Page 81 of The Protection Agreement

Ice nods and chuckles

We get to the car, and I’m surprised to see Smith in the front seat.

“Hey, Smith, are you coming with us too?”

“No. Boss just wanted me to make sure you get on your flight safe,” he says, and I nod.

Ice puts our bags in the trunk, and we drive to the airport. We get on the plane, and I see Jonah seated, waiting. I rush to hug him. He pulls me into a tight embrace.

“I’ve missed you,” I say.

“Missed you too, sprinkles.” He whispers, we pull apart, and he turns to Ice and Smith.

“I thought only Ice was coming with us,” Jonah questions, his tone icy.

“Boss just said I should make sure they got here and took off in one piece.”

“Ah, thank you. We’re good.”

“Bye, Smith,” I say. He waves and gets off the plane. Ice sits next to Jonah’s bodyguard, and I sit with Jonah. We buckle up and get ready for takeoff. Jonah and I talk during the flight. I tell him about my job and coworkers.

“Good. You are settling in fine.” He says smiling

“Yes, I am.”

“Alright, let’s head to New York for more fun,” he says before I turn and fall asleep.

Once we land and settled into our rooms at the hotel, I call Bruce. We talk for a while before saying goodnight.

Chapter forty-nine

Bruce

I woke up alone this morning, a solitude that I now detest. Honestly, I barely slept. My hands kept reaching for her, only to grasp the empty space in the bed, a constant reminder of her absence. Naturally, I’m on edge, and talking to her is paramount. Looking at my watch, it’s ten a.m. here. I’m sure she’s awake in New York. I call Ice.

“Hey, boss.”

“I need to talk to her.” I gruffly say

“Hold on.”

It takes a few minutes before I hear her voice.

“Hello, Mr. Darcy.” She honeyed

“Hi, sprinkles. How are you doing, okay?” I ask, trying not to sound concerned.

“I’m good. Jonah is taking me shopping for my birthday present. How are you, Bruce?”

“Not good. I miss you, sprinkles.”

“Miss you too. I’ll be back soon.” She whispers

“Are you having fun with Jonah?”

“Yes, I’ve missed hanging out with him.”

“Good. Enjoy your time with him and return home.”