Page 109 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE SEVEN

The next day, Keaton and I board the plane back home. I’m blissfully happy, but I have a lot to consider. My internship will start soon. Do I still even want it?

I secure my seatbelt and rest my head against the seat. Keaton takes my hand in his and gives me a closed-lip smile that grants me the sight of one of his cute dimples. We settle into our seats as the plane begins to taxi away from the gate.

As the pilot announces we’re ready for take-off, I squeeze Keaton’s hand. He turns his attention back to me.

“This weekend was everything for me. It was the best weekend of my life.”

“Better than that weekend your family went to-”

I press a finger to his lips to stop him. “Better. Hands down, this was the best weekend of my life.”

He bites my finger, and I release a little shriek. A flight attendant rushes over to check on me. I apologize and explain it’s simply my nerves. Keaton, of course, chuckles as soon as she’s gone back to her seat.

As we’re soaring through the sky, I look out the window at the clouds. I can’t make out anything but white. My mind is still spinning with what I really want to do with my life.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

I jump and turn to see him laughing. “You startled me. The view?”

“Yeah. Also the idea of hopping on a plane and flying off to anywhere. You can go anywhere in the world right now. All you have to do is hop on a pair of wings and fly.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It is. I’ll show you. I’ll take you away. Fly you to a deserted beach somewhere. Somewhere where you won’t have to worry and stress over every little thing.”

“Take me away? First you blackmail me and now kidnapping is on the table. My, my you are a dirty little criminal.”

He pulls my hair away from my face and I feel his lips against my ear as he whispers, “I can get dirtier.”

I squeeze my legs together and try to control my breathing. Is there no air on this plane? I’m so flushed. I need to figure out a way to redirect this conversation, before I humiliate myself by jumping on his lap.

“Think there will be any news about Thirteen? Clearly that guy is part of Seven’s crew. And Nine was in the alley that night and at my parents’ house.”

I watch the tick in his jaw. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

“I’m not a delicate little flower.”

“Hell no you’re not.” He leans into my personal space again. “You’re a beautiful rose with huge thorns. You entice and draw people to you with grace and beauty but won’t let anyone actually get close. You know how to draw blood, that’s for sure.”

“That’s a bit much. You’re ridiculous.”

He points a finger to his chest, and his voice raises. “Me? You’re the most ridiculous and difficult woman I’ve ever met.”

“Why? Not used to someone not falling at your feet, Casanova?”

“Until you, I haven’t wanted anyone falling for me.”

That brings me up short. I whisper, “Until me?”

He straightens in his chair and looks ahead as he speaks. “Don’t worry. I don’t take it personally. You seem determined to deny yourself anything that might bring you pleasure.”

I scoff. “Such as you?”

“Such as your passion for fashion.” He picks up his headphones and softly adds, “And yeah, me. Well—until last night.” He winks and I playfully smack his chest.

Keaton was right about my internship and my love for fashion. I’ve always loved it, but never thought it could be a real career opportunity. The fashion show stirred something inside of me. I’d never felt so alive in my life. He does know me. Keaton Sloan sees me, but do I see him? I look over at his handsome face. Why isn’t he going after a profession where he could help people, if that’s what he enjoys? He seems to enjoy helping my dad, but I feel like there’s more there.

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