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He remained patient with her, allowing her to free her emotions any way she preferred.

Britain was beginning the cycle.

A FEW DAYS LATER

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY

Britain gazed out of the dark tinted window watching as the scenery breezed past her. She was trying her best to take in everything since she and Priest were set to leave in just a few minutes. Priest could sense her distant mind, which resulted in him reaching over and placing his hand on her knee.

"She's gonna call,Gioia,"he attempted to assure her with a light smile.

Britain nodded her head as she turned her attention down to her hands and nervously fiddled with her ring. She was having a hard time being fully okay with leaving. Seven had been distant for the past few days, and Britain felt it wouldn't be okay to relocate all the way to Italy without saying goodbye to her mother. She knew the last conversation they had with each other wasn't the best, but she was ready move on from it.

Seven and Britain would always have different perceptions of Priest, and nothing could ever change that. She no longer wanted to fight with her mother about it. She was in need of one of her mother's spiraling lectures and outrageous jokes right about now or she was bound to freak out about her new life while on the plane.

"She isn't going to call, Priest," she murmured with a defeated sigh. "I should probably just get over it."

"How are you so sure?" Priest raised his brow.

She followed with a scoff. "This isSeven Jewelwe're talking about." She rolled her eyes with a deep-rooted annoyance. "She's held a grudge against Remy for twenty-something years. I think she could do the same with me.”

"She doesn't have a grudge against you,Gioia.”

This time, Britain was the one who was raising a brow. "How are you so sure?" she asked Priest in the same tone he used when he questioned her.

"You're her daughter, Brit. She can't live without you," he asserted with a great amount of confidence. He had gotten the scolding wrath of anger from both Remy and Seven about having their daughter so close to the line of danger.Seven was much harder than Jeremy, but they both made it very clear that Britain wasn't a subject they took lightly. Seven cared for her daughter more than anything, but there were just certain things and life choices she couldn't stand for.

Britain shook her head, amused by how oblivious Priest was about who her mother truly was. "Seven could live without anyone, P. All she needs is her medical license and a hospital."

Priest chuckled, finding Britain overly dramatic. "She cares for you more than her work, Brit."

Britain grabbed ahold of her phone that lay beside her on the seat. The screen lit up, displaying no missed calls or texts from her mother. She released a heavy sigh with a shrug. "We'll see."

Priest lifted her hand from her lap, bringing it up to his lips. "You'll be alright. You're stronger than me, remember?"

She chuckled at the way he underestimated his own strength. "You have your strengths, and I have mine." She waved him off like she always would. "Your strengths are definitely physical because I don't think I could handle being shot."

He laughed as he agreed with her. "Always trying to clown me." He shook his head, nudging her head slightly.

The two shared jokes back and forth during the drive to the ramp. Once they got to the gates, Cyro spoke to security, who allowed them access beyond the gates. Britain felt a deep heaviness weigh on her as she looked out the window at the multiple privately owned aircrafts. The last time she and Priest were at the ramp, they ended up enjoying a romantic helicopter ride over the city. This time was much different. They were set to endure a lengthy eight-hour flight that would take them from New Jersey to Italy.

Cyro slowly eased the car to a stop as they approached the private jet. It was the first time Britain had ever laid eyes on one, so it definitely brought left her in awe. Priest exited the vehicle, making his way around to assist her out.

Once she stepped out, she was a bit confused by the sight of two other SUVs close behind. She hadn't even noticed that they were being followed. Unsure of who was in the vehicles, she clenched Priest's hand in hers, pulling him closer out of fear.

"Relax," he said lowly into her ear, causing her tense shoulders to loosen up.

She watched as the rear doors of SUVs opened once they both came to a stop. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of Jazzy, J'Ru, Kaymen, and Remy exiting the vehicles. "You really thought we wouldn't see y'all off?!" J'Ru called out with a smirk.

Britain's face heated up as her smile grew wider. She had been feeling a bit uneasy about leaving without what she considered a proper goodbye from everyone. In order to get to Italy at a moderate time, Priest had called for the flight to be scheduled a bit early, so they got on the road without passing any of their friends’ and family members’ places.

Britain released Priest's hand as she made her way over to her father, who was awaiting her with open arms. Britain fell into her father’s embrace, feeling that immediate sense of security.

"You're going to be alright," Remy asserted lowly as he sat a kiss on the top of her head. "I don't care how far away you're about to be, make sure you call your old man whenever you need me. I'll drive to Italy if I have to."

A laugh aired out of Britain as she nodded her head. She had tried her best to keep from crying, but saying goodbye was always hard for her. "I love you, Dad." Britain held him tighter as she rested her head on his chest.

"Love you too, Brit," he sighed. "More than you will ever know."