Page 6 of Billionaire's Runaway

“Kathy, this is Laura,” I introduced, and they nodded to each other. “Do we have food anywhere on the plane?”

“I have peanuts, pretzels and crackers,” Kathy said. “I’m sorry, we don’t usually stock the pantry between flights.”

“Could I get some crackers?” Laura asked. “And possibly a coffee?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Kathy said, patting her on the shoulder. “Luke?”

I shook my head, and the flight attendant left to take care of Laura’s request.

“Laura,” I said, leaning forward and resting a hand on her thigh, intending to tell her about the tracker. She smiled softly at me and the confession died on my lips. I couldn’t ruin this tenuous moment. I’d tell her about it, but not yet. “Do you want me to have them land somewhere so you can eat? You were in that freezing-cold car for a long time. You should have some real food.”

“I’ll be okay,” she answered. “I promise. If it makes you feel better, you can take me to some five-star place when we get to New York. We went to the one when…um, last time I was there, and it was awesome. They had the fanciest food you’ve ever seen in your life! But…well…Actually, I’d rather go toJekyll and Hyde’s. It looks fun, but it wasn’t on our approved agenda when I was there.”

“Then we’ll go there,” I said, smiling at her excitement. “Whatever you want.”

I’d always give her whatever she wanted. And one day, very soon, she was going to wantme.

Three

Laura

Luke confused me. No, that wasn’t right. Myfeelingsfor Luke confused me. My brain told me to be wary, that he was just another man who wanted to bend me to his will. The rest of me? Well, it was ready to bend however Luke wanted.

Since I’d blown up at him, he’d been so careful in what he said, and clearly, he was trying hard not to spook me. The thing was, I didn’t want him to fake who he was for me. I needed him to be the real Luke. Yet, I needed himnotto take over my life…if that made any sense at all. Ineededthe big, bad alpha CEO to be himselfandgive me autonomy.

That was probably an impossibility, but no one had ever claimed I was easy to please. Though she’d never said as much, my mom had spoiled me since she was fearful of what my later life would be like. My father mostly ignored me, likely because I wasn’t the boy he’d always wanted. The only time I’d mattered to him was when some guy, who didn’t even speak English, decided he wanted to pay for the right to marry me.

I was pretty sure I was protected from that happening now that Luke had swept me up. Judging by the way he watched me, his jaw as rigid as stone, he wasn’t letting any other man near me, if he could help it—unless they were part of his family. Even then, I wasn’t so sure he’d trust his single brothers with me.

Yes, he was overbearing, though he visibly tried to reel in that tendency, but with Luke, I was safe. I felt safe, anyway, and I wasn’t afraid for the first time in a long while. I glanced over at him as we left JFK airport. He’d spoken to his driver before we’d departed, but I wasn’t sure where we were headed. A restaurant probably. He’d promised me food.

His hand clamped around mine as if he thought I’d leap from the moving car and bolt. His hold wasn’t too tight, but the steely grip would be inescapable. I waited for panic to rise, but it didn’t. Strange.

“Luke,” I said, breaking the silence between us.

“Yeah, baby?”

My teeth sank into my bottom lip. I drew in a deep breath, absorbing the pet name he’d carelessly tossed out, claiming it.

Be strong, Laura.

“I don’t want to stay with your family or get my own place right now,” I confessed. “Can I just stay with you? Would that be okay?”

His brows drew together. “You’re sure?”

“I mean…if you have the space. If I won’t be cramping your style.”

His eyes narrowed, and he huffed a laugh under breath.

“Cramping my style how?” he asked, clearly amused.

“You’re a single guy. Rich. I’m sure there are women—”

“And I can assure you, you’re wrong,” he interrupted. “I’m not a playboy or some manwhore. Never have been. I certainly haven’t even glanced at a woman that way in months.” His gaze burned into me, conveying a message I wasn’t sure I wanted to receive. “I’m confident I’ll never get enough of my woman once I have her, but I don’t live to get my dick wet.”

My eyes widened at his crass words. Okay…

“So, I can assure you, if you’re comfortable with it, you’re welcome at my place,” he said. “Actually, I’d prefer you there. I just didn’t want to push you.”

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