Page 79 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

When we’re inside the car, I settle her on my lap, but she’s vocal in her opinion of the whole thing.

“How about a treat?” Brennan suggests, reaching into the bag and pulling out a couple of the nuggets.

“Good idea.” I place the cat on the console between me and Dorian, and Brennan drops one in front of her.

She bites into the crunchiness, and a piece skitters sideways, landing on Dorian’s pants.

Nervous about his reaction, I stiffen.

He simply picks it and places the delectable in front of her again. Without even glancing in his direction, she gobbles it up.

While she’s chewing, he strokes the top of her head.

The man is a constant marvel.

Calypso manages to get more goodies from Brennan, andby the time we reach the airport, she’s settled, and I hate to bother her again.

On the tarmac, a jet is waiting for us. It’s gleaming, with silver winking in the sun. The sleek craft screams money and power—Dorian’s world, the same kind I walked away from when I decided to go to college.

Though I have traveled first class for most of my life and am accustomed to having a private lounge to wait in, skipping lines and the boarding process entirely is pure luxury.

Our luggage is taken care of. My duffle is definitely an eyesore compared to the designer names on the other bags. I understand why he wants to take me shopping. Even if I don’t care one way or the other, he needs to keep up appearances.

Of course, the rebel inside me wonders if I should continue to use my bag, just to make a statement.

Shoving the thought aside, I follow Dorian up the steps and inside the plane’s cabin.

Holding back my gasp requires all my self-control. The interior is breathtaking luxury with butter-soft leather seats and gleaming wood and metal accents, with a faint citrus tang hanging in the air.

The flight attendant welcomes us aboard, shaking Dorian’s hand, then smiling at me. “It’s a pleasure to have you with us for the first time, Mrs. Vale.”

As always, hearing my new name startles me a little. After thanking him, I add, “Please call me Isla.”

Immediately he looks to Dorian, who shakes his head. He’s so dictatorial that he gets to decide what I want to be called?

Just how much of me does he want to possess?

As we continue on, there’s a set of four luxurious seats facing each other, the same as our limo. I’m seeing a pattern. “Choose whichever one you’d prefer,” Dorian encourages.

“Really? You don’t mind?” When my family had traveled together, Margaux always claimed the window because she was the oldest. Through the flights, she’d obsessively take pictures of clouds and cities beneath us. Then when she’d had enough, she’d lower the shade and take a nap, meaning I couldn’t look outside at all.

Without waiting for his answer, I slide into the far seat and am immediately enveloped by comfort. Flying first class had always seemed luxurious to me, but it can’t compare to this.

Dorian sits next to me, and Brennan drops down across from us.

Once I am comfortable, I settle Calypso on my lap and stroke her head reassuringly. Though she’s not crying, her eyes are wide, and she’s looking around as if she’d like to find a place to hide. “We’ll get through this.” It’s a lie I’m telling us both.

“Cocktails?” the attendant asks as he stows a backpack in the overhead compartment.

Both men look at me.Might as well.I have a protein bar with me, and taking the edge off my nerves might not be a bad idea. “A mimosa, please. Easy on the orange juice.”

“Absolutely.” Committing my drink to memory, he looks at Dorian. “The usual, Mr. Vale?”

He nods. “With beef broth.”

“Of course. And for you Mr. West?”

“Same. Extra Creole mustard.”