The privacy partition of the Gulfstream G650 slid shut with a soft, mechanical hiss, sealing the rear cabin off from the cockpit and the galley.
The sudden silence was heavy. The only sound was the low, steady hum of the engines and the frantic beating of Aria's heart.
Damien unbuckled his seatbelt. The click echoed in the small space.
"Come here," he said.
It wasn't a request. He rotated his leather captain's chair to face hers, spreading his legs slightly.
Aria hesitated. "Damien, the flight attendants... they're right on the other side of that wall."
"The wall is soundproof," Damien assured her, his eyes darkening as they swept over her 'survival chic' outfit. "And if it isn't... they are paid very well to be deaf."
He reached out, grabbing the strap of her tactical backpack and pulling. Aria tumbled forward, landing squarely in his lap. His arms wrapped around her waist instantly, locking her in place.
