“I like to keep you on your toes,” he murmurs against my neck. “But you know I’d never let anything happen to you.”
“And how are you gonna stop a plane from falling out of the sky if the engines fall off?” I ask, turning in his grip and quirking a brow.
“I’ll find a way,” he replies without missing a beat. “There are parachutes on the jet. I’ll strap you into one myself if we have to ditch midair.”
“Great, except I don’t know how to use a parachute,” I deadpan.
Colt blows out a slow breath, trying not to laugh. “Baby, I give you the tools to survive. What you do with them is up to you. I’m just one man. I can only do so much.”
I smack his chest lightly, and he fakes a wince.
“So much for never letting anything happen to me,” I tease.
He steps in close again, all humor gone from his face as his hand cups my cheek. “You know I’d do anything to protect you, Dee. Jet or no jet. I’d fight through hell for you.” That sincerity in his voice makes my chest ache.
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I know,” I whisper. “And I’d do the same for you.”
“Good. Then let’s get the hell out of here and start our forever.”
He takes my hand and leads me to the Hummer, where I freeze slightly when I spot three unfamiliar men in black suits already inside. My gaze snaps to Colt’s, but he nods, calm and steady.
“Security for the airport,” he says, confirming my guess.
I exhale a shaky breath. It eases my nerves knowing we’ll have extra muscle with us—three big guys plus Dave driving. If anything kicks off, we’ll be ready.
When we pull up at the terminal, both Colt and I are wearing hoodies and sunglasses. But the tension is already crawling up my spine. I haven’t stepped into the real world since theaccident, since those crazy minions lost their damn minds and nearly got me killed.
I try to focus on Colt’s hand in mine, the warmth of it grounding me, strong and steady. The second we step inside, we’re ushered toward the private VIP terminal. The guards keep close, matching our pace step for step. I keep my head down, Colt’s fingers tightly laced with mine, but my stomach’s in knots. We round a corner, and that’s when it hits me.
People.
Everywhere.
I stop dead in my tracks, heart stalling in my chest.
Colt glances back and mutters under his breath. “Fuck.”
Dave approaches quickly. “Mr. Slade, I can take the luggage if you want to hold onto Mrs. Slade.”
“Yes. Thanks, Dave,” Colt says quickly. He turns me to face him, and immediately the security team moves into position—one behind us, two flanking either side, with Dave out front.
My hands tremble. My heart thuds so violently I feel it in my ears. I can’t breathe. I can’t—
“They probably won’t recognize us unless we push through,” Colt says low, his voice barely a whisper. “Don’t let go of me. No matter what. I’ve got you.” He kisses me quickly, and his brows draw in when he sees my lip tremble. My mind flashes back to screaming girls, rough hands, the street, the van—
Oh God!I gasp and press a palm to my stomach. One single tear escapes before I can stop it.
Colt’s hand covers mine instantly, his palm strong and firm. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ve got you,” he whispers, then leans down and lifts me effortlessly into his arms. I cling to him like a lifeline, wrapping my arms around his neck so tight he probably can’t breathe, but I can’t let go. I won’t.
“I’m sorry I’m so weak,” I whisper against his skin.
“You’re not weak, Dee,” he growls. “You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever known. This shit’s hard for both of us. But you come first. Always. You ready to do this?”
I nod against his chest because I don’t trust my voice to work.
“Okay. Guys, stay close,” Colt orders, and the guards all nod. Dave grabs the luggage and falls into step. Colt begins the walk forward, carrying me like I weigh nothing. His heart beats fast beneath my cheek.
Then it happens.
