Page 64 of The Contract

Of course, he knows exactly how I take it.

“Time to go.”

He leads the way, and I follow him to a door just off the kitchen. I hadn’t even noticed it before.

We exit into a long hallway. Stairs that lead down. A service elevator for the staff. Then, at the end of the hall, another elevator. Damien steps inside, pulling a small silver key from his pocket.

He inserts it, twisting smoothly, and I catch sight of the illuminatedHwith a circle around it just as the elevator doors shut.

A helicopter.

My stomach dips slightly.

“We’re flying?” I ask, perking up despite myself.

Beside me, Damien’s mouth pulls into something resembling a real smile—relaxed, effortless.

“We are.”

It’s only a few floors up, but when the doors glide open, I realize exactly what that means.

An impressive black-and-gold helicopter sits waiting for us, its polished exterior gleaming under the soft glow of the rooftop lights. The Wolfe Industries emblem is emblazoned on the side—sleek and powerful.

I let out a low whistle. “Very fancy.”

Damien doesn’t acknowledge the compliment right away, but I don’t miss the way his lips twitch slightly at the corner.

“I’m glad you like it.”

I can tell he really does—that he enjoys this more than he’s letting on.

A flight attendant greets us, handing over two headsets as Damien moves ahead, opening the door and gesturing for me to climb in.

Not the side door, where the guest seats are situated.

The front.As in, next to the pilot’s seat.

I step inside, settling into the buttery leather seat, but before I can reach for the harness, his hands are there first, buckling me in with calm efficiency.

“Comfortable?”

I lift my chin slightly. “I was before I climbed into the front.”

His lips quirk, and I expect him to shut the door and walk away. Only, he doesn’t.

Instead, he reaches for the blanket, spreading it over my lap, his movements smooth and attentive.

I glance up at him, brows lifting slightly. “I didn’t peg you as the doting type.”

He scoffs, adjusting the fabric with a little more attention than necessary.

“I’m not. Just making sure you don’t freeze to death and give me a poor satisfaction rating with Lucian.”

A laugh bubbles up before I can stop it, but I smother it with a sip of coffee. “Consider your rating safe—for now.”

He shuts my door, walking around the front of the helicopter to the other side.

And that’s when I realize—all the attendants are stepping back. Their positions close to the wall, near the door. They’re waiting for us to take off.

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