Why has this place not been his go-to when it comes to holding parties and events with the social elites of New York City?
I pick up my jaw as he ushers us inside the incredibly tall building that’s shaped like a pencil reaching for the sky. The inside of Holt’s building is decked out in sharp lines of marble and chrome accents. He pulls me behind him, never allowing my hand to slip from his as he waves to the door attendant, then heads straight for the glaringly shiny elevator. We ride it to the top floor. Once the doors open, we’re on the roof.
The view from here takes my breath away, and I barely have time to take it in before Holt is pulling me toward the open, waiting helicopter.
“Holt.” I grind his name out slow and low, my stomach fluttering with nerves. “What are we doing?”
“We need to take my helicopter to get to where we’re going,” he says over his shoulder. “Beats sitting in traffic. Plus, the view is better.”
The gravel under my heels crunches before I’m met with solid, smooth black tarmac. I tug on his hand to try and slow down his oddly quick pace.
“Wait, Holt.” I squeeze his hand harder just outside the open helicopter door. There are two open seats in the back, with a headset hanging above each one. The pilot sits in front, adjusting knobs and switches.
Holt stops and spins around. His blue eyes immediately find mine, his hand still wrapped around mine. “What is it?”
I dart my attention between him and the helicopter. My stomach is queasy. “I don’t know.”
Nerves overtake me, and I finger my necklace, rolling the gem between my fingertips. Finally, Holt pulls his hand from mine, but he places it over mine holding my necklace.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Selene.”
An odd sensation comes over me. I can’t explain it other than Holt seems to have the ability to peer into my soul in this exact moment. He knows what my mind is thinking before I’ve even said it out loud. Strange, considering we’ve spent more time together in the past hour than over the years we’ve known each other. This Holt is completely different from the one I’ve always known. This one is intuitive and patient. Kinder, even.
“I’ve never flown in a helicopter,” I admit.
The corner of his mouth lifts, and he chuckles, slipping his hand easily into mine.
I want to kiss him again. It’s crazy and maniacal. Completely irrational.
His eyebrows rise. “There’s a first time for everything, right?”
“Yeah, but…” I blink.
“You’re safe with me, Selene.”
I press my mouth together and surprise myself when I nod once in agreement.
My grandmother would be so proud.
Holt helps me inside, then follows behind. Once I slide into my seat, I look around, taking in the number of knobs, buttons, and switches. It’s all too much and confusing as fuck. How is it possible to need this many controls?
“Are you sure this is safe?” I shiver. “I know you said it was outside, but now we’re here…”
Holt reaches across my lap for my belt. He buckles me in as if he’s done this a million times. The buckle clicks, and he’s tugging on the straps, pulling them tightly across my body. Then he reaches up to the headset and places it carefully on my head.
Everything about him surrounds me again. His scent, his presence, his shining blue eyes. Nerves shoot down my spine as he smiles. He won’t stop smiling at me.
“I meant what I said. You’re safe as long as you’re with me.”
I scoff. “Not if something goes wrong. Then we’re both fucked.”
“What do you think is going to happen?”
“I don’t know.” I wave my hand in the air. “Have you ever watched the news? A bird could fly into the propeller. The engine could malfunction, then we’re suddenly crashing into a bridge or the Hudson in a raging ball of fire.”
Holt stiffens, staring at me with amusement in his eyes.
“What?” I scowl.
