The rain was long behind them when the sleek black car stopped beside the private runway. The London sky hung heavy with clouds. Kate stepped out first, walking with steady, controlled steps and a calm expression, as if nothing in the world could shake her. Grayson followed close behind, hands in the pockets of his black coat, watching her.

The private jet waited with the stairs already lowered and his company's logo shining on the tail.

"Ready for takeoff, Langley?" he asked as he caught up to her, voice casual, smile crooked.

She barely glanced at him.

"I'm here, aren't I? Let's not start with pointless comments."

Grayson let out a low laugh and gestured for her to go ahead, even adding a small, dramatic bow.

"After you, Miss Ice Queen."

She ignored him. Although inside she cursed the heat that rose in her chest. She boarded the jet without waiting for him.

The interior was immaculate. White leather, dark wood accents, that quiet kind of luxury that whispered instead