Page 118 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“We are all getting into it,” Lucian counters, his voice calm, as if everyone flies off a skyscraper.

“You know those things are held in the air by optimism, right?”

Caleb laughs. “I believe it’s called aerodynamics.”

“That sounds suspiciously theoretical.”

The pilot walks over, easy smile, no rush. “Good morning. I’m Ben. I’ll be flying you out today. First time?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“You’re looking at it like it insulted your family.”

“I feel like it has.”

Ben grins. “Clear morning. I’ll talk you through the hop if that helps.” He opens the door, and when I narrow my gaze at the machine as if it needs to convince me, he adds, “She’s steadier than she looks.”

I glance at Lucian, then Caleb. They’re waiting patiently, but a small smile tugs at Lucian’s lips.

Ben gives us the abbreviated version of what I assume is a much longer safety briefing—where to walk, what not to touch, how the headsets work, and several warnings involving the rotors that I would prefer not to dwell on.

One of the ground crew members opens the rear door.

Lucian gestures for me to go ahead.

I look at the helicopter, then at him. “So I die first?”

“So you get the best view.”

For once, the answer steals my argument.

Even with the rotors still, I instinctively duck as I cross the helipad.

“You don’t have to crouch yet,” Caleb says behind me.

“I prefer unnecessary caution to premature decapitation.”

His laughter follows me as I climb inside and slide into the rear seat.

Caleb settles beside me while Lucian takes the other side. Then they help me fit my headset.

“You okay?” Caleb asks.

I wrinkle my nose. “I haven’t decided.”

“We can abandon this at any point.”

I exhale, looking back at the open door at the rooftop. If I say yes, they will let me step out. The knowledge makes it easier for me to stay. “I’m willing to give it a try.”

The helicopter doors close, and a vibration passes through the seat as the rotors begin moving overhead.

The noise builds, and then the headset shuts most of it away.

Despite my attempts to be brave, I curve my fingers against the seat.

Caleb covers one hand with his. Lucian closes his fingers around the other.

Then suddenly my stomach drops as the rooftop falls away beneath us. “Oh God.”