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He thumped Ryker’s back and said, “Good to see you, brother.”
“You, too, man. Thanks for meeting us.”
“No problem.” He turned to Jade and his eyes lit up. He wrapped her in a bear hug, then picked her up, and swung her around.
“Good to see you, too,” she laughed when he set her down.
“Don’t I know it? You’re so lucky to have me as your escort today.” He winked at her.
Ryker rolled his eyes and muttered, “Stop causing a scene. We’re going to get mobbed because of you.”
Roark rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around Jade’s shoulder. He pulled her close to his side. “Let’s get you out of here, princess. Before your fire breathing dragon unleashes his wrath on the innocent, unsuspecting villagers.”
Ryker growled. “Right now, the only human about to feel my wrath is you. Get your hands off my treasure.”
Roark grinned. He kept his eyes on Ryker while he leaned close and whispered against Jade’s ear, “You’re good for him. I’m rooting for you two. But I’m telling you right now — you break his heart, I’ll kill you myself.” He kissed her cheek before stepping away.
“You have nothing to worry about there. I’m all in,” she replied.
After what he said sank in, his cheeky threat reminded her of Lyra. It seemed their best friends were two peas in a pod when it came to protecting their besties.
Her smile faded and the situation overwhelmed Jade. Tears welled in her eyes.
Ryker looked alarmed and quickly stepped closer to pull her into his arms.
He glared at Roark. “Dude, I don’t know what you said to her, but I’m kicking your ass for it later.”
Roark’s face fell. “I was teasing. I’m sorry. I didn’t think...”
After Ryker held her for a minute, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, tucked her close to his side, and guided her toward the exit.
“Roark, grab the bags. We’ll be in the car.”
“Okay. I’ll call Benny and have him pull the car up. I’m sorry, princess.”
She nodded at him and tucked her face into Ryker’s side. She didn’t want to attract any unwanted attention.
They made it through the airport and out to the pick up area without any incidents. Benny pulled up in an SUV with darkened windows, and they climbed inside. Ryker buckled into the back seat with her.
“Hey, Benny. Thanks for picking us up,” Ryker said.
Benny grunted. He moved the car forward and pulled back onto the road.
“Are we leaving Roark behind?” Jade asked.
“We should,” Ryker grumbled. “But no. We’re pulling around to cell phone parking. He’ll be at least 20 minutes in baggage and JFK security gets pissy if we hold traffic up that long. We’ll wait at the temporary parking and go back for him when he calls.” He turned to Jade. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I overreacted.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing bad. He threatened me like Lyra would. Reminded me a lot of her, and I overreacted. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
Ryker tensed. “He threatened you?!”
“Calm down, tiger. He was teasing, and it was for your benefit, anyway.”
“Explain,” he growled.
