Chapter Thirty-One
The peaceful clarity of the mountain overlook shattered the moment we rode back through the rusted iron gates of the compound. The high fences seemed to close in around us again, a stark reminder that our truce with the world was only temporary.
Jake parked the chopper by the main garage, his hand lingering on my hip as I slid off the leather seat. "Go inside and get some warmth," he murmured, his eyes scanning the dark courtyard with his usual vigilant intensity. "I need to check in with Stone about the northwest border patrols. I’ll be up to the room soon."
"Okay," I smiled, stepping away reluctantly. I loved the version of Jake I got when we were alone, but the moment his boots hit the dirt of the compound, the heavy weight of the Vice President vest settled right
