Page 65 of The Contract

I blink. “Wait…you’reflying us?”

Damien chuckles, the sound deep, boyish, and entirely too self-satisfied.

“I am.”

I stare at him, half expecting him to admit he’s joking. But instead, he rounds the aircraft, climbing into the pilot’s seat, completely at ease as he adjusts the controls.

“Just picked up the license yesterday,” he adds smoothly, cutting me a quick side glance laced with amusement.

I narrow my eyes. “Funny.”

“Only if you doubt my abilities.”

He winks—actually winks—before shifting into full focus, his confidence almost maddening as he maneuvers the controls.

I fumble slightly with my headset, settling it over my ears just as his voice comes through the connection.

“I’ve flown for several years now,” he says, flipping a few switches. “You’re in good hands with me.”

Oh, I know exactly how good those hands are.

But instead of saying that, I take a slow sip of my coffee and check out the rest of the cabin.

There are two seats behind us, then a bench seat at the very back. It’s lavish.

Made for comfort on short jumps when theWolfe of Fifth Avenueneeds to arrive and make an impression.

The blades whir louder, a steady rhythm slicing through the quiet morning air.

“Ready?” He quirks a brow at me, and I nod, smiling.

Damien maneuvers the controls, and my stomach drops to the ground as we rise.

My hand flies to the armrest of my seat on instinct.

I take a deep breath, watching the city shrink below us as we ascend, my eyes flickering to the horizon just as the first sliver of sun crests over the skyline.

It’s breathtaking.

Stunning in a way that makes my chest tighten, something warm settling beneath my ribs as I take it all in.

I feel the weight of Damien’s gaze and turn my head just slightly.

Damien isn’t watching the view.

He’s watchingme.

The atmosphere crackles in the small space, thick and dangerous.

Then, just as quickly as it happens, he turns away.

Focuses on the controls.

And I turn back to the sky, pretending I don’t feel his gaze still lingering on me anyway.

Forty-five minutes later, we land smoothly at the private airfield near the Hamptons.

Damien is a wonderful pilot. Without question, he puts his every effort into the excellence of flying, and it’s impressive.

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