It’s not long before I hear the telltale signs of feet hitting the wood floors outside the bedroom.
“Are you ready?” I hear him before I see him.
“I am. My suitcase has already been brought down.”
He nods. “Come on, we have to go.”
Gideon is already setting off to the stairwell, and I pick up my pace to follow. Before long, both our feet hit the marble floor of the foyer, and then we’re walking out the front door.
The first thing I see is four heavily tinted black cars lined up. The second car’s door is open.
“That’s ours,” he says, pointing at the car with its door open.
I don’t say a word, but fear flutters in my blood. He has a convoy of cars.
The only reason he would do that is if the threat is real.
I feel sick as I step inside the Escalade, my hands bunching into the material of my cardigan to keep busy.
As soon as the doors close, I let out a breath, but I’m on high alert when the other back door flies open, and Gideon takes a seat beside me.
“Is this all necessary?”
“Yes. I told you I’d keep you safe, and someone out there really wants you dead. Until we know who and why, this is all very necessary.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ve asked that a million times, and each time I’ve told you, I’m not telling.”
“Why?” I throw out another question, growing annoyed with myself for the constant inquisitions. But it can’t be helped. I’m on unequal footing, and when I feel off balance, I ask a million questions. It’s always been like that.
“It’s a surprise.”
I turn my head toward him. “For what?”
“Because I want to,” he says, eyes never wavering from mine.
“That’s not necessary. I don’t want surprises from you.”
“Too damn bad. I’ve done a lot of fucked-up shit with you. I’ve messed up, and this is my apology.”
This is his way of asking for forgiveness.Can I forgive him?
Gideon is a strange man; he’s such an enigma.One I wonder if I’ll ever figure out.
We don’t drive very long before we stop. When the door is opened for me, I see where we are.
We’re on a tarmac of a private airport, parked right next to a private jet.
Holy hell.
In my life, I have never seen anything like this.The wealth. The glamour. The prestige.
This is some way to live…
I wonder what a life like this would be like, and then it hits me.
Luxury like this comes with a giant cost.