Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 814

Jayson could tell that Ariel was still shaken after watching her for a while. At the same time, he knew what she needed most now was his embrace.

Without a word, he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. He gently patted her back, trying to calm her down.

Samson's base was located quite far away, so it took some time before they returned to their own base in the aircraft.

Ariel finally felt a wave of relief wash over her after landing.

Jayson stepped out first and extended a hand toward her. He helped her off the aircraft slowly and steadily.

Wade followed shortly after. Seeing Ariel looking better, he said, "Everyone was so worried about you. Fortunately, you didn't suffer any serious injuries. Otherwise…"

Before he could finish, Janice called out from a distance. "Ari!"

Ariel turned around just in time to see Janice running toward her. Janice threw her arms around her and burst into tears. She didn't care how anyone saw her—not Wade, not the others. All that mattered was that Ariel was safe and alive.

"I'm so glad you're alright. I couldn't sleep for days. I was worried sick. That man, Samson, he's a complete psycho!"

Janice pulled back briefly to check for injuries, then hugged her again, sobbing even harder. In the process, she accidentally pushed Jayson aside.

Jayson had been holding Ariel's hand, but Janice pried it away and placed Ariel's hand on top of her head instead.

Ariel patted her head. "I'm alright now! I didn't even get a single scratch on me. Look at you. People are staring. Maybe save the tears for when it's just us?"

Janice sniffled. "Let them stare! I don't care!"

No one knew just how worried and terrified Janice had been these past few days. Bellador was a far more dangerous and unstable country than Croinia.

During that time, Janice had imagined every terrible possibility—what if Ariel was tortured, mistreated, or worse?

Locals had even shared gruesome tales about how crime syndicates tortured their captives. The stories were so horrifying that Janice had lost sleep for nights on end.

Even though Samson had ordered Ariel's abduction, Janice couldn't stop fearing that he might have his men hurt her.

Although Ariel decided to continue her mission, she also requested a few days of leave, which her superiors readily approved.

She and Jayson planned to leave for Nacsall that very night. Jayson made all the necessary arrangements for the flight.

When Janice learned about the baby's condition, she wanted to go with them, but she had to stay behind to oversee several ongoing projects.

Since they were taking a private jet, the long flight would be much more comfortable.

The jet was fully equipped with a bedroom, a lounge, and even a small recreation area.

Since Ariel was feeling a bit hungry, Jayson instructed a flight attendant to prepare some food and send it over.

After pondering for a moment, Ariel picked up her fork and sat down beside Jayson.

That made Jayson stiffen slightly.