Crude Heir (Billionaire Heirs #3)

Chapter 24

Nicole

I step out of the SUV, in awe of the vast expanse sprawling before me. I’ve never been to a regular airport, much less a private one.

My gaze fixates on the sleek jet waiting on the runway. This world, so different from my own, feels unbelievable right now, increasing my sense of apprehension.

Derrick comes around the back of the SUV, oblivious to a moment that seems surreal as he puts the luggage strap over his shoulder. It speaks to his familiarity with this lifestyle that includes friends who can send private jets at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, I was thrilled to be able to buy a car that takes a quart of oil every month just to keep going.

His pace slows and I glance up to find his brow furrowed. “Still nervous about the flight?” he asks with concern.

“A little.” I try for cheer but probably only manage a weak smile at best.

He slides an arm around my waist, bringing me in close with a comforting squeeze. His touch, firm yet gentle, comforts me.

“Where am I?” he asks in that bedroom voice that sends tingles down my back.

I smile, taking in his steady gaze. “You’re right here beside me.” His calm helps to set me at ease.

“Good girl.” He gives me a quick kiss. “Now let’s get going.”

I nod, as ready as I’ll ever be.

“Derrick.” A man comes out from the big building next to where we parked.

“Frank.” He holds out a hand, smiling. “How are you doing?”

“Good.” The man with sandy hair removes his hat. “Ma’am,” he says in greeting. If my TV trivia doesn’t fail me, that type of hat means he’s the captain, or pilot.

“Hello.”

“This is Nicole,” Derrick says, introducing me.

“Captain Frank Monday, ma’am.” He gives a quick nod. “I’m a pilot for the de Marco family.”

“Thank you, Captain.” I give him the most genuine smile I can muster.

“Let’s get you all on board.” He reaches for the bag on Derrick’s shoulder then the one in the SUV. “I’ll take these.”

“Thank you, Frank.” Derrick grabs the bags we picked up curbside at the tech store then presses the button to close the rear door on the SUV.

Meanwhile, Captain Frank turns on a heel and leads the way toward the big shiny jet that stands out against what’s left of the dreary sunlight.

We follow at a slower pace while Derrick keeps our hands clasped together.

“You seem to be doing better,” Derrick says, giving my fingers a gentle squeeze.

“Well, I don’t want him to think I don’t have faith in his flying skills,” I admit, eliciting a chuckle.

Once Captain Frank reaches the stairs to the jet, he turns and sees us farther back. He focuses on me hobbling along. “Y’all all right?”

“Yes,” Derrick replies. “We’re right behind you.”

“Sorry.” I try my best to pick up the pace. “I twisted my ankle earlier.”

“Don’t hurry, ma’am.” He sets the bags down on the tarmac, with a determined expression. “Need some help?”

“No,” Derrick answers immediately.

I tighten my grip on the umbrella I brought, just in case. “Thank you, but I have been carried around enough for one day.”

Captain Frank turns to Derrick, sharing a pleased expression and a quick nod. Picking up the bag, he goes up the stairs effortlessly. Just as I reach the first step, he’s back at the door.

“Hold onto the rail as you come up,” he says, looking at me as I put my hand through the umbrella strap and let it dangle. “I’ll be here…” He looks past me to Derrick. “In case you need a hand.”

I glance over my shoulder at Derrick. The look he and Captain Frank exchange seems to telegraph something. Though I’m not sure I understand what I missed.

Besides a twinge or two, I make it without much of a problem. The captain disappears toward the back with our bags.

The exterior of the jet is nothing compared to the cabin. Plush leather seats, polished wood panels, a table with wraparound seating, and several monitors mounted on the walls. This is more like a high-end lounge than my image of an airplane.

I’m still in awe when Derrick’s palm lands on my waist. “Come on, baby, head to the table.”

Baby. Two simple syllables. Yet the way that my tummy flip-flopped at them, you think he’d handed me the world.

He ushers me over to the table and has me scoot in, a big smile on my face. “Are you good with having the screen open?”

I glance at the window. “Y-yes, I suppose so.” Although the thought of looking down at how high we are above the ground makes me a little nauseous.

Captain Frank comes through. “This is a last-minute trip so I’m afraid I don’t have a meal on board.”

“No problem at all,” Derrick assures him.

“However, we do have sandwich fixings in the fridge and some snacks, in case you’re hungry.”

“Danish ham.” Derrick grins, as if it’s a given.

“Always on every flight,” he confirms.

“I think we’ll be good.” Derrick slides in beside me, putting his laptop bag and the shopping bag next to him on the seat.

“OK, you’ll know the drill.” He glances from Derrick to me and back. “Safety belt, vest under the seat, and the cup that comes out of the overhead if you need it.”

“I’ll make sure she’s buckled in and ready,” Derek says, turning toward me.

I offer a weak smile, curling my hand into the soft leather. “This is my first time on a plane,” I admit sheepishly.

Captain Frank grins back. “Well, this is nothing like a commercial flight. And trust me, you’ll miss it if you fly commercial,” he states matter-of-factly. “Now, we have high-wind conditions so keep your seat belts on. And I’m warning you now, the landing may not be as smooth as usual.”

“Got it.” Derrick nods his agreement while I try to keep my stomach from protesting.

“Alright. Buckle in. There are bags in the corner there in case you need them.” With that, he continues on to the front of the plane and closes the door.

“Don’t worry.” His phone rings, making him slide to one side in order to retrieve it from his pocket. “If the de Marco family hired this guy, he’s worth his weight.” He glances at the screen then sends the call to voicemail.

A second later, a smooth hum sounds from the back, then the stairs close. I buckle in, my heart racing with nervous energy. “I wish I’d brought the laptop,” I murmur, more to myself than anything else.

He picks up the bag, bringing it between us. I look over, curious as to what he’s up to. “Go on, open it.” He nods toward the bag.

I peek inside to find a matte black box. Pulling the thick plastic down, I uncover the front panel. My breath catches in my throat. “Derrick?” I pick up the box with both hands, placing it on the table in front of me with all the reverence it deserves. “It’s too much.” Yet I can’t stop myself from running my fingers across the raised logo.

“Once you finish setting up your new laptop,” he says, ignoring my weak protest. “You won’t even miss the old one.”

“This…this is incredible.” My heart’s filled with gratitude. Not starry-night gratitude but something close to it.

“I had it configured with accounting in mind. It’s got the processing power you need, a high-resolution screen, memory, storage, and a ten-key. I just have to take care of your security features and you’ll be good to go.”

I don’t understand how he was able to fit this into the small amount of time we had since his friend called. “When did you do this?”

“I sent a text with what I wanted.” He shrugs. “I’ve spent enough money with them that they assigned me an in-house rep.”

That explains it. I’d have to wait weeks to get something like this set up and delivered. Not that I could ever afford the price tag; it’s probably more than what I spent on buying my beat-up little car.

“I don’t know what to say.” I look up at him, tears ready to spring up at any moment.

He cups the back of my head, bringing me in for a hot kiss.

“Ready for takeoff,” Captain Frank’s voice comes over the speaker, ending our kiss.

Derrick looks much too pleased with himself as he sits back into the plush seat. My nerves over the flight fade, replaced by the anticipation of breaking the seal on the box. And if I’m going to be honest, because of Derrick’s kiss.

A second later, we’re moving. “Hang on until we’re in the air.” He places a hand on the box as the plane turns. “I don’t know if you’ll get to crunch numbers at thirty thousand feet, but at least you’ll be ready for when we land.”

That’s a sobering thought. There’s still so much to research. Despite the new computer, I may not get to everything, even if I work all night.

* * *

Derrick

I step off the stairs as Addler’s truck pulls up outside the hanger. Reaching back, I offer to help Nicole, who’s putting more care into holding the laptop bag in front of her than what she gives to her injured foot.

With her hand in mine, she takes the last steps onto the concrete floor. The laptop is held protectively against her body. “How about I take that bag for you.”

“I’ve got it.” She flashes me a smile that doesn’t quite hide the wince.

I lean in, speaking beside her temple. “Later, I’ll remind you what you get when you put yourself in danger.”

Although she lowers her gaze, her lips quirk in one corner, telling me exactly what she thinks of that punishment.

Addler comes around the front of the truck. The jeans and shirt he’s wearing are in stark contrast to the sharp suits he likes to wear, not to mention the side arm.

“Brother.” Adder approaches us, a woman with a radiant smile at his side. After a quick greeting, I turn to Nicole. “This is Addler de Marco.” He reaches out a hand as I look over at his companion. “Nicole Fuentes.”

“It’s so nice to meet you.” She smiles.

“And this is Elena Santos,” he says, resting a hand at the back of her waist. “Welcome to La Escuadra.”

Elena’s smile is warm and inviting as they exchange pleasantries.

Frank comes behind us with our bags. “How was your first time on a plane, Miss Nicole?” he asks with genuine interest.

She gives him a big smile. “It was the best first flight anyone could ask for.”

“I’m glad.” He turns to Addler and gives a quick nod.

“Frank, this is Elena.”

With the last of the introductions done, Frank heads into the office.

“Let’s get on the road,” Addler says, grabbing a bag. “We might be able to check one more place on the way home.” Without thinking, I follow Addler, leaving the women to chat as they follow along at a slower pace.

“Was it wonderful?” Elena asks, walking with Nicole.

“Incredible. I never imagined how fancy those planes can be.” Both women chuckle.

“Oh, are you okay?” she asks, concerned.

“Yes, I hurt my ankle earlier, but it’s noth— Oh!” A huge gust of wind comes through, but I still manage to hear the pain in her voice.

“Nicole?” Elena’s voice carries a frantic note.

I turn to check on them. Nicole’s fighting to keep her skirt in place while her hair whips all around her. She tries to straighten her foot without calling attention to herself.

“It’s noth — ” Then she catches sight of me dropping my bag as I head back.

“Let me take that.” Elena reaches over, thinking quickly.

“Derrick, I’m okay,” she insists, bringing up her hands as if she has a chance in hell of stopping me.

“Uh-huh.” It’s a comment I can easily ignore as I scoop her right up while Elena takes the computer bag.

“Derrick!” She’s well on her way to turning beet red.

“What did I tell you about hurting yourself?” I whisper next to her ear.

“I—”

“And lying to me?” I remind her of her second transgression.

“But—”

“And showing another man what’s mine…”

“Oh Lord.” She has enough sense to put her arm around me while carefully tucking her skirt around her thighs.

I glance back to find a huge grin on Addler’s face. He comes back to pick up the bag I dropped then returns to hold the door as I get Nicole settled into the back seat of the big truck. She scoots over so I can climb in to sit beside her.

Elena climbs into the passenger’s seat, dropping the computer bag by her feet as she glances back at us, her expression etched with concern. “I’m so sorry.” She pulls at the seat belt, bringing it across her chest. “Your ankle isn’t broken, is it?”

I quickly turn to Nicole, waiting for an answer.

“Do we need to head to the hospital?” Addler inquires, concern in his voice. “With the wind this bad, we’d have to drive. I don’t know if I can get you airlifted.”

“No-no-no. It’s not broken.” She gingerly tests her ankle, a grimace briefly crossing her face. “My foot went sideways, but I caught myself.”

“Bring your leg up here.” I pat my knee. Reluctantly, she shifts on the seat then brings her ankle up to my leg as instructed. She cautiously moves her foot in one direction then another so I can see she has mobility.

“I was more surprised about my skirt flying up,” she admits with a faint smile, pushing her windblown hair away from her face. “And I couldn’t see where I was going.”

Her explanation makes sense, and while her ankle is slightly swollen, she doesn’t seem to be in severe pain. “You’re sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

“I’ll be fine,” she assures me.

“Okay, home it is, then,” Addler decides, putting the truck in gear. “Keep your leg elevated. We’ll get you some ice as soon as we get in.”

As we drive along the caliche road, Nicole leans into me. The darkness outside the windows seems to envelop us, adding to the sense of isolation. Sensing her unease, I turn to search her face. She’s looking out the window, her throat working as she swallows hard.

I put my hand to her shin, calling her attention. “Where am I?”

She turns to me, her eyes meeting mine in the dim light from the truck’s dashboard. “You’re right here beside me,” she responds, her voice a whisper of reassurance.

“Good girl.”