Page 52 of Velvet Chains
Don’t say “crash,” dammit!
The helicopter lifts off the ground with a lurch, and I grip the edge of my seat, my heart pounding. The city falls away beneath us, skyscrapers turning into toy blocks as we rise higher and higher.
Victor reaches over, placing his hand over my white-knuckled one. “Relax, we’re using the fastest way to the winery.”
Winery, huh?
Well, at least now I know he’s not taking me out to kill me and dump my body in the river.
“But why are we going to the winery?” I shout over the deafening roar of the helicopter blades.
He doesn’t reply; just flashes me that ridiculous panty-dropping smirk of his. With his aviators on and the wind tousling his dark hair, he looks like he just stepped off the cover of GQ.
Meanwhile, I’m struggling to keep my own hair from slicing into my eyeballs and getting sucked into my mouth every time I try to speak.
Figures.
As we soar over the city, I can’t help but be in awe of the view. The towering skyscrapers glitter in the sunlight, the cars and people below reduced to tiny, scurrying dots. It’s breathtaking and surreal, like I’ve stepped into a different world.
Which I guess I kind of have. My life has taken a sharp turn into Wonderland territory, complete with a dangerous, enigmatic “husband” and more secrets than I can keep track of.
It’s twisted and terrifying… but also strangely exhilarating. For the first time in years, I feel alive. Like I’m a part of something bigger than myself, even if I don’t fully understand what that something is yet.
“It’s about an hour and forty-five minutes to the winery,” Victor informs me, his voice crackling through the headset. “Sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Easier said than done.
A sudden gust of wind rocks the chopper, and I let out an embarrassing yelp, my hands instinctively grasping for something to hold on to.
That something turns out to be Victor’s arm.
He looks down at my clutching fingers, then back up at my face. Without a word, he shifts closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his solid chest.
“Don’t worry,” he murmurs into my ear, his breath hot against my skin. “Misha’s flown in worse conditions than this. A little wind isn’t going to bring us down.”
I chance a glance at Misha, who gives me a reassuring nod before turning his attention back to the controls.
Slowly, I let myself relax into Victor’s embrace. His body is warm and hard, his musky scent enveloping me like a second seatbelt.
I tell myself it’s just the adrenaline making my heart race. That it’s the view stealing my breath, not the feeling of Victor’s fingers tracing idle patterns on my arm.
But deep down, I know better.
There’s a part of me, small but growing, that feels safe with him. Protected.
It’s a dangerous feeling. One I can’t afford to indulge.
But as the city gives way to lush green countryside and Victor holds me close and whispers for me to trust him…
…I find myself wanting to.
When the helicopter soars over the lush landscape, I can’t help but let out a silent gasp, mesmerized by the patchwork of green fields and winding rivers below. The higher we climb, the more surreal it feels, like I’m looking down at a living, breathing map.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, more to myself than to Victor, but he nods in agreement, his eyes reflecting a hint of pride.
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he says, a smile playing on his lips as he adjusts the headset.
He pulls me closer, wrapping his comforting arm around my shoulders, his body a solid anchor in this dizzying new reality. Despite the roar of the blades, I feel myself starting to drift, lulled by the steady thrum of the engine and the warmth of Victor’s embrace.
