gen and Ramsey, but inwardly, I was warring with myself. Yes, I wanted to see Hadrian again. Of course I did. Our night together had been spectacular. But the other part of me didn’t think it was a good idea. I could already feel my clear-headed judgement clouding.
Curiosity had gotten the better of me. After I heard his demands in New York, I could still walk away and return to The Rex.
“We’ll be landing soon,” the flight attendant said, startling me out of my thoughts.
I lifted the slat on the window and peered through the white clouds. Before I knew it, we were descending. I stepped down the ladder of the aircraft directly onto the tarmac and saw another Maybach waiting for me. The driver stood by the open rear passenger door.
“Ms. Smith,” he greeted.
“Hello.”
“I’m Kent. I’ll be driving you to The Rex. Get comfortable, and please, let me know if there is anything you need. There are drinks and snacks in the back for you.”
After I scooted in, he closed the door. I looked around at the luxurious interior as the driver climbed into his seat up front.
As we sped away, my eyes were glued to the stretches of dirty highway, busy billboards, and the New York City skyline. Traffic flowed despite the numerous cars on the road. Kent didn’t attempt to talk to me, which I appreciated. The silence was welcome, and I was able to think in relative solitude.
When we pulled up to the curb of The Manhattan Rex almost an hour later, a hotel doorman opened the car door.
The Dallas Rex Hotel had nothing on its Manhattan sister. Though they were similar in decor, there was something unique about the New York location.
Maybe it was the city. Maybe it was the overall energy, the frenetic pace of life here. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Though it was familiar to me because