Rhett, on my other side, snorted out a laugh. “For the story of the century—first glimpse of Bellerose since the second tragedy that canceled a tour—they might take a few extra risks.”
Thankfully, no one did get run over, most of them diving out of the way of the speeding SUV. I glimpsed a few signs being held by legitimate fans, and it was all words of support.
We love you Bellerose.
Save and protect our Bellerose.
Jace, marry me, and I’ll shoot the bastards.
Had to admit, that last one made me laugh. Though the best part was the heavyset, bearded man holding the sign and wearing aJace Babycropped t-shirt. It was funny enough to leave a lingering grin on my lips, even if I would be the one doing the shooting if someone else tried to marry Jace. Or any of my boys.
Mine.Yep, greedy as that might be, now that I knew who owned my heart and completed my soul, I’d be holding onto them with everything I had.
The trip to the airfield was fast, and as the car deposited us right beside the private plane, we found Vee and Giana standing at the base of the steps waiting for us.
I’d never met Giana before, but I knew it was her before she even stepped forward, dressed casually in designer jeans, boots, and a tank with a caramel jacket draped over her shoulders. She was as tall and statuesque as Vee, with dark blonde hair stylishly cut to sit just above her shoulders. Her skin was a golden brown, her eyes dark, and when she smiled, it lit up her entire face. It was the sort of smile that had me smiling in return.
“It’s so wonderful to meet you,” she purred with just a hint of an accent as she shook my hand. As soon as she released it, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me like we were long lost friends. “Valentina has talked about you so often I feel as if I know you.”
I laughed as I replied. “I feel the same way. It’s really nice to meet you.”
Vee stepped in next, looking hesitant, and I made the first move to smile her way. “Glad you could make it,” I said softly. “Did you get a chance to check the plane over?”
She returned that smile, relaxing slightly. She was wearing black jeans, a white button-down shirt that made her red hair stand out brilliantly, and similar boots to Giana. “Everything is safe and ready to go. I’ve sent my people off to their flight, and we’ll rendezvous in America.”
“Let’s do it, then.”
I was ready to get home. Ready to get Angel back.
On the plane, I chose to sit next to Grayson. He didn’t show any surprise by that, even as Jace and Rhett took the seats across the aisle from us. Including all the pre-takeoff checks and a quick drink, we were in the air in about thirty minutes.
Grayson turned in his chair and shot me a slow smirk. “Okay, Prickles. Out with it. What do you need from me?”
Well, wasn’t that a loaded question. Something must have tipped him off to the carnal images playing in my mind because the deep brown of his eyes darkened and his stare grew heated. “Thatyou’ll get whenever you need it,” he rumbled, leaning in closer. “But I also know you’re sitting next to me right now for another reason.”
He was correct. I should have known that just because he didn’t show any reaction to me sitting with him, it didn’t mean he hadn’t picked up on the strange vibes I was throwing out there.
“I need you to take me shooting again.” I said it quickly, prepared with all my arguments for when he refused.
“Great idea,” Grayson said, and I blinked at him.
“Sorry, what?”
His laugh was a soft, spine-tingling sound that aroused basically every sense in my damn body.
“Learning to protect yourself fully is an excellent idea. I don’t trust anyone else to ensure you’re competent with a gun. Not just competent, but comfortable. A lot of gun accidents happen when people are scared of their own weapon.”
Guns did scare me. I couldn’t imagine ever getting truly comfortable with one in my hand, but hopefully, I’d at least get a little better.
“So, no argument?” I double-checked.
Grayson continued to smile, and it was so disconcerting. “Absolutely no argument from me. We can start the day after we get home.”
Okay then.
I relaxed into my chair for a split second before he added, “Just as long as you understand there’s not a hope in hell that you’ll be on the docks when we rescue Angelo.”
Swinging around, I leveled him with my glariest glare, and he just laughed again.
