Page 66 of My Destiny

“That’s an awful thing to say about your father,” she says.

“It’s true. He wasn’t as bad with my sister, but he was pretty mean to me growing up.”

“Aww,” she says, placing her hand on my leg. “You poor thing. How is he with your mother?”

“That’s the funny part—he’s great. He worships the ground she walks on.”

She lays her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes. She’s had a big day. My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I pull it out. I see there’s a message from Mike.

This just came through…

Having fun playing happy family, you fucking WHORE?! I wish I’d snapped your neck the day you left me. When I get my hands on you, I’ll rectify that. You won’t be able to walk away this time because you’ll be DEAD!

Bile rises in the back of my throat as I place my phone face down on the seat beside me. I glance down at Brooke and see her eyes are still closed. I promised to keep her in the loop, and up until now I’ve done just that. But I’m not sure if I want her to see this one. I rest my head back into the seat, exhaling a long-drawn-out breath.

“You okay, Hot Stuff?” she asks.

“I’m fine, babe.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Brooke

“It’s such a beautiful day out today,” I say, resting my forearms on the railing of the balcony off Logan’s bedroom. “Far too glorious to be cooped up inside.” We’re not long out of bed, but decided to have our coffees out here this morning.

Reaching forward, he grabs my hips, pulling me back onto his lap. “I wish I could take you somewhere, even just for a walk along the harbour-front, but it’s just too dangerous.”

“There’s been no activity from Jake in weeks. He’s probably given up by now.” Logan scrubs his hand over his face. He seems on edge. He hasn’t been himself since we arrived home from his niece’s birthday party last night. I’m worried that my situation is getting too much for him. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

He blows out a long breath. “You really want to go somewhere?” I don’t miss that he just avoided answering my question.

“Yes, more than anything. I hate that he’s ruling our lives.”

He lifts me off his lap and stands. “Go shower. I have an idea.”

An hour later we’re standing on the rooftop of his building. He’s holding a large cooler bag laden with goodies, compliments of Jill, but it’s obvious we won’t be having our picnic up here.

I hear it before I see it, and my heart starts to race. “We’re going on a helicopter ride?”

“You deserve to have a day where you’re not constantly looking over your shoulder. We both do,” he says, pulling my body into his.

“You’re too good to me.” But my words are drowned out by the noise of the helicopter hovering above us, preparing to land.

Once Logan helps strap me in, he places headphones over my ears and points to the small microphone attached. “We can communicate through these.” After slipping his own on, he reaches for my hand. “You’re shaking,” he says.

“I’m excited.”

“Have you ever been in a helicopter before?”

“Never.”

He gives my hand a squeeze. “I love how unspoilt you are.”

My eyes move to the window as soon as we start to rise. When I fled Jake and flew back to Sydney, I had an aisle seat, but I was in no state to enjoy anything. I plan on making up for that today. “The boats look so tiny,” I say, as we fly over the harbour, heading north.

I spend the entire flight oohing and aahing as I take in all the spectacular scenery below. I can’t believe how different everything looks from up here. On the odd occasion when I glance over my shoulder, I find Logan grinning as he watches me. He seems more interested in me than the view. Given his extravagant lifestyle, he’s probably flown in one of these numerous times.

The trip takes just under an hour. When we finally land on a vast patch of land, I can’t see any houses or roads anywhere.