Page 7 of Shielded Hearts

“Did you give the bride and groom their honeymoon portfolio?” she asked.

Her question sent a ripple of annoyance through him, mostly directed at himself. Damn. During dinner, he’d moved it off his seat to the floor and completely forgot about it.

“Of course I did.” He wasn’t outright lying to her—the portfolio would get into his brother’s hands eventually. If he hurried, he could drop Aspen at the airstrip, hightail it back to the ranch and give it to Oaks himself.

Or he’d just call Willow and ask her to do it so he could continue with his own plans—taking a short break from society. He’d already discussed his plan to take off into the wilderness with Carson. His brother had looked at him with that concern he hated seeing in any of his siblings’ eyes, but had agreed it was a good time to take a vacation.

Colt already had a bag packed and thrown in the back seat of his truck for an easy escape after the wedding. The black duffel bounced around on the seat as they rolled to the end of the driveway.

Aspen was silent the entire ride, which couldn’t end fast enough for either of them. When he turned onto the familiar lane leading to the hangar, he shot a look toward the private jet his family owned. It sat off to the side of the runway, ready for the next Black Heart Security call.

Aspen cut a hand through the air. “I’m surprised an area like this even has an airport. I wasn’t prepared to fly into such a small place. I thought I couldat leastrent a car.”

“So that’s how you got stuck bumming a ride from somebody.”

Nodding, she nibbled at her bottom lip. The pout was stained a soft pink that matched the light flush in her cheeks.

“Who gave you a ride anyway?”

“A guy calling himself Big Mike.”

“Ah.”

“You know him?” Her stare drilled into him.

“Yep. Mike’s a good guy.” And thank god for it. A woman hitching a ride from a stranger could end in disaster. He’d seen it himself in other parts of the world.

When he pulled into the parking lot adjoining the hangar, he saw a small private plane through the big bay doors. He and Aspen climbed out of the truck and approached the building. He felt odd still wearing his wedding clothes. From how comfortable Aspen appeared in a dress and high heels, the woman must dress up every day.

Colt entered the metal building, casting a look at the walls. Just weeks before, a shootout had taken place here. Oaks got hit, but luckily, he was a Malone and that meant he healed quickly.

A man dressed in a navy-blue mechanic’s uniform crossed the open area to reach them. “Hey, Colt.”

“What’s up, man?” He stuck out a hand to grasp the mechanic’s.

The employee gave Aspen an appraising look. “You made it back. Your pilot was worried you got lost.”

Aspen issued an exasperated breath. “I’m more than ready to board that plane.” She turned to Colt. “Thank you for driving me. It was…nice to meet you.”

He knew when someone was only making the right noises out of politeness. She sounded far from pleased.

They all exited the hangar to allow the plane to roll out. Every aircraft that came into Willowbrook underwent several safety inspections before it took flight again.

The silver body gleamed in the fading rays of sun. No name was painted on the side, only the usual identifying numbers.

Colt moved in closer to examine the bird. He knew very little about small aircraft, but this plane cost a few million dollars. Either the travel agent had a booming business or she came from old money.

The breeze washed across the expansive field, carrying the scent of pine from the Wyoming mountains, the tang of dry grass…and a bland, oily smell?

The hatch door opened. As soon as a guy from Aspen’s flight crew lowered the steps to the ground, she took a step toward them.

Colt caught her arm.

She twisted to stare at him. “What now?”

“Stay here. Don’t get on. I need to look at something.” He jerked his head at the mechanic to follow him.

Circling the small jet, Colt dragged in a deep breath through his nostrils, trying to detect that odd, oily smell again.

---