The tension in the room seems to lift a little now that we have plans, but I still can’t help but feel we’re missing something.
ChapterTwenty-One
Harlow
While Jaxon called Chris and told him to have the plane ready, I managed to catch a glimpse of the clock when we were upstairs. It’s five in the evening.
Of course, we did manage to get some valuable information from Peter and Patricia’s next argument: I was coming along as insurance for Jaxon’s behavior and my hostage potential, they were still undecided about using me for this baby-making plan, the will named Dragos as the heir, and yes, there was that pesky bloodline stipulation keeping Peter away from all of his hopes and dreams. It also apparently named a couple more properties that the trust had known nothing about, one in Russia and an island off the coast of Greece.
They’ve circled back to arguing about the baby plan when the hatch slams down over us again.
I’m standing there, staring up at the now closed hatch, trying to listen in on their argument, when Jaxon’s arms snake around my waist. My back is tugged against his front as he nuzzles past my hair into my neck.
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” he whispers, and my hands come up to cover his as I lean my neck to the side.
“Yes, but it’s always nice to hear it. I’ll never get sick of it,” I tell him before turning around and winding my arms around his neck. “And if we ever get out of here, I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you how much. You and your brothers are going to be the most loved men in the world,” I promise him.
His lips meet mine, and we kiss, blocking out everything else around us, just enjoying the moment for ourselves. A small moment of peace in a chaotic and stressful world.
“You know it’s my birthday in a couple of weeks,” he says, not pulling his lips away from mine.
“Really, so is mine. When’s yours?” I ask. This time I pull away so I can look at him, his handsome face staring down at me with such love.
“October thirty-first. Jacinta and I are Halloween babies. Mom used to call us her little monsters when she was in a good mood.” My mouth drops open in surprise, and I gape at him. “What?” he asks.
“So is mine! That’s pretty cool.”
He beams at me. “Holden and Hope usually throw a star-studded Halloween party at one of our clubs, but what about if you and I went out to dinner and then back to my place in the city for a little bit of our own costume party?” His voice drops in a way that’s all seduction, and my body shivers for an entirely good reason.
“That sounds acceptable,” I tell him calmly, not wanting to show him how thrilled I am about going on a date with him. This has all happened so fast, and apart from my zoo date with Thomas, none of us have really done this the traditional way. Inwardly, I’m screaming and jumping up and down like an excited teenage girl. But then a thump upstairs breaks into my reality, and all that excitement drains away. “Providing we all get out of here alive.”
“I have no doubt that we will. Have faith in our brother and his friend. Jake and Thomas know what they're doing. They’ll find us. And we’re about to go to them. They're not stupid enough to fall for the plane thing even though Peter and Patricia are stupid enough to think they will.” He keeps his forehead pressed against mine. “They’re going to have to leave soon. I heard Peter say it’s a an hour drive back to our place. If we get separated, be careful. Make sure you come back to me.”
“I’m not sure how they think they're going to get past the security on the property. Surely they know they're there.” I snuggle into his chest, leaning my head against him.
“I don't know either, unless they’re going to shoot their way through. But that will probably attract more attention than they want.”
“From who?” I scoff. “There’s no one around for miles. Chuck and Melinda are Dad’s closest neighbors, and they’re still a long way away. And I really don't want them caught in the crossfire either.”
“Hopefully, no one is home when they get there. If they’re smart enough to realize the flight plan is bogus, they’ll have a contingency in place—maybe agents planted around the property or something. Or maybe everyone will decide to go to the airport so that the house is empty and everyone is safe. I don't care if they get the codes. I care about my family.” His voice starts to break on that last word, making his distress clear, and I feel the same way. I’ve never had too much family to care about in the past, but now that I’ve got them, I want to make sure that they’re safe.
Upstairs, Peter and Patricia go quiet. They’ve obviously come to a decision because the hatch opens again. “Harlow, get your ass up here,” Peter demands.
“No, take me!” Jaxon pushes me behind him, which doesn’t make me feel any better. I don’t want him sacrificing himself for me, no matter how noble he might think he’s being. A dead white knight does nothing for me. I need him alive, damn it.
“Move, Jaxon, or I’ll shoot you,” Peter says to him.
“You need me.” Jaxon snaps back. “You won’t shoot me.”
“Do I? Or should I just take your sexy sister while we’re getting the codes? I’m sure it won’t be too hard to have her around.”
My stomach lurches, and I reach my hand out, pressing it against Jaxon’s back. “Don’t, babe. They need both of us. We don't want to drag Jacinta back into this. I’ll go.” Even though I know the rational part of him would agree, I physically have to move him out the way. Poor Jaxon, such a hard decision—me or his sister. It’s better that I take that choice out of his hands.
But Jaxon won’t listen. He pushes me to the side and lunges for Peter. I don’t know what’s louder, my scream or the sound of the gun going off in Peter’s hand.
Jaxon reels backward, his mouth open in shock as he looks down at his chest. A dark stain spreads out before he goes down on one knee. I lunge for him, but Peter grabs my arm, holding me back. All I can do is watch, practically hypnotized by the sight of my lover on the ground, blood bubbling out with each cough and exhale.
“No!” I scream, thrashing against Peter, but he has too strong of a hold on me.
