The engines roared louder, a vibration rolling through the floor beneath Clara’s feet. Her grip on the armrest tightened instinctively, knuckles pale against the leather. She tried to steady her breathing, but as the jet began its slow crawl toward the runway, her pulse thudded in her ears.
Nicholas noticed. Of course he did. His gaze flicked from her clenched hands to her face, calm amusement tugging at the edge of his mouth.
“First time?” he asked, voice smooth, almost teasing.
She nodded, forcing a thin smile. “First time on a plane at all, actually. I usually… stick to buses. Or my feet.”
His brow arched, though his tone stayed even. “Then this is a hell of a leap.”
She let out a shaky laugh, clutching harder as the engines surged. “You think?”
The jet began to accelerate, pressi
