Page 16 of Heart of Frost and Scars

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I stab a hand through my hair, my thoughts tangled as tightly as my fingers.

“It’s just an offer.” Frankie turns on my lap and cups my face. “Not a demand. You can say no.”

An itch crawls between my shoulder blades, a prickle of suspicion that won’t ease.

It’s clear Monty’s playing at something deeper, something more than mere familial support.

The clothes, the food, a place to live, and now a job. Not just any job. My dream job. He’s putting his fingers in everything, pressing a little too hard.

It’s a show of kindness, maybe, but it feels like a claim, like he’s marking territory. I know, deep down, it’s not about me at all.

It’s about her.

My jaw tightens.

He wants her back, but there’s more to it. I need to find out what before it costs us more than we can afford.

“Why would he help me?” I put my mouth at her ear. “I’m fucking his wife.”

She goes rigid, her gaze darting toward the cockpit where Monty steers us through the skies, holding our fate in his hands. “I’m not his, Kody. Not anymore.”

Leo snorts, glancing out the window at the clouds racing past. “Monty doesn’t believe that.”

“You’re his brother.” She meets my gaze.

“And Denver’s brother. Let’s not forget they assassinate and rape their brothers.”

She sucks in a breath. “I’m sorry. You’re right.”

“Don’t apologize. Always speak your mind with me.”

“It’s just…he knows we’re facing a tough transition, and he’s offering a bridge to help us get established. It’s not just about the vodka. It’s about giving us a means to stand on our own.”

“The sooner we stand on our own,” I say, “the sooner we move you out of his house. He doesn’t want that.”

“Okay, fine.” She sighs. “It’s more than an investment for him. But it could also be an extension of trust, a way for him to make amends for hurting me.”

“Or a way to keep us under his control.” Leo folds his arms on the table, regarding her. “To bind you further to him.”

She nods, her hand finding mine and squeezing tightly.

“Nothing needs to be decided now.” I relax in the seat, tucking her against my chest. “We’ll talk it over later.”

This isn’t a decision I can make on my own. It affects all of us.

“What about you?” She tips her head at Leo. “Did you discuss your dream job with him?”

Before he answers, Tanya rolls in a cart loaded with more food than three people can eat.

She places the dishes on the small fold-out table between us. Gleaming silver trays covered with assortments of cheeses I can’t name. Slivers of smoked salmon that look like they’ve been cut with a surgeon’s precision. Tiny glasses filled with creamy soup topped with green herbs.

“Another vodka?” She smiles at me.

I decline, and she turns to Leo, who shovels in food like he’s still on rations.

“Water for everyone.” Frankie unfolds a napkin. “Thank you.”

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