Page 54 of Redeeming Violet

“Tex already sent your new identification to Wolf. You’ll fly back with Viper and the team.”

My stomach whooshed, and it had nothing to do with the plane coming to a stop at the gate. I wasn’t ready to see Jaxon, or the guys. I needed more time, lots of time, like forever.

“Is there any way you could help me get my ID and I’ll be on my way? I really want to get home to my own place and my own things. No need to wait for them.”

Cutter chuckled, “It sounds a lot like running to me.”

“I’m not ready to see him.”

“I’ll make you a deal. We’ll wait for them to get here. You give Blue five minutes. If at the end of five minutes you still want to run, I’ll personally escort you back to Virginia.”

“I couldn’t ask you to fly with me back east. I can fly alone,” I told him.

“Violet, it’s a fool’s bet.” He smiled. “You won’t need me to take you home.”

I seriously doubted that was the case, but I didn’t have much of choice considering I had no money, no credit cards, and no ID. I wasn’t going anywhere until someone helped me.

“Fine.” I huffed.

***

Two hours later Cutter had fed me lunch and my ID had been couriered over. I was a little more relaxed. I was grateful we’d be able to stay in the executive area of the small airport providing us privacy. With two black eyes, I didn’t want to be in the company of strangers. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the stares. I’d finally mustered up enough courage to look in the mirror and I wished I hadn’t. I looked horrible. The good news was, by some miracle my nose wasn’t broken.

Cutter was midsentence asking me how I liked Virginia when all the fine hairs on the back of my neck pricked in awareness. Before I had time to consider the feeling, Cutter spoke.

“There you are,” Cutter said, and stood, confirming my fear.

I didn’t want to turn around. I was afraid I’d do something stupid like profess my undying love or throw myself at Jaxon. Suddenly all the Motrin Cutter had been supplying me with was no longer working. My head was pounding, making it difficult to concentrate on what the men were saying.

“Vi, baby?” I slowly opened my eyes, not entirely sure when I’d closed them, to find Jaxon kneeling in front of me. “Sorry it took me so long to get here.”

The difference in him was startling. Gone was the menacing man covered in face paint, dressed in military jungle gear, and back was the man that had laid me down and made love to me. His statement finally registered, and I was confused. Why was he apologizing to me?

“Baby, don’t cry.” He pulled me into his strong arms while I cried into his chest, soaking his t-shirt with my tears. I don’t know how long I cried into his arms, but it felt good to let it all out.

“I’m so sorry.” Jaxon’s body went solid under mine, and he pulled me off his chest.

“Don’t. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“But it’s all my fault,” I started.

“Don’t go down that path, Violet. Nothing that’s happened is your fault.”

“But Eric…”

Jaxon once again stiffened, then quickly masked his emotions. “Died protecting us. He died a hero’s death.”

“But… how can you say that?” I asked. Eric was dead, and Jaxon was acting like it was any other day. “I don’t understand.”

“I know you don’t. Come on, I rented a car. We’re gonna take a drive and I’ll explain everything,” he told me.

“A drive? With me? But you were so angry with me. You told Cutter to take me, you didn’t even want to look at me.”

“I’ll explain that, too. But I was never angry at you. Well, I was. When I first heard what you did, I wanted to tan your ass.”

My face flushed at the thought of him spanking me. Remembering the delicious night we’d spent together was really not appropriate at the moment, but I couldn’t stop my mind from going there.

“Here are her documents,” Cutter interrupted and handed the envelope to Jaxon.