Page 87 of The Protection Agreement

“Good. Ice knows where I’ll be.”

“Thanks for taking her back. And for taking care of her.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see her in a few hours. Bye, Lloyd.”

I hang up immediately.

Me: Jonah’s sending her to the airport in three to four hours. You know where. Make sure nothing changes.

Ice: Got it.

I exhale and call Grayson to have my flight ready for five p.m. No delays. I want her back in Chicago as soon as possible.

I ping Malik and Smith to check on Pete, hoping everything’s quiet. Malik calls, we talk for a few minutes, then hang up. All clear.

Then Ice texts.

Ice: We’re heading to an apartment. Jonah says he’s getting it for Lexi if she still wants to live in New York after everything.

What the fuck.

If I didn’t want her out of here before, I definitely do now. I head back across the hall and start packing her things. The sooner she’s back in Chicago, where she belongs, the better.

I pack everything and take it with me.

Me: Bring her straight to the airport. I have her stuff.

I head out. I’m on the plane, restless, waiting. I almost text Jonah, but I stop myself. Instead, I text Chef Wayne that Lexi’s coming home and will need dinner.

He sends a dancing emoji.

Ice texts again.

Ice: We’re twenty minutes out.

Me: Good. We need to leave immediately.

Something about this city isn’t sitting right with me. I tell the pilot and flight attendant to prepare for departure.

A few minutes later, I see the cars pull up. Jola steps out with Ice and a couple of Jonah’s men. They board, and I glare at the two extra guys.

“Jonah insisted they check the plane and confirm it’s you before they leave,” Ice says.

“Fine. But we need to go. I’ve got an event in Chicago tonight I can’t miss,” I say quickly.

They nod, say their goodbyes to Lexi, and step off. I sit beside her. The moment the door closes and we start taxiing, I pull her in and kiss her like I’ve been starving.

“Let’s go home,” I say when I break away.

She smiles and falls asleep as soon as we’re airborne.

“You okay now?” Ice asks, amused.

“Better. Thanks for watching her.”

He nods as I adjust her seat. I’m calmer now.

Two hours later, we land in Chicago. Smith is waiting.