Page 49 of Ever After
“The list of passengers on this flight. Winston ran a background on everyone, make sure there is no one that raises any flags… except…”
My heart jumps, and a rush of fear settles into my bones. “Except, what?”
“Juan Garcia. What the fuck is he doing on this plane?” He hunches over, his arms resting on his knees as he stares at his screen.
“Who’s Juan Garcia?” My voice shakes as I ask.
He puts his glasses on. “One of the assholes that was at the showing with me.” He looks around the gate, searching for the unknown man. “Finley, I need you to pretend you’re my secretary if we see him. Don’t ask questions, don’t spend time looking at him, and don’t speak. I don’t want anything to tip him off.”
“Okay.”
Breathe in. Breathe out.Everything is going to be fine. Grayson is here.I focus on my coffee and my breathing. The last thing I need is to have a panic attack in an airport and draw attention to us. I want to take his hand, or link my arm with him, any kind of touch to comfort me, but I’m afraid to.
“I’m scared.”
“It’s all right, babe. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. Just breathe for me, okay?”
I nod and take another sip of my coffee. Grayson’s fear rolls off him in waves, and I keep fidgeting in my seat. I feel so alone without his touch and comfort.
“Chase?” His accent is thick and Spanish.
My heart pounds in my ears. Breathe. Just breathe. He doesn’t know who you are.
“Juan, nice to see you,” Grayson replies.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Grayson
I stand and shake the man’s hand. “What are you doing here?”
“I have some business in New York, but I’ll be back in time for the auction.” He smiles, and I fight the urge to grimace at him. “What about you?”
I glance back at Finley and see her shiver. I want to reach down and touch her, give her some sort of comfort, but it would give us away.
“I’m heading home. The merchandise I had my eye on fell through. Looks like she won’t be available this month, and my business in Chicago’s done.”
“Oh, yes, I heard there have been some,” he takes a breath, “complications.” He looks down at Finley, who is staring at her feet, trying to seem uninterested. Her shoulders are up by her ears, and her body is stiff. “Who’s this?” He licks his lips.
“This is my secretary, Abigail.” She looks up and gives the man a small wave before focusing her attention elsewhere.
He lowers his voice. “Pity, I like redheads. They’re such fun.”
“Yeah, well, this one’s not for sale. It was nice to see you. Abigail and I have some business we need to complete before we board the plane. Have a safe flight.” I sit down and pull my laptop from the bag, ending the conversation. His eyes roam over Finley, and then he walks away, taking a seat closest to the gate doors.
“Finley,” I whisper. She’s shaking like a leaf, and her breaths are coming out in small pants. “Finley, look at me.” She does, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I’m not going to let him get you. You’re safe with me, and soon, we will be on the plane. Nothing will happen to you there.”
She nods her head but doesn’t respond.
“Come on, let’s have you splash some water on your face. You can freshen up; it’ll help.”
“No. I don’t want to be alone,” she whispers.
I want to take her fear away, hold her, kiss her, but I don’t dare. Especially with Juan glancing at us every so often.
“You won’t be alone. I’ll come with you. We’ll go into the family restroom.”
I pick up our stuff, not giving her the chance to refuse again, and she walks in front of me. She pulls open the door, and I push her in, closing and locking it behind me. I drop the bags and gather her in my arms. She rests her head on my chest and squeezes me tight. Her body shakes uncontrollably as she fights back tears.