Page 70 of Daniil
“A trip?But I didn’t bring anything with me or?—”
“Sweetheart.”He seems a bit exasperated, putting his hands on my shoulders.“We’re flying to a mountain resort for dinner and then home again.Marcus and a military pilot will be accompanying us.If you’re not comfortable flying, the pilot can take over.And we’ll be home long before Micah wakes up in the morning.”
“Oh.”
Oh!
Suddenly it all sinks in and excitement conquers all the anxiety.
It’s been forever since I’ve been able to fly—and aside from my child, I love flying more than anything.
“Really?”I whisper excitedly.“I can fly it?”
I stare at the Blackhawk in awe.With its swept back rotor blade tips that make a distinct chatter through the air, its sleek frame, ratcheted doors and worn interior, it’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a long time.It has a basic and sturdy design, but the aircraft is reliable, resilient, and will get you in and out of some sticky situations.
I flew Cobras when I was in the Marines, but I’ve flown Blackhawks during a few joint missions—and now I get to do it again!
“Come on.”Daniil tugs my hand and we practically run toward it.“This is Lieutenant Kaska, one of our pilots.Lieutenant, this is Major Courtney Grimshaw, United States Marines.”
“Retired,” I say, shaking his hand.
“Very nice to meet you.”The pilot grins.“I understand you’d like to fly my baby.”
“I would.Very much.But only if it’s okay with you.I know it’s very personal.”
“Of course.I would be honored.”
It takes a little while for him to familiarize me with everything and to get settled, but once I’m in the pilot’s seat, years of training kicks in.
Before I know it, we’re sailing over the city, and I’m in the zone.This is my favorite thing to do, ever.I’ve wanted to fly since I was a kid, before there was ever a chance that it might become reality.Once I realized ROTC might afford me that opportunity, I jumped in headfirst and never looked back.
I have zero regrets about having Micah, but I do miss flying.
This is absolute nirvana to me.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I wonder if this is how Daniil reels me in—pandering to my deepest desires, from the bedroom to the cockpit.But he’s been nothing but kind, patient, and caring.He rocks my world when we’re alone and I can’t find a single fault in his parenting.
Maybe I was wrong about him.The danger is real, but so is the man.Those are the disparities I’m trying to reconcile.At some point, I have to think about it, but not today.Right now, I’m having an incredible adventure, all because of the gorgeous man sitting behind me.
Chapter29
Daniil
The mountaintop resorthas a helipad and Courtney sets the copter down gently.She’s badass as hell, and though I planned this as a special treat for her, it has the bonus of turning me on too.From the moment I found out she was a military pilot, it attracted me to her beyond the physical.Having the opportunity to experience it firsthand is a complete aphrodisiac.Too bad there’s nowhere we can go.
“That was amazing!”she says, throwing her arms around my neck once we step into the elevator that will take us down one level to the restaurant.“Thank you!”
“You’re welcome.”I kiss her.“I enjoyed it too.”
“It’s been so long…I was afraid I’d forgotten.”
“Me too,” I tease.“Hence why I brought a pilot along.”
She laughs.“I’m glad you had a back-up plan.”
I take her hand and we step into the restaurant.It’s a swanky place but I’m a fucking prince, so I don’t give a shit about dress code.Courtney wasn’t going to fly a helicopter in a cocktail dress and heels, so they’re just going to have to deal with it.Besides, I paid a lot of money for us to have the restaurant mostly to ourselves tonight.There are a few international guests that are here—a popular movie star and his wife, along with a member of the British royal family who’s here with his family—but otherwise, it's all ours.
We’re seated by a window just as the sun starts to set and the view is spectacular.Almost as beautiful as the woman sitting across from me.She looks happy and relaxed, her green eyes sparkling in the late afternoon sun.
