Page 65

She was right; this is nothing like she’s ever done before.

It’s fresh, freeing, and addictive. Even if I didn’t have to listen, it’d still be on repeat in my headphones.

The lyrics are heavy, but the mastery behind the music is real. It’s about the fight for reclaiming yourself in a world full of speculation and comparison. Clearing a debt that you’ve ultimately created—redemption.

It hits so close to home, yet feels like the best escape.

I’m the first in line to get off the plane, and I regret it the second I see him. Dapper as ever, Jett stands silently at the exit, waiting to usher all of us off.

“Miss Sofia.” Jett nods and gives a cheeky smile.

I pinch my lips together, allowing them to curve up slightly. An attempt at some sort of politeness, given our arrangement. Before I can rush ahead, Jett’s large hand snakes in front of my body. Holding a dangly chain, my eyes flicker to the brightly colored keychain.

I love Miami.

I yank it from his grasp before anyone can notice my harshness.

“What’s with the keychains?” I sass, my eyes snapping up to his.

His lips pucker. “Just like to give you something to remember your trip by.”

“Well, stop,” I insist, shifting my bag higher on my shoulder.

When the weight lightens, I find his large hand under the strap releasing all the pressure from my arm.

“Let me,” he says sweetly.

“You can’t—” I start, but his hardened stare stops me.

“It’s my understanding that the man in your life is supposed to do gentleman-like things. I’ll put this in the car for you once everyone exits.”

I hate the way my heart swells. With a rebuttal right on my tongue, I hold it. That bag was by no means overly heavy, but my body is certainly beginning to wear down.

Not wanting to hold the line up any more than I already have, I agree.

“Thanks,” I whisper sourly.

“That’s what boyfriends are for, Sofia.”

“So, when did you start fucking our pilot?”

I tense at the sound of her voice as I pull the same sweats I wore from our flight over my hips, leaving my spandex shorts underneath.

After the club in Miami, I hadn’t heard a word from anyone about what happened, but I knew they saw. Everyone saw Jett punch that guy, and me blabbering behind him as he escorted us out of the club.

I keep my back to Shannon, continuing to pack my bags when I respond.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but it’s a pre-existing relationship.”

“Relationship?” She chuckles in a way that lacks amusement.

“That’s what I said.” I finally turn to face her.

“Sounds like an HR violation to me.”

My skin burns hot. I hadn’t even thought about what mine and Jett’s arrangement would mean for my job. He’s not technically an employee, but even contracted out, Shannon has a point.

“Sounds like none of your business to me.” I stick to my story, ignoring the unsettled feeling before I let myself spiral for no reason.