Chaper 31 - The Second

The scent of hotel soap and lingering sex clung to them as they finished packing. Heather’s fingers brushed against Steve’s as she handed him a shopping bag, her touch sending a fresh jolt of electricity through him. The memory of her body, of her whispers, was a brand on his soul. They worked in that comfortable silence, a new, profound understanding flowing between them without a single word needing to be spoken. The sheer number of bags from their extravagant spree was almost comical.

The drive to the private airfield was a blur of sparkling cityscapes giving way to open highway. Heather kept her hand in his the entire time. He could barely keep his eyes off her. Every subtle shift of her body under her elegant dress hinted at the incredible curves beneath. His grandmother. His lover. The matriarch who had chosen him, who had unlocked a world he never knew existed.

The sleek jet stood on the tarmac like a silent, gleaming bird. The uniformed attendant moved with robotic efficiency, loading their mountain of designer bags, his expression as blank as a mannequin’s. Steve paused at the base of the steps, glancing up at the aircraft that would carry him back to his, until a week and half now, new reality. As soon as they both stepped in, he turned to Heather, his grandmother—his wife—and pulled her close. His lips crashed against hers in a kiss so deep, so consuming, it left her gasping for air, her body trembling against his.

They sat in the plush seats, their hands still intertwined, each craving the contact as if it were a lifeline. The warmth of her skin against his was a constant reminder of the bond they now shared. Steve reached across with his free hand to fasten his seatbelt, the click of the buckle surprisingly loud in the quiet cabin. Heather followed suit, her movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring every second of their connection.

A few moments later, the engine roared to life, its deep growl vibrating through the aircraft. Steve’s shoulders slumped slightly as he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. It was the first time he’d truly relaxed since they got up that morning, the weight of the day’s events finally easing, if only for a moment.

Just as he began to sink into the plush comfort of the seat, his burner phone vibrated in his pocket. He hesitated for a split second before pulling it out, the screen lighting up with a message from an unknown number: “Understood, will proceed accordingly.” Steve frowned, his mind racing. He glanced at Heather, who was watching him with a curious expression. “It’s probably Matthew,” he muttered, showing the message to Heather before slipping the phone back into his pocket. “He must’ve gotten his own burner.”

Heather nodded, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Of course he did,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Matthew always covers his tracks.”

Steve leaned back in his seat, still holding her hand tightly. The hum of the engine filled the cabin, a steady background noise that somehow felt comforting. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting himself drift, but his thoughts remained anchored to the woman beside him. No matter what lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: Heather was his anchor in this strange, intoxicating world. Together, they would face whatever awaited them on the other side of this flight.

The hum of the jet’s engines lulled them into a deep, dreamless sleep, their bodies still reeling from the night of sapphic indulgence. The stewardess’s gentle voice stirred them awake a couple of hours later, her tone careful as she announced their final descent.

Thirty minutes later, they stood beside Heather’s car, the rain and cold air biting at their skin as the last of their bags were stashed in the trunk. Steve slid into the passenger seat, his mind still foggy from sleep, while Heather took her place behind the wheel. But she didn’t push the ignition. Instead, she turned to him, her face grave, her eyes holding a storm of emotions.

“I love you, Steve,” she began, her voice soft but unwavering. “I’ll be with you for the rest of my life ... if you let me.” Her lips curved into a sad smile, her gaze searching his for understanding. Before he could respond, she pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. “Shhh, let me finish.” Her touch was tender, yet firm, grounding him in the moment. “I know you love me too, but you can’t be exclusive to me. You have too many responsibilities in this family. So, I don’t expect you to be monogamous. Our family needs you.” Her voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on. “While I’ll be your wife and present myself to the family and clan that way, I know I won’t be the only one ... and I accept it.”