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I glare at him in answer.
“Have it your way. I have the rope in my pocket, if necessary.”
Hayden reaches for me with a speed too quick for me to react. With a grunt, I land on his shoulder, my hair dangling on either side of my face. The skin of my tattoo smarts, and cheeks burn, not just from embarrassment but from outrage. I lift my leg to knee him in the chest, and he slams his arm across the backs of my thighs, preventing me.
Then he swats my ass.
“Enough, Calista. This is happening. If you try to hit me or decide to scream for help, I’ll have you bound and gagged so fast it’ll make your head spin. Got it?”
I sniff with indignation. It’s the best I can manage with my pride in tatters and my ass stinging. My hair sways back and forth with each of his steps, and I don’t bother removing it from my face. I’m grateful it covers my mortified expression, even if the staff in the building knows my identity.
Hayden eventually deposits me in the car waiting outside, and I scramble across the leather seats, eager to put some distance between us. He climbs in after me, amusement brightening his gaze.
“Put on your seatbelt, Callie.”
“I will when I’m good and ready.” I insert the metal clasp into the buckle. “Now, I’m ready.”
He shakes his head, his lips twitching. “You’re so stubborn.”
Once the driver steers the vehicle onto the road, I stare out the window and watch the city pass by, sullen and unable to enjoy the view. The occasional honk of horns is the only thing that breaks the silence. After a few minutes, Hayden speaks again.
“I know you’re upset with me, but in time, you’ll understand why I had to do this.”
I remain quiet, refusing to respond or even look at him.
He blows out a breath. “How long do you plan on acting like this?”
“Like what? A woman who’s been kidnapped?” I snap.
“Kidnapped is a strong word.”
“What else do you call it when a man forcibly grabs someone and shoves them in a car bound for an unknown destination?”
He blows out a breath, and I catch him running a hand through his hair from the corner of my eye. “You can choose to view it that way, or you could see it as me saving you.”
“I can’t just run away from my problems.” I give him a pointed look. “Isn’t that what you told me, to quit running?”
“This is different. Besides, I’m not a stranger to you. I’m the person who will put your welfare above everyone’s, even my own.”
I finally turn to look at him. His gaze finds mine, a storm of emotions churning inside me. His eyes mirror the turmoil in my own. We might be at an impasse again, caught between our conflicting desires, but I never expected to see regret from him. It’s quick, no more than a flash. However, it gives me hope.
Maybe Hayden does understand what he’s putting me through. If he can sympathize, then he might be reasoned with.
All I have to do is bide my time.
Chapter16
Calista
An eight-hour flight is long,but when you travel on a private jet, you don’t tend to notice.
Except I do. Hayden’s next to me, overwhelming me with his intense energy. His thigh brushes mine every so often, and he asks me if I’m all right every half hour. I want to be irritated with his attentiveness, but I can’t because I’m tired.
Of everything.
The jet’s engines rumble, creating a continuous hum, and it isn’t long before I’m slumped in the plush seat, staring out the window through heavy-lidded eyes. Sleep drags me under until the only things I’m aware of are the air conditioning periodically sweeping over my cheeks and the man beside me.
I doubt there’ll ever be a time when I can’t feel Hayden’s presence.
