Tessa’s POV
ས རི 15%།
The four of us remained in one of the larger rooms downstairs, as Kane had words with Seth about the plan to get our things together for the
journey ahead…
A fire crackled in the enormous stone fireplace, casting a heat out in to the space around us, reaching even the high ceilings above.
Kane hadn’t left my side. His fingers brushed along the back of my hand absently as we sat close together, and every now and then, I could still feel his eyes sweep over me when he thought I wasn’t looking – as though just to ensure I was still there.
I didn’t think I’d ever get used to how openly he stared now. Like I was his entire world.
Erin bumped her shoulder against mine lightly. “You’re so soft now,” she whispered playfully, “what happened to the girl who used to threaten to shank guards with cafeteria forks?”
“You’ve made that up,” I snorted. “We both know I wouldn’t have dared!” I shake my head, as she giggled along with me.
“Mm–hmm. Well I bet you had a very busy night…” She whispered next with a wink, as I groaned again.
“Erin, stop teasing…” I mumbled, nudging her with my elbow again as she continued to find joy in the news.
Okay, okay.” She held her hands up in surrender, though the grin never left her lips.
I turned to her then, remembering the other reason I’d been anxious to see her. “How’s Sasha been today?” I asked quietly. “Did you get to see
her this morning?”
Erin sobered immediately, her tone growing gentler. “Yeah. I’ve been with Her most of the morning, actually. She’s doing so much better. She also spoke to Kion, about tracking her family… if they are still around that is.” She trails off sadly, as I nod once.
I exhaled a breath I didn’t realise I was holding. At least she was still healing and doing a whole lot better. We couldn’t ask for too much just
yet.
“The nurses helped her stand today too,” Erin continued, her voice filled with quiet pride. “She even walked a few steps with support. She was a little shaky, and her legs were obviously sore, but she did it. She wanted to do it.”
“That’s incredible,‘ I said, hand over my heart. Is she still resting now?”
“Yeah. They gave her something for the pain afterward, so she’s napping now, the pills are pretty strong but they seem to work. She asked about you- wanted to know if you were okay.”
Emotion swelled in my chest. ‘T’ll go see her as soon as she’s up.”
“I think she’d like that. Erin nodded, as I sighed gently.
Seth and Kane had stood and drifted a few paces away, quietly discussingmething near one of the tall windows in hushed tones.
Kane’s arms were crossed over his chest, his jaw set with that familiar mix of focus and restraint. I could tell something more serious was brewing just behind the casual surface of our reunion.
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22:43 Sat, Feb 7 DOD.
Chapter 133
“Kane said earlier we’d be flying out soon,” I said, glancing at Erin. “Did Kn mention anything to you?”
ཊཱི 15%
She nodded. “Yeah. Seth and I got here just before the storm started picking up. They’re keeping the flight grounded until it clears, but Kion said he’s already arranged fighter jets to fly escort when we go too.”
My eyebrows lifted. ‘It’s all rather daunting don’t you think?” I mumble, a Erin puffs out a breath from beside me.
“Yep. He’s not taking any chances though which is promising… we just have to hope it works out. Erin shrugged, but it done nothing for my
anxiety.
Kane returned to my side moments later, hearing the last part of what we had discussed. “It’s all going to be fine, you two don’t have to worry.”
Seth nodded beside him, his expression more serious now. “They’re watching the weather constantly. If the storm clears by nightfall, we leave
tonight and we’ll be in Mexico by morning.”
Kane’s hand slid into mine again, and I squeezed it back.
“Let’s go, we should probably get our stuff ready.” Kane announces, pulling me up with him to stand as I offer Erin a small wave that silently
told her ‘I’ll see you soon‘.
Back in our room,
the moment the heavy door shut behind us, the cozy quiet settled in again – but this time, it wasn’t the peaceful kind.
No, this quiet was thick with anticipation. Like the whole world was holding its breath for us. Like the good part of the movie had just been
paused.
Kane dropped our bags on the bed, his movements calm and efficient as he unzipped them and began folding some of our things inside. I followed his lead, helping with what I could.
I wrapped a soft scarf around my neck and tugged on a pair of fleece–lined leggings and a thick wool sweater I’d found neatly folded on the dresser no doubt another thoughtful touch from Kion’s team.
–
Kane handed me my boots and then crouched to zip up his duffle.
The room was filled only with the quiet rustle of fabric, zippers closing, and the occasional thump of boots against the wooden floor as we prepared. It should’ve been comforting, this rhythm. This routine.
But the unease sat in my chest like a weight I couldn’t shake,
I sat down at the edge of the bed, tugging the laces tight on my boots before pausing, fingers stilled mid–loop.
“Kane?” I said quietly, not looking at him.
He turned instantly, catching the shift in my tone, “What?”
I hesitated, then glanced up, voice softer now. ‘I’m a little nervous.”
He stopped what he was doing and stood slowly, eyes narrowing with conn. “About the flight?”
I nodded. “It’s not the flying part exactly, it’s just… the vulnerability of it. Being in the air like that with people hunting us. We’re not just out in the open- we’re literally suspended. If something goes wrong-”
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22:43 Sat, Feb 7 000
Chapter 133
Kane was already crossing the rooms to me.
“Hey, he said, kneeling in front of me, resting his hands on my knees, okay, You can say it.”
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1 let out a shaky breath. “It’s just the idea that one rocket, one well–aimed hot, and we’re all… zone. It’s not like you can shift in the sky or fight back midair. It’s helpless. And that feeling? I haven’t had it in a long time, Not since….
The memory of being smuggled and held in Dimitri’s compound came rushing back, the feeling of helplessness and fear. A total loss of hope….
Kane’s eyes softened instantly. “I know,” he said gently. “It’s not easy, but we will make it, believe me,”
1 nodded, biting my lip.
“Whatever happens, we have each other to face it. He adds, as I sigh, knowing he was right.
His fingers brushed mine. “We’re stronger now. Together. Everyone is giving everything they’ve got to get us in and out safely.”
1 blinked down at him, my chest tightening at the way he said we…
He’s right…
It’s going to work out…
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
