Page 32 of Riot

I would never tell Kage that though. I left him looking like a lost puppy at his new hotel and headed off for my flight. The jet was waiting on the tarmac, and I know I could have delayed or changed it to spend more time with him, but I refuse to reconfigure my schedule or life for anyone ever again, even Kage.

It’s strange though. After spending all day with him, the silence doesn’t feel as comforting as it once did. More . . . lonely. He filled that space so well, always talking or moving. I didn’t even realize how often he filled the silence until I’m surrounded by it. Once, it would have felt warm, a place for me to relax and shed the facade and just be me, but now I miss the constant chatter.

My lips curve as I recall him blabbering all day about random shit. When I realize what I’m doing, I kill the smile and recline back in my chair as the crew goes about their last flight checks. The steward, Jase, knows to leave me alone by now. They’ve worked for me for a while. He handed me my drink, smiled, and went to help the captain and copilot. I debate calling out, if only just to speak, but I’m just now realizing I don’t speak unless I have to when I’m not with Kage. With him, it’s almost natural to speak often, to ask something or tell a story.

What is he doing to me?

Today was amazing and probably one of the best dates I’ve ever had, which is exactly why he did it. He’s determined to break down my walls and get me. I still don’t understand why. That isn’t me putting myself down. I’m rich, I’m powerful with a family name that inspires loyalty and fear, and I’m beautiful and classy with a good image. Outside, I seem like the whole package. Is that what he wants? Someone to be seen with?

No, he didn’t want me to be seen today. He wanted me to be comfortable. Which begs the question, if he doesn’t want me for my money, fame, or name, then why does Kage want me?

“Sir, you can’t—” Jase begins, his face pale as he tries to block the stairs.

“Ah, don’t worry, I’m Fallon’s boyfriend.”

My eyes widen at the familiar voice, and then Kage is pushing past a shocked and confused Jase, waving at me.

“Kage?” I snap.

“Hey, baby,” he calls, stowing his bag. He winks at Jase and strides my way, dropping into the chair opposite me with a groan. “Shit, this plane is nice. I should buy one or maybe two, then we could match.” He wiggles his eyebrows as I continue to stare.

“I thought your name too many times, and like a bad omen, you appeared,” I mutter to myself.

“You thought about me?” His grin grows.

“Nightmares,” I retort.

“It counts.” He shrugs as he reaches down, lifts my legs, and lays them over his lap just as Jase appears.

“Ms. Fallon, should I call security?” he asks, looking between us.

“No, he’s a stalker, but not even security will get rid of him.” I sigh. “Jase, this is Kage.”

“Hey, my man.” Kage waves. “Nice suit, the blue really suits you.”

Jase blinks, looking from me to Kage before recognition seems to bloom. It’s subtle, since Jase is so good at his job, but his smile grows, his eyes heating as he looks Kage over. “Thank you. Would you like a drink, sir?”

“Nah, I’m good, just look after my lady.” He settles back in his seat. “That’s all I want.” His eyes lock on me. “I missed you.”

“It has been an hour,” I reply with an arched brow.

He nods seriously. “An hour too long.”

I just stare, unsure how the hell Kage knew where I was flying from and also how he had time to pack, change, and get here. He’s in an oversized black hoodie and cargo pants. I suppose nothing about him should surprise me anymore.

“Should I tell the captain we are ready to leave, Ms. Fallon? Or are we expecting more company?” Jase asks kindly.

I sigh. “We are ready to go before any others turn up.”

“Thanks for waiting.” Kage blows me a kiss.

“I wasn’t.” I grab my magazine and pretend to read it. I feel him staring at me the entire time, so I eventually fold it down and meet his gaze. “What now?”

“You look so beautiful.” He grins. “Continue reading. Don’t mind me, I’m just looking at the view.”

Rolling my eyes, I lift the magazine to cover my face, but I can’t stop the small smile on my lips. I ignore him during takeoff, but once we are in the air and I’ve finished the magazine, I know I can’t keep staring at pictures of the band Sanctuary, no matter how pretty they are, so I drop it and lean back in my chair to find him still watching me.

“I lost the bet, you know.” He grins. “I kissed you first.”

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