CLARA'S POV
I needed to know why this man was taking us to the private airport.
"Because that's where the plane is." His tone didn't invite further discussion.
"I can't fly somewhere in my nightshirt." The comment slipped out before I could stop myself.
He turned in surprise, flashing a smile that did odd things to my belly. Man, I was losing it. "I told you to bring the basket of clothes."
"Listen," I tried reasoning with him again. "Let us go, and we won't tell anybody. I promise."
"I appreciate that," Taki said dryly. "But I told you I can't. You're in danger."
"Right. Danger." Dread pooled in my stomach as we rolled to a stop before a sleek silver jet. He switched off the ignition and silence echoed throughout the space. He turned to me, raising an eyebrow.
"Are we going to have a problem getting on the plane?" He asked, like he already knew I had no intentions getting on the plane.
"We are not getting on that plane." I needed to get Jane out of the car so we could run for help. I unsnapped my belt.
A hand on my arm and one at my hip easily lifted me over the console to settle on his lap where my ass briefly rested against the hard ridge of a well-built man. Another smooth motion and we were outside the vehicle with me cradled in his arms. His broad hand had protected my head from the steel carriage, even as I fought his hold.
I jammed an elbow into his ribs.
His face dipped to confront mine. "Clara. Enough. I doubt you want your daughter to see you slung over my shoulder being carried onto the plane. Flashing those pretty pink panties." He said the last part with a grin.
I gaped at him, my breath coming in short gasps. He took advantage of the reprieve to drop me to my feet and open the rear door. "Unbuckle Jane." he ordered.
His warm body trapped me in place; I had no choice but to unbuckle my daughter. I lifted Jane up and small arms clutched her neck. "They're still coming," she whispered.
"I feel them, too," Taki said, his breath stirring my hair. One hand enclosed my arm in a vise. "Let's get out of here." He slammed the door shut.
Waves of urgency battered me from both sides, propelling me toward the silent plane even as my mind rolled with questions. With reservations. Maybe I and Jane should try to take the Hummer.
"Stop thinking so hard." He released my arm while giving me a gentle push up the small steps. "We're leaving. Now."
"Go, mum. Hurry," Jane implored.
I gave in. I climbed up the steps to sit on a thick grey couch. Jane snuggled up to my side with a sigh of relief, and I buckled us in. Taki secured the door and reached into a cubby above the windows for a blue blanket, which he handed to me with a grin. No threat came from him, at least none directed at me. As he dropped into a seat facing me on the couch across the narrow aisle, the engines roared to life, and the plane taxied toward the runway.
TAKI'S POV
I allowed myself to relax as the plane leveled off. They were safe. I smiled at Jane while the girl studied me. She was awful tiny to have demolished three centuries of peace,I thought. Crocus blue eyes shot curiosity and daring from her young face as she spoke. "So, are you going to protect us?"
I saw Clara jump at the child's voice. The small jet lifted into the air like a predator on a mission while two pairs of identical blue eyes focused across the tiny aisle.
"Is that all right with you?" I turned my gaze on the child. She fascinated me. So fragile, even the whispering wind would threaten her. A real child. Human.
Jane squinted before looking my frame up and down, and reaching a decision, she nodded solemnly, her "yes" a bare whisper of sound. The knuckles on her tiny fingers clenched white on her mother's hand.
I remained silent for a moment, taking in the pale features of the two females. The blue blanket enfolded them both. Knowing fully well what I pledged, I spoke. "Yes. I'm here to protect you." My vow threaded through the cozy cabin, and the child let out her breath with a smile while Clara frowned, glancing around. Probably for a weapon.
I knew what I had promised, and since I haven't broken a promise in my long life, I refuse to start now. I studied the two as the plane gained altitude. Both had long, curly hair the color of burnished teak, deep blue eyes, and delicate bones. Something close to protectiveness nudged his conscience.
Jane gave me a toothless grin. "So you came for us. Finally."
She tugged the tattered brown bear closer to her chest, and I grinned. Mr. Muller did indeed wear a faded blue muffler as his hairstyle. I settled into the plush couch. "I'm here for you, Jane."
CLARA'S POV
"Who are you?" I was forced to ask after listening to his conversation with Jane as I pulled Jane even closer.
He sighed. "I'll explain once we get to DC, Clara. All I can tell you right now is that you're safe." He replied
"I don't think so. What the hell's in DC?" I asked almost screaming as all these didn't make sense any more.
"Who is in DC." I asked again when I got no response from him.
"All right"—my pretty eyes narrowed to daggers—"who the hell is in DC?" I asked for the third time trying to keep my voice low.
"The Director of the U.S. Marshal's Service." His reply came as a snort.
"You aren't a U.S. Marshal." I hurled the words as an accusation. A dare, even.
He grinned. "Not even close, darling."
"Explain." I barked.
The accusation and dare he could've ignored, but the plea, the concern from a mother attempting to protect her child, well, even he couldn't disregard that. And considering they had just become his, he should try to make us happy.
"I don't know all of the details, only that you're in danger. The life you've been leading is now over." He said to me.
"What kind of danger?" I asked with fear written all over my face.