I shot him a cold glare, shaking my head.
“I don’t need your help, Bradley”
He clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing in frustration. “Stop being stubborn, Ashley. This isn’t the time for it.”
“Stubborn?” I scoffed, my voice rising a notch. “You think I’m being stubborn because I don’t want to rely on you? I’m done with that. I can find my own way.”
“You’re lost,” he retorted, the authority in his voice unmistakable. “Admit it. This place” He gestured to the vast terminal around us. “It s not like Atlanta. It s not safe. You’re not safe here without knowing the right exits, the right people.”
I crossed my arms, not caring that I was
5/8
causing a scene. “I’ll manage. I’ve been handling things just fine without you!”
Bradley took a step closer, lowering his voice, but the intensity in his gaze didn’t soften. “This isn’t about proving a point, Ashley. This is Australia. You don’t just walk out of here like it’s some commercial flight. Jeff wouldn’t have called me if he thought you could handle it alone.”
I felt a flash of anger rise in me. “Of course, William had to send you to rescue me. Like always. That’s what you think, isn’t it? That I’m helpless without you?”
Bradley’s jaw tightened, and for a second, I saw a flicker of something–regret, maybe.
“It’s not about that,” he said quietly. “It’s about keeping you safe. Whether you like it or not, things have changed. The families
6/8
are watching, Ashley. I’m trying to keep you from walking into a situation. you don’t understand.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but the weight of his words gave me pause. The families. The hidden dangers that came with this territory. I wasn’t naïve, but I knew Australia was a different world–one where power plays could turn deadly.
He studied my face, waiting for me to respond, his eyes searching mine.
He wasn’t wrong. The airport, with its sprawling terminals and maze–like hallways, was a nightmare to navigate. William’s instructions had been clear, but in my frazzled state, everything felt disorienting.
Despite everything, I nodded, giving in. I wasn’t ready to confront the unknown on
7/8
5 Points
my own just yet. Bradley led the way, his presence commanding, as if this world belonged to him.
And, in many ways, it did.
8/8
