Page 19 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“You guys.” Impatience laces her tone. “Therapy is non-negotiable. I’ll look into the best options for you.” She sips her water. “I loved my therapist in Sitka.”

“Hold up.” Leo straightens. “You had a therapist?”

“Yep. When my mom died, I struggled. A lot. The sessions really helped. So I kept going after I was healed. Until…”

Until she was abducted.

The plane rocks gently, the motion sending a shudder through her.

“Here.” Leo stands. “Let’s buckle you in.”

“That’s okay.” She curls into me. “I’m good here. Kody can do my seat belt when we start the descent.”

“I should head back to the cockpit.” He studies her features. “Unless you want me to stay.”

“Go.” She surveys the table. “Should we send some of this food to Monty?”

“He said he’ll eat later.” He catches her hand and kisses her knuckles. “If you need me…”

“I know where to find you.”

As he heads to the front, Tanya returns to collect the dishes, asking if we need anything else.

“All set here.” Frankie pulls her feet up on my lap, settling in.

“We’ll touch down in about two hours. Press the button if you need me.”

As she strolls away, I recline the seat back, taking Frankie with me.

Our earlier conversations play in my head, everything we need to do, the plan forming. A checklist of survival in this new wilderness.

Sitka.

A fresh start on Monty’s island.

My chest clenches at the thought.

She sighs, sensing my tension. “You’re thinking about Monty.”

“So are you.”

“I know it’s not ideal. But he’s offering us a place, security, things we desperately need right now.”

“Yeah. His house, his rules. That’s the game he’s playing.”

“So we set some ground rules of our own, carve out some space for independence. Like you did with the sleeping arrangements.” She scratches her fingers through the scruff on my jaw. “We’ll make it clear we’re there on our terms.”

“If he steps out of line or tries to control us, we walk. We’re survivors. We’ll find a way, like we always do.”

“We’re not captives anymore. No one will trap us, imprison us, or chain us down. Never again.”

Christ, I love her feisty conviction. It steadies me, reinforcing the resolve that’s been the backbone of my existence. Her unbreakable will draws me in, binds me to her more than any chains ever could. The way she digs in and doesn’t give up ignites a fierce pride.

And an even fiercer desire.

My hand follows the curve of her hip, her upper thighs, fingers sliding between her legs, sinking into her sexy heat. The urge to pull her onto my cock, smell her everywhere, and fuck her brains out thrums powerfully within me.

I lean closer, my breath chasing hers. “I want to be inside you.”

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