Page 62 of Defending Love
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The Citation CJ2 was sleek, the inside small enough that I had to duck or hit my head. With six passenger seats, Dani—a.k.a. Candace—and I had more than enough room. The pilot introduced himself as Leonardo Alexander. The copilot was Kara Crawford. Jackie had opted out of a flight attendant. Considering the flight time was barely two hours, we would survive. Nevertheless, I stopped on the way to the airport and picked up chicken salad sandwiches for our dining pleasure.
“Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, there is coffee, water, and a selection of beers and wines available,” Kara said. “I could get you something now, or you’re welcome to help yourself once we reach cruising altitude.
“Thank you, I’m fine for now,” Dani said as she took a seat with her back to the cockpit. I tapped her shoulder and motioned farther toward the aft, away from the cockpit. Once she was again seated, I sat across from her, facing the cockpit. Between us, a small table extended from the wall.
When Dani removed her laptop, I shook my head.
“Why?”
My cheeks rose as I tried for my most charming smile. “Because I want to talk to my wife as we fly over the clouds.”
Dani quirked an eyebrow. “I haven’t checked my emails in two days. Do you have any idea how many there probably are?”
I watched the flight crew as they made their way down their checklist, suspicious that they could hear whatever we said. Lifting my hand, I laid it on the table, palm up.
Dani looked wary, yet she finally placed her hand in mine. “What’s happening?” she asked in a whisper.
“I’m currently trying to keep you safe. Sadly, I’m questioning everyone and everything.” I lowered my voice. “I don’t trust the internet on this plane.” I shook my head. “No emails until we’re to your home.”
“Is that why you didn’t want me to call Damien?”
I pressed my lips together as my nostrils flared. “It’s more than that.”
“Stop it. My brother isn’t capable of having anything to do with hurting our parents.”
“You’re sure?”
Dani nodded. “One hundred percent.” She looked down at my hand, the one holding hers. “Where’s your ring?”
I scoffed. “My timing to remove it wasn’t good.”
She wiggled her fingers on her left hand. “It’s okay. I forgot mine too.”
Kara appeared at our side. “Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, if the two of you are ready, we will take off soon.” She smiled. “Please be sure your seat belts are fastened.”
Once she walked away, Dani scanned the interior of the plane. “This is extravagant. It’s probably more expensive than calling for the Sinclair plane.”
“Your brother can afford it. Unless he’s short on cash.”
Dani’s blue gaze met mine. “Why would Damien be short on cash?”
“There’re rumors of a recession. I’m not privy to how that relates to the pharmaceutical industry.”
“Our products are necessary. Our saline production had to double last fall. The only other plant in the country that makes saline is in North Carolina. Their production was stalled due to the hurricanes. They’re back up now, but we were having a terrible time keeping up.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Damien hired you, Larry, Deidra…I’d venture to say his cash flow is fine.”
“Larry let me know that he has set up a new computer network in your second bedroom.”
Dani’s eyes opened wide. “As big as you had in that villa?”
“Not quite. I need a bed.”
Her eyebrows danced. “We might be able to arrange something.”
