Page 130 of Heart of Frost and Scars

When he doesn’t answer, I nod. “Yeah. He’s a good teacher.”

That’s not saying much. Denver was patient and helpful throughout our upbringing. Until he wasn’t.

“Tell me about the flight school.” I meet Monty’s gaze.

He delves into the basics, explaining the types of pilot licenses, categories of aircraft, education, flight hours required, and advanced training. What he doesn’t mention is the cost.

“How much?” I ask.

“I’ll cover it.”

“How. Much?”

He rattles off the obscene price for basic flight school.

“No.” I suck in a breath. “I’m not a fucking leech. I already owe you—”

“You owe me nothing. The way I see it, I’m indebted to you.”

“How so?”

“You kept her alive in the Arctic Circle for nine months.”

“She did a damn fine job keeping herself alive.”

“No, I didn’t.” She dips her head. “A bear nearly ate me. I drowned in a lake. I sure as hell didn’t fly the plane that got us out of there.”

“I’m not taking his money, Frankie.”

“Here’s an option…” She taps her chin. “You and Kody can make some videos of you chopping wood with your shirts off. Think about it. A Viking and an Alaskan lumberjack. It would go viral and make a shitload of money.”

“I don’t know what that means,” Kody mutters.

“Liar. I’ve seen you scrolling for hours through videos.” I shake my head. “And the answer is no. We have more fucking pride than that.”

“Then accept Monty’s offer.” She crosses her arms.

“What if I told you it was your inheritance?” Monty lifts a brow. “Denver had money. Nearly as much as I have. It’ll be hung up in probate for a while, but not forever. You’re his only heir. It’s yours.” His eyes shift to Kody. “And Rurik’s fortune will go to you.”

Silence. Thick, poignant silence.

We hadn’t considered that.

“Where is Rurik’s money now?” Frankie asks.

“Tied up in offshore accounts.” Monty rubs his temple, looking exhausted. “I never touched it. Never tried. I want nothing to do with it.”

“It’s dirty money.” Kody frowns. “We don’t want it, either.”

“Don’t be an idiot.” She sits taller. “Monty didn’t touch it because he didn’t need it. You do.”

“She’s right.” I find her hand, my thumb gliding across her knuckles. “We’re in this position because of choices made by Denver and Rurik. The money may be dirty, but we earned it through every scar they inflicted on us. I see it as blood money.”

Kody exhales in reluctant agreement.

The rest of the ride passes in quiet introspection. As we approach the island, something akin to resolution circulates in my veins.

We have a plan—the distillery, flight school, protect Frankie, and depend on Monty until the inheritance comes in.

---