Page 38 of Damaged King

When the woman didn’t jump at her command, Sophia pulled out her ID. “I’m Sophia Sky.”

The employee’s eyes widened. “Yes, Miss Sky.” She handed back Sophia’s ID. “Follow me.”

Sophia snagged my arm and shaking her off would have embarrassed both of us, so I did nothing.

Instead of excitement walking down to my first flight using the jet bridge, it felt like a gangplank that led to open waters instead.

“You’re going to be great,” Sophia declared, giggling in a way I should have felt.

I was far from giddy, especially when I walked aboard and spotted the flight crew. They all appeared welcoming except for one.

The beautiful Jolie James.

I didn’t know what to think, especially when she turned away. Had she lied to me? She hadn’t exactly told me she was rich. She hadn’t corrected me when I’d nicknamed her Highness. What did that make her? A kept woman, which had also been a guess. One I’d been reluctant to accept.

After thanking the crew for their warm welcome, I headed to the cockpit.

Standing near the pilot’s seat was the man I’d heard much about in the training sessions.

“Captain Cal Cline,” he said, holding out a hand to me.

“Grant King.” I shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you. It should be an easy flight.”

“Grant.” The voice was soft and feminine, catching Cal and me by surprise. Her grin was way too wide and not at all endearing. “I wanted to wish you luck. But you won’t need it.”

Sophia disappeared as quickly as she’d shown up.

“In bed with management, I see,” Cal said.

“It’s not what you think.” It felt a little cliché to say, but it was the truth.

Jolie appeared. “Can I get you anything?” she asked Cal.

Their eyes lingered and I wondered if the rumors that he’d hooked up with more than half of the flight attendants were true.

My jaw tightened as a green envious haze colored my vision for a second.

“No. Thanks, Jo.”

Her smile dimmed as she looked at me. “You?”

We had things to discuss, just not right here.

“No, thanks. I’m fine.”

She turned around and, heaven help me, I couldn’t stop myself from watching her ass as she strolled away.

“Don’t go there,” Cal warned.

“Why not? Have you?”

I desperately wanted him to say no, but he disappointed me.

“I have. With all of them. The women, that is.” When my brows rose, he added to his statement, “It’s not something I’m proud of and don’t recommend.”

“All of them. How can you be sure?”