Page 85 of Unleashing Chaos

His features soften and he nods. “We’ll have time to do some sightseeing. I’m sure we can visit the green lady. So you’re in? You’ll pretend to be my girlfriend one last time?”

The words one last time open a chasm in my heart that I do everything in my power to ignore. “Consider me your adoring significant other. It’s not a hard part to play, ya know.”

His cheeks turn a soft shade of pink and he clears his throat. “Oh, also . . . if you want to get two separate rooms, we can. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

I know I should take him up on it, that it’s the “smart” thing to do, but I’d like to spend time with my friend and not sleep alone in a strange city. “That’s not necessary. We’re adults who’ve spent plenty of time together in intimate situations. Sleeping in the same bed won’t be a big deal. We did it in Infernis, we can do it again. Besides, it’ll ruin the guise of being boyfriend and girlfriend if we’re caught going to separate rooms.”

“Thank you. Not just for this but for everything you’ve done to help me. I promise to make the trip worth it.”

I curse the fluttering that happens in my belly when I smile and say, “I have absolutely no doubt that you will.”

A week later I’m yawning and dragging my rolling suitcase down the stairs at four thirty, silently cursing Jace for booking such an early flight.

Speaking of, there he is at the island, eating a bowl of peanut butter puff cereal, looking bright eyed and awake behind his glasses. He’s wearing jeans that hug his ass and a tight red sweater that somehow brings out the stormy gray in his eyes.

This is going to be a long trip.

“Good morning, princess,” he says, raising his eyebrow, and I don’t miss how his gaze runs up and down my body. It’s not just the way he looks at me that sends shivers up and down my spine. He hasn’t called me princess for over a week. I missed hearing his endearments for me, but there’s one in particular that I miss. I wonder if he’ll ever call me little hurricane again.

Even though nothing can come of it, I’m suddenly glad I went for the dressier outfit—my dark skinny jeans, ivory sweater with a V-neck low enough to show some cleavage, and boots that come almost to my knees. My curls are loose and wild around my shoulders, but my face is bare; no time for makeup before a flight this early.

“Morning, sunshine,” I grumble, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and taking a sip. “You’re awfully chipper this morning.”

“What can I say, I’m excited.” He may be excited but the bowl of peanut butter puffs instead of his grotesque morning concoction tells me he’s nervous too. He swallows another big bite and says, “I could hardly sleep last night. I got up at three and went for a run.”

“Sometimes I wonder about you, Jace Wilder.”

“And in those thoughts, do I have my clothes on or off?” He scrunches his face and shovels a spoonful of cereal into his mouth. “Sorry. That was inappropriate. I got caught up in playing the part of adoring boyfriend.”

We’re going to get into so much trouble. Then again, isn’t everyone in New York expecting to see a happy couple? I suppose it doesn’t hurt to start acting the part now. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

I grin and lean forward on the island, my V-neck dipping low enough to show him my lace bra and a glimpse of my mark beneath it. “Off. Almost always off.”

The relieved expression on his face sends a warm sensation through my bloodstream. “Exactly how I imagine you,” he says with a wink.

Shaking my head, I say, “Come on, babe, don’t you think we should be going now?”

Jace takes the last bite of his cereal, washes his bowl, and says, “Hold on, one sec. I have to brush my teeth first. I wouldn’t want my girlfriend to have to deal with peanut butter puff breath. Disgusting.” He disappears up to his room and comes back five minutes later with a toiletry bag that he stuffs into his suitcase. “All right, I’m ready.”

“Breath check,” I say, putting my hands on my hips.

He steps toward me and kisses me on the cheek, his lips barely brushing the corner of my mouth, the scent of peppermint filling my senses. “How’s that?” he whispers.

I’m speechless for a couple of seconds. “Perfect,” I say. “Very minty. You pass.”

“Good. The Uber is out front. Come on, princess.” He grabs both of our bags and I sling my purse over my shoulder, following him out to the car.

When we get to the airport, the crowd is much worse than I expected. Granted, I’ve never been to an airport, much less flown in a plane, but I didn’t think it would be like this. “Do you think we’re going to make it?” I ask, worrying my lower lip, looking around at all the people flitting in and out of lines and rushing to different kiosks and service desks.

“You’re starting to sound like me with the worrying. We have just over two hours to get through security. We’re fine. If we’re going to worry, it should be about your ID. Are you sure security isn’t going to flag you?”

I give him a pointed glare. “Are you kidding me? My father is the king of Demons. They’re everywhere in this realm, including the government. My ID will be just fine.”

Jace gives me an impressed nod and says, “Then we’re good to go, provided you didn’t pack anything sharp in your carry-on bag.”

“Damn, I guess we need to go back home so I can unpack my machete,” I quip, and even I know to say it under my breath. He scowls at me, but I don’t miss the glint in his eyes. I’m pretty sure that I could tell this man that all the video game consoles in the universe were damaged by a major virus and he would continue skipping through this day; even his anxiety has taken a backseat to his positive attitude.

After we make our way through security we stop at one of the markets to stock up on snacks. Jace even says I have enough time to look at some of the souvenir shops inside the terminal. When we get to our gate the attendant is calling for first class to board the plane.

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