Page 62 of Crude Heir

I offer a weak smile, curling my hand into the soft leather. “This is my first time on a plane,” I admit sheepishly.

Captain Frank grins back. “Well, this is nothing like a commercial flight. And trust me, you’ll miss it if you fly commercial,” he states matter-of-factly. “Now, we have high-wind conditions so keep your seat belts on. And I’m warning you now, the landing may not be as smooth as usual.”

“Got it.” Derrick nods his agreement while I try to keep my stomach from protesting.

“Alright. Buckle in. There are bags in the corner there in case you need them.” With that, he continues on to the front of the plane and closes the door.

“Don’t worry.” His phone rings, making him slide to one side in order to retrieve it from his pocket. “If the de Marco family hired this guy, he’s worth his weight.” He glances at the screen then sends the call to voicemail.

A second later, a smooth hum sounds from the back, then the stairs close. I buckle in, my heart racing with nervous energy. “I wish I’d brought the laptop,” I murmur, more to myself than anything else.

He picks up the bag, bringing it between us. I look over, curious as to what he’s up to. “Go on, open it.” He nods toward the bag.

I peek inside to find a matte black box. Pulling the thick plastic down, I uncover the front panel. My breath catches inmy throat. “Derrick?” I pick up the box with both hands, placing it on the table in front of me with all the reverence it deserves. “It’s too much.” Yet I can’t stop myself from running my fingers across the raised logo.

“Once you finish setting up your new laptop,” he says, ignoring my weak protest. “You won’t even miss the old one.”

“This…this is incredible.” My heart’s filled with gratitude. Not starry-night gratitude but something close to it.

“I had it configured with accounting in mind. It’s got the processing power you need, a high-resolution screen, memory, storage, and a ten-key. I just have to take care of your security features and you’ll be good to go.”

I don’t understand how he was able to fit this into the small amount of time we had since his friend called. “When did you do this?”

“I sent a text with what I wanted.” He shrugs. “I’ve spent enough money with them that they assigned me an in-house rep.”

That explains it. I’d have to wait weeks to get something like this set up and delivered. Not that I could ever afford the price tag; it’s probably more than what I spent on buying my beat-up little car.

“I don’t know what to say.” I look up at him, tears ready to spring up at any moment.

He cups the back of my head, bringing me in for a hot kiss.

“Ready for takeoff,” Captain Frank’s voice comes over the speaker, ending our kiss.

Derrick looks much too pleased with himself as he sits back into the plush seat. My nerves over the flight fade, replaced by the anticipation of breaking the seal on the box. And if I’m going to be honest, because of Derrick’s kiss.

A second later, we’re moving. “Hang on until we’re in the air.” He places a hand on the box as the plane turns. “I don’t know ifyou’ll get to crunch numbers at thirty thousand feet, but at least you’ll be ready for when we land.”

That’s a sobering thought. There’s still so much to research. Despite the new computer, I may not get to everything, even if I work all night.

* * *

Derrick

I step off the stairs as Addler’s truck pulls up outside the hanger. Reaching back, I offer to help Nicole, who’s putting more care into holding the laptop bag in front of her than what she gives to her injured foot.

With her hand in mine, she takes the last steps onto the concrete floor. The laptop is held protectively against her body. “How about I take that bag for you.”

“I’ve got it.” She flashes me a smile that doesn’t quite hide the wince.

I lean in, speaking beside her temple. “Later, I’ll remind you what you get when you put yourself in danger.”

Although she lowers her gaze, her lips quirk in one corner, telling me exactly what she thinks of that punishment.

Addler comes around the front of the truck. The jeans and shirt he’s wearing are in stark contrast to the sharp suits he likes to wear, not to mention the side arm.

“Brother.” Adder approaches us, a woman with a radiant smile at his side. After a quick greeting, I turn to Nicole. “This is Addler de Marco.” He reaches out a hand as I look over at his companion. “Nicole Fuentes.”

“It’s so nice to meet you.” She smiles.

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