"Okay." Emilia dabs it under her nose. Millie stirs and hugs Emilia tighter.
"I'm going to need to act like I'm claiming Julieta for the night. The cameras on the plane will record it, so no one knows she is missing or went with us willingly," Gustave says. "Make sure she reads the note."
The car stops. A plane is waiting on the runway. Julieta is speaking to who I guess is the pilot. She turns and gets on the plane. The pilot stays outside.
"Let's go," Gustave orders.
We get out of the car, and I motion for Emilia to go first. She carries Millie. The pink and purple blanket covers Millie so all you see are her pink shoes.
Gustave makes small talk with the pilot, and I barely hear them.
I watch ma belle speak with Julieta at the entrance, and I go in.
"This is my baby girl, Darcey, and my husband, Malin," Emilia says in a French accent then she turns to me. "Where is your brother, Gustave?"
I kiss Emilia on the cheek. In a thick, French accent, I reply, "Talking to the pilot. Let's get inside, Emilia."
Emilia moves to a seat, and I hold out my hand. "Nice to meet you"—I focus on her name tag—"Julieta."
She tries to contain her bewildered expression, but I can only imagine what is going through her mind.
Gustave enters the plane with the pilot behind him.
"Yes. Nice to meet you," Julieta replies.
I pass her and sit in the back, away from Emilia. Gustave comes and sits next to me.
Julieta takes our drink orders. She returns with glasses of Bordeaux. Gustave licks his lips and pats her ass when she turns.
She freezes, and my gut drops.
It's necessary, what Gustave is doing, but I hate it. Julieta has been through enough and doesn't deserve anyone mistreating her.
She returns to the front of the plane where Emilia sits. After a moment, she takes a seat. Emilia says something to her.
Julieta rises and glances back toward us. Gustave winks at her. She closes her eyes and looks like she might get sick.
The flight takes over four hours. Throughout it, Gustave gets handsier.
The bell rings, and she informs us to get ready for landing. Instead of putting his belt on, Gustave walks to the front. Julieta nervously glances at Emilia then Gustave.
He puts an arm around her waist and declares, "When we land, you're coming with me."
"I'm sorry?" she gasps.
"I need company tonight. You'll do."
Julieta looks petrified, and my gut twists.
He leans into her ear, says something, then palms her ass.
She pushes his chest, and he backs her up against the wall. "Do you need consequences of disobeying a Global Leader?"
A tear falls down her cheek. She cries out, "No. Please don't. I'll go with you."
He presses his body to hers and warns, "If you fight me again, there will be. Understand?"
She nods. "Yes, sir."
He releases her and returns to his seat next to me.
The plane lands. Emilia and I leave with Millie and get into the car waiting on the runway. Gustave stays on the plane for several minutes.
Emilia looks at me, worried. I'm not sure if it's safe to talk yet or not. I pull her closer to me.
Come on, Julieta. Go with Gustave.
Julieta and Gustave walk down the steps. The driver opens the door, and they get in across from us.
Gustave turns to Julieta. "Are you okay? I'm sorry I had to scare you."
"Yes."
"You and I are getting on a flight to Bermuda with Millie. I will drop you off to safety."
"Why aren't you two going?" Julieta asks Emilia and me.
I pull Emilia closer. "We can't get into details."
Emilia hands Julieta the note. "Give this to my sister."
Julieta puts it in her pocket and new tears form. "Ryker is at Jonas Torres's compound. If he isn't rescued soon, and they find out I'm gone, he will die."
"We know. Tell Andre. He will know what to do," I direct her.
"It will be known you are with me," Gustave replies. "Do not worry about Ryker. They will think I claimed you for my pleasure."
"Who are you?" she asks.
"I'm a Global Leader."
She scoots away from him, full of fear.
"I'm only part of them to try and stop them," Gustave explains.
"You can trust him," I assure her.
"You can," Emilia insists.
"Okay, sorry," Julieta says.
Gustave smiles. "It's all right. You have a right to be scared."
"We can't help Ryker right now. Tell Andre, and he'll know what to do," I reiterate.
"Does Millie always sleep this soundly?" Julieta asks.