Page 28 of Beyond Rosy Irish Twilight

I shook my head at her. “No, it’s not normal.”

Her voice shook as she finally took a deep breath. “They’re after me again.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “Who’s after you? The men from outside the bridal shop?”

No one had been approved to enter the reception except our own men and an approved list from Ambrose. That meant the only way for this attack to be related to the earlier one was if one or more of Ambrose’s men were trying to kill his daughter. And that begged the question, if he knew anything about it.

We squealed to a stop on the tarmac and Chase quickly opened the door. “Let’s go.”

I got out and pulled Jade out on shaky legs. She looked a little lost, but was otherwise holding it together. That was more than I was expecting after what she’d already been through. We ran for the steps leading to the plane and climbed them quickly. Jade’s heels clacked on each step, reminding me she needed more appropriate shoes in the future. Running in heels couldn’t be easy.

“Go find a seat,” I whispered to her.

She nodded and I turned to Scottie. I held out my hand in greeting. “Scottie.”

“Asher,” he said, returning my handshake.

“Try and keep us in the sky this time.”

“I make no promises. Just took down a plane not too long ago with a bird.”

I smirked at him. “That’s really funny.”

He frowned. “I wasn’t joking, but whatever.”

Lock quickly joined us and shut the door tight. I sat down beside Jade and gripped her hand in mine. Scottie’s voice came over the speaker.

“This is going to be a hard takeoff. Everyone buckle in.”

12

JADE

Attempts on my life were becoming a constant thing I could count on. I wasn’t sure why the danger had suddenly increased, but it had to do with Asher. The moment he stepped into my life, everything went to hell. And there was no way out for me now. I was married to him, and even if I wanted, I couldn’t run. Who would help me?

Although, he did say I could have a job. Maybe that was something to keep in the back of my mind. It would be easier to slip out if only Patrick was around me. I could escape and live a life where no one knew me. Of course, I’d always be running, but that would be better than constantly being in danger.

I stared out the window as we soared above the clouds. It was strange to think that I was dancing with Asher just an hour ago before the world changed completely. I hadn’t seen my father or said goodbye to anyone. I was just ushered out the door and rushed to a plane. Asher hadn’t done or said much to reassure me that everything would be okay. In fact, he’d spent the majority of his time so far up front with Patrick and Chase with their heads together. I was just the little woman. I wasn’t needed in such a conversation.

My heart panged at the thought that I didn’t even see my mother, not that she would have been there anyway. Being bedridden, I doubt she would have even realized what was going on. It had been days since I last saw her. I was used to being with her every day, and now my life was so different. Would I even get the opportunity to see her? Going there meant running into my father, and that was something I desperately wanted to avoid, but it would be worth it to see my mother.

When heavy footsteps approached, hope filled me until I realized it was just Patrick. He wasn’t exactly my jailor. More like a friend that was there in place of the man that was supposed to be taking care of me. He sat down beside me and handed me a water. Then he pulled out some snacks and handed them over.

I took them gratefully, even though I hadn’t bothered to see what he offered. “Thank you.”

“Are you holding up okay?”

I huffed out a laugh at that. “Shouldn’t that be something my husband is asking me?”

I immediately regretted the comment, not because it wasn’t true, but because I had no idea how any of them would react to me saying such things.

“He’s doing everything he can to make sure you’re safe.”

I knew that logically, but a part of me hoped my husband would do that and provide just a smidgen of comfort after something so scary. Hell, my entire last week had been scary. Sometimes he was there, and other times, he sent his minions to handle me. I was truly grateful for having Patrick, but he wasn’t the one I was supposed to look to for comfort.

“So, how much longer until we land?”

“A few hours. Maybe you should get some sleep.”

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