Page 73 of Lost & Found

I thought back to last night and how obnoxious he was at dinner. Lately, every chance he got, he repeated his mantra. “Death got you in. Death will get you out.” It was always accompanied with threats of bodily harm and un-making Pasha as a Death Squad member. It was embarrassing as hell.

The drive didn’t take long, and soon another set of stern instructions was given. This time by Marcus, but he included his warning to me as well.

“Don’t do anything foolish, young lady. I know your brothers think the warning need only apply to the Dancer, but you and I both know different.”

“Okay, but I don’t do foolish things. I’m not Kinsley.” I smirked.

“I get that, but please be safe. Make smart choices.”

“I will, dad,” I teased.

He waited until we walked inside before driving off, and I let out a long breath of relief.

Thankfully, both of us were familiar with the airport, so navigating it wasn’t as daunting as it could have been. Soon we were boarding one of many flights. The guys had suggested we take the private jet, but I wanted the experience. It wasn’t like any other trips we made as a family would be this authentic.

Plus, a part of me knew Pasha was uncomfortable accepting some of the more extravagant things. He didn’t grow up this way. Coming from a poor family that struggled to make ends meet, our lifestyle was still something he was adjusting to.

There was a hint of anticipation in the air, and the soft murmur of voices surrounded us as we settled into our seats. The cabin was bathed in a soft glow. Pasha had given me the window seat.

I stole a glance at him, noting the subtle tension in his features as he stowed his carry-on in the overhead compartment. Despite his confidence, there was a hint of nervousness lurking beneath the surface.

He took the seat next to me. “What’s that look for? You’re biting your lip.”

I hadn’t realized I was. The lack of space on the plane felt contained. Too intimate for honesty that might be overheard by strangers. I was also afraid that if I opened my mouth right now, I wasn’t sure which thought would fall out first.

The one about Hannah. The one about pretending. The one about number fourteen. The amount of agonizing I’d done over it, and I still wasn’t sure I wanted to share. I needed more time.

“I’m good,” I lied, then sighed when he didn’t look convinced. His eyebrow lifted higher. Heat filled my cheeks. I blurted, “Tell me your thoughts, and then I’ll tell you mine.”

“Meaning,” he said, watching me far too closely.

Meaning I didn’t want to be the first one to admit I was nervous. Meaning that sharing felt like stripping out of my clothes in front of a stranger. He remained silent. Guess that meant I needed to go first.

I dragged in a breath. “You look tense. Are you sure you want me with you, Lev? There’s still time to change your mind, but only about five more minutes.”

His expression shifted. “You’re not getting off this plane,” he growled low enough it didn’t carry past our row.

The sound carried through me, and goosebumps rose on my arms.

“I’m not tense, I promise. I was actually thinking about how odd it is. I spent years with these people, but my life is so different now,” he said.

“That makes sense. Are you nervous about them seeing you with someone new?”

“Actually, no. That is the least of my concerns.”

The flight attendant started the pre-flight checks, and within ten minutes, we were taking off down the runway. The familiar jolt of acceleration signaled our ascent into the sky. We were really doing this.

“So what are your concerns?” I pressed.

“I know you’re tough and you’ll speak your mind. Hannah knows that, too, but it won’t stop the snide comments she’ll make along the way.”

“Got it. You’re worried I’ll use the knife Kinsley insisted I pack. I promise I won’t stab her even if she deserves it. I’ll be on my best behavior. And we should probably talk about how you want me to act.”

“Just be you, silly.”

“Yeah, except most of the time I’m sarcastic as fuck with a side of I don’t give a shit about your opinion.”

“Not always. I’ve been paying more attention. Usually, you only get that way when I make heavily-laced sexual innuendos.”