Rio gave her a subtle nod, his expression tender. This wasn’t just about escape anymore.
It was the beginning of something entirely new. The black SUV rolled to a smooth stop on the private runway, the night air warm and still. A sleek silver jet
Sat waiting on the tarmac, its lights glowing like something out of a dream. A flight attendant in a tailored uniform stood at the bottom of the steps, smiling warmly as they approached.
Kylee stepped out first, holding Kayla on her hip. Jake Jr. and Macy climbed out behind her, their eyes wide, mouths parted in awe.
“Whoa…” Jake Jr. whispered. “It’s huge.”
Macy gripped Kylee’s free hand, the stuffed unicorn dangling from her other. “Are we going in that, Mommy?”
“We are, baby,” Kylee said, smoothing Macy’s hair. “It’s okay, it’s safe. We’re all together.”
Rio came around the vehicle and placed a steadying hand on Kylee’s back. “You good?”
She nodded, though the tears threatened again. Not the frantic, desperate ones this time just quiet disbelief that this was real. That she was getting out. That someone had shown up for her, and kept showing up.
The pilot stepped forward to greet them, shaking Rio’s hand and nodding to Kylee with quiet professionalism. A staff member took their bags, assuring her they’d be loaded right away.
“Alright, let’s go meet your feast,” Rio said with a grin to Jake Jr., who pumped a fist in the air and darted toward the steps.
“Be careful!” Kylee called out, her nerves catching.
Kylee climbed the steps slowly, Macy at her side, her arms sore from holding Kayla but her heart fuller than it had been in weeks.
Inside, the cabin was warm and luxurious cream leather seats, soft lighting, and a table already set with a tray of kid-friendly snacks, drinks, and even pizza.
Jake Jr. shouted, “Best. Day. Ever!” before diving into a seat and grabbing a slice.
Macy climbed into a seat next to him and leaned close to whisper, “We’re flying like princesses.”
Kylee set Kayla down gently in the bassinet the crew had already prepared. She lingered for a second, brushing her daughter’s tiny curls back before turning around.
Rio was watching her. His expression was soft, serious. “You okay?” he asked again.
Kylee walked toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He didn’t hesitate his arms came around her instantly.
“I don’t know how I got here,” she whispered into his chest. “But thank you for not letting me fall apart.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You didn’t fall apart. You chose to fly.”
And with that, the jet doors closed. And a brand-new chapter began. The hum of the jet engines lulled the cabin into a soft stillness.
Jake Jr. was finally dozing off in one of the reclining seats, a blanket tucked up under his chin and a few pizza crumbs still stuck to the corner of his mouth. Macy had curled up next to him with her unicorn, her breathing slow and steady. Kayla slept soundly in the small bassinet nearby, her little hands fisted against her cheeks.
Kylee sat watching them, overwhelmed with emotion. Safety. Quiet. For the first time in what felt like forever. She didn’t realize Rio had been watching her until he leaned over and whispered low against her ear, “Meet me in the back bathroom.” She looked up at him, startled. He gave her a small, devilish smirk. “Just for a minute. Promise.”
The bathroom at the rear of the jet was larger than she expected. Dimly lit, sleek, with marble trim and enough room to move. Rio was already waiting, his hand tugging her inside gently before locking the door behind her. He didn’t say a word. Just looked at
Her. And then he kissed her. Not rough. Not urgent. Just deep, slow, and full of everything they hadn’t said out loud yet relief, want, tenderness, and the weight of what they’d just escaped.
She melted into it, into him, her hands fisting into the collar of his jacket. His touch moved to her waist, then up her back, holding her so tightly it felt like he was afraid she might disappear.
“You’ve had a rough day,” Rio murmured, his voice low and velvety. “Let me take care of you.”
Before she could respond, he lifted her with ease, setting her on the counter of the sink. His strength always surprised her, even though she knew how capable he was. His hands slid up herthighs, pushing her leggings down, and she trembled under his touch. Rio didn’t waste time; he knelt before her, his face inches from where she needed him most.
“Rio,” she whispered, her voice trembling as much as her body. But he didn’t answer. He just hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and pulled them down slowly, letting the cool air kiss her bare skin. Her breath hitched when his eyes locked onto hers, dark and hungry, before he leaned in.
