Sidonie’s face tightened for a moment.
Why? Because my life matters to me, that’s why. Putting myself on the line for strangers was never part of the plan
But when Trent challenged her, she responded, “Because now there’s someone I care about even more?”
“What?” Trent blinked.
Sidonie ignored the rescuer and confessed, “Trent, I care about you. I don’t want anything to happen to you. If you weren’t on this helicopter, I’d fly straight in, danger be d*mned. But you’re here, so I made a different choice. Quinn’s already gone in. We’ll wait. If she really can’t pull it off, I’ll drop you off and go back in.”
Trent felt his chest tighten. “I’m sorry, Sidonie. I shouldn’t have doubted you. I-”
“It’s fine. Just don’t question how I feel about you.”
The rescuer rolled his eyes so hard that it nearly gave him a headache. First, Sidonic insisted she had to pilot this mission. Then she dragged along a guy with a cast on his wrist. And now she was backing off the flight for his sake.
This is ridiculous. The guy even looks touched. What an idot. It’s obvious Sidonie’s just scared. She’s probably not that good of a pilot either. And frankly, I don’t want my life in her hands.
Sneering inwardly at the couple, the rescuer radioed the team on Quinn’s helicopter. “What’s the situation on your end?”
“We’re on site, preparing to rappel.”
“Copy. Good luck.”
Once the call ended, Sidonie and Trent exchanged a look.
“Ms. Stonehurst, since you’re so worried about this gentleman’s safety,” the rescuers said dryly, “maybe we should just head back. If things go sideways over there, you won’t make it back in time after dropping him off.”
Sidonie didn’t have a reply for that.
By the time Quinn’s helicopter touched down on Bridger Group’s rooftop helipad, medics were already standing by. They gave the victims a quick assessment and rushed them to the hospital. Only then did Quinn let out a breath and climb out of the cockpit.
It was done. Everyone had been safely rescued.
A second later, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her. That familiar scent made her shoulders drop.
It was Julius.
He locked his arms around her waist and back, his face tucked into the curve of her neck. “You’re finally back safe!”
His hoarse whisper shook with relief. Quinn ran a hand gently through his dark hair. They’d only been apart for an hour, but he held her like it had been much longer.
1/2
“Yeah. I’m back, safe and sound,” she said with a soft laugh.
He clung to her even tighter, as if only that alone could keep his world steady.
Marley watched with her jaw clenched, eyes burning with jealousy. Trent also stared at the way Quinn fit into Julius‘ arms, his mind replaying how she’d flown straight into turbulent winds for total strangers.
Just like on the island, she’d dived into the sea to save a kid she didn’t even know.
If, back then, she’d actually leapt into the river to save me… Get a grip. What is wrong with me? I’ve already hired a private investigator. Eyewitnesses confirmed Sidonie was the one who rescued me. Even if Quinn was fearless, she didn’t save me. Besides…
His eyes dropped to the hand she was now running through Julius‘ hair. That hand had once touched his. Now that tenderness belonged to someone else.
“Trent!” Sidonie’s voice came sharp with jealousy. “Let’s go.”
Quinn had stolen the show, while Sidonie herself was humiliated. Faced with this loss, she was burning inside.
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