Page 64 of Collision of Winters
I glanced up from my phone. “Who are you calling?”
“Chris. He better be busy with something incredibly important…”
Uh-oh.
I looked back at my screen and texted a reply.
I’m great! But Wade is cranky because you’re not answering the phone.
“Is it urgent, Sir?” I wondered.
“Yes, I’d say my desire to punch him in the face is urgent.” He slumped down in the chair across the aisle, and I lifted my brows. He sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face. “We talked when you were in the bathroom before we boarded. Hebasically said we’ll hit the ground running tomorrow morning. But he ended the call before I could demand details.”
Oh, sheeiit. That meant I had to prepare myself mentally! Because I wanted to be brave and confident. My role as bait should deserve a profile on IMDb when this was over. Possibly an Academy Award also.
My phone buzzed again, and it was Chris.
Let him be cranky. If he just pulled his head out of his ass, he’d remember that he trusts me. Maybe then he could quit acting like your worrywart daddy.
I let out a squeaky laugh, unable to help it, and I promptly slapped a hand over my mouth.
If only Chris knew how right he was!
“What are you doing?” Daddy asked with suspicion in his voice. “Are you talking to someone?”
Ummmmm.
“Maybe?” I sucked on my lollipop. “I texted Chris.”
He immediately narrowed his eyes and came over to me, so I just showed him the screen.
“That asshole,” he whispered. “If he thinks I’ll stop acting like your worrywart Daddy, he’s got another thing comin’.” With that, he pressed a firm kiss to my forehead and rose to his feet. “Please text him back from me.”
I quirked a grin and got ready. “Yes, Sir. What do you want me to type?”
He cleared his throat and went back to pacing, even clasping his hands behind his back and all.
“Dear baby brother, this is Wade,” he dictated. I began typing right away, holding my snickers to myself. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before I stop being protective of Kayden, even more so after our stay up north. But we can discuss that later.”
Oh-ho.
“Tell me if I divulge too much,” he requested.
I shook my head and typed the last sentence. “I have nothing to hide, Sir.”
“I’m glad to hear that, baby. Neither do I.” He paused. “Next, you can write the following. What I want you to focus on now is the fact that I have the authority to divert the jet, which I won’t hesitate to do unless you give us more information. While we trust you with our lives, keep in mind that Kayden is new at this, and the more he knows, the better he can mentally prepare.”
He wasn’t wrong about that one. I’d like some more details.
Daddy was done, so I sent the message to Chris, and I hoped he responded quickly.
I was getting tired, despite the sugar rush and despite that I wasn’t done enjoying the luxury around me. But when push came to shove, I should get some sleep if I was going to be bait in the morning.
“He’s typing,” I said as soon as I saw it.
“Good.” Daddy started tidying up my table, including returning my snacks and candy to my bag. “I’m thinking we’ve had enough sugar for one day. It’s late and?—”
“Gah!” I clutched the armrest as we hit turbulence.
