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Isabella tightened her hand around mine as the jet dropped through thickening clouds.

This time, curiosity had replaced the fear, which was a hell of an improvement.

The wheels hit Teterboro a little after four.

Gray winter light covered the airport, and snow-heavy clouds hung low over New Jersey. By the time the aircraft rolled to the private terminal, DarkMatter SUVs were already waiting.

Customs was blessedly uneventful.

One officer boarded, checked the passports and passenger list, asked several routine questions, and moved on without giving Isabella more than a professional glance.

Aria appeared behind him almost the instant he cleared the door.

She swept into the cabin, carrying two coats over one arm and a slim leather folder in the other, perfectly put together despite the weather and chaos surrounding everyone else.

Her face lit up when she saw me.

“Look what the cat dragged home.”

I stood.

“Good to see you too.”

She hugged me carefully enough not to crush my ribs, then immediately turned to Isabella.

“And you must be Isabella.”

Isabella rose.

“Yes.”

Aria didn’t hesitate. She opened her arms.

Isabella blinked, then stepped into the hug.

“Welcome home, sweetheart.”

Isabella went still at the word home.

Aria released her before the moment could become awkward and handed over the folder.

“Backup identification, supporting documents, a phone, and a few other things Nik asked me to arrange. I also stocked Lachlan’s penthouse with everything I could think of.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Everything?”

“Food, toiletries, clothes, shoes, the basic necessities.” She smiled at Isabella. “And several things men consider unnecessary, but women know are absolutely essential.”

Isabella laughed.

I leaned down and kissed Aria’s cheek.

“You’re fucking amazing.”

“I know.”

She handed me my black wool coat, then helped Isabella into a thick cream-colored coat that looked as though it had been made for her.