Married To The Jeon

60

"We think there's a connection with Detroit," Jungkook says mildly. Too mildly. Oh no, Rose - please give it up for now.

"Hyde is from Detroit, too?"

Jungkook nods.

The plane accelerates, and I tighten my grip on Jungkook's hand. He glances at me reassuringly. He knows I hate takeoffs and landings. He squeezes my hand and his thumb strokes my knuckles, calming me.

"What do you know about him?" Jimin asks, oblivious to the fact we are hurtling down the runway in a small jet about to launch itself into the sky, and equally oblivious to Jungkook's growing exasperation with Rose. Rose leans forward, listening attentively.

"This is off the record," Jungkook says directly to her. Rose's mouth sets in a subtle but thin line. I swallow. Oh shit.

"We know a little about him," Jungkook continues. "His dad died in a brawl in a bar. His mother drank herself into oblivion. He was in and out of foster homes as a kid; in and out of trouble, too - mainly boosting cars. Spent time in juvie. His mom got back on track through some outreach program, and Hyde turned himself around. Won a scholarship to Princeton."

"Princeton?" Rose's curiosity is piqued.

"Yep. He's a bright boy." Jungkook shrugs.

"Not that bright. He got caught," Jimin mutters.

"But surely he can't have pulled this stunt alone?" Rose asks. Jungkook stiffens beside me. "We don't know yet." His voice is very quiet. Holy crap. There could be someone working with him? I turn and gape in horror at Jungkook. He squeezes my hand once more but doesn't look me in the eye. The plane lifts smoothly into the air, and I get that horrible sinking feeling in my stomach.

"How old is he?" I ask Jungkook, leaning close so only he can hear. Much as I'd like to know what's going on, I don't want to encourage Rose's questions. I know they're irritating Jungkook, and I'm sure she's on his shit list since Cocktail-gate.

"Thirty-two. Why?"

"Curious, that's all."

Jungkook's jaw tightens. "Don't be curious about Hyde. I'm just glad the fucker's locked up." It's almost a reprimand, but I choose to ignore his tone.

"Do you think he's working with someone?" The thought that someone else might be involved makes me sick. It would mean this isn't over.

"I don't know," Jungkook answers, and his jaw tightens once more.

"Maybe someone who has a grudge against you?" I suggest. Holy shit. I hope it's not the bitch troll. "Like Elena?" I whisper. I realize I've muttered her name out loud - but only he can hear. I glance anxiously at Rose, but she's deep in conversation with Jimin. Jimin looks pissed at her. Hmm.

"You do like to demonize her, don't you?" Jungkook rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disgust. "She may hold a grudge, but she wouldn't do this kind of thing." He pins me with a steady gray gaze.

"Let's not discuss her. I know she's not your favorite topic of conversation."

"Have you confronted her?" I whisper, not sure if I really want to know.

"Lisa, I haven't spoken to her since my birthday party. Please, drop it. I don't want to talk about her." He raises my hand and brushes my knuckles with his lips. His eyes burn into mine, and I know this is not a line of questioning I should pursue right now.

"Get a room," Jimin teases. "Oh right - you already have, but you didn't need it for long." He smirks.

Jungkook glances up and pins Jimin with a cool glare. "Fuck off, Jimin," he says without malice.

"Dude, just telling you how it is." Jimin's eyes light up with mirth.

"Like you'd know," Jungkook murmurs sardonically, raising an eyebrow.

Jimin grins, enjoying the banter. "You married your first girlfriend."

Jimin gestures at me.

Oh shit. Where is this going? I flush.

"Can you blame me?" Jungkook kisses my hand again.

"No." Jimin laughs and shakes his head.

I flush, and Rose slaps Jimin's thigh.

"Stop being an ass," she scolds him.

"Listen to your girlfriend," Jungkook says to Jimin, grinning, his earlier concern no longer evident. My ears pop as we gain altitude, and the tension in the cabin dissipates as the plane levels out. Rose scowls at Jimin. Hmm . . . is something up between them? I'm not sure. Jimin is right. I snort at the irony. I am - was - Jungkook's first girlfriend, and now I'm his wife. The fifteen and the evil Mrs. Robinson - they don't count. But then Jimin doesn't know about them, and clearly Rose hasn't told him. I smile at her, and she gives me a conspiratorial wink. My secrets are safe with Rose.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be cruising at an altitude of approximately thirty-two thousand feet, and our estimated flight time is one hour and fifty-six minutes," Stephan announces. "You are now free to move about the cabin."

Natalia appears abruptly from the galley.

"May I offer anyone coffee?" she asks.

We land smoothly at Sardy Field at 12:25 p.m. (MST). Stephan brings the plane to a halt a little way from the main terminal, and through the windows I spot a large VW minivan waiting for us.

"Good landing." Jungkook grins and shakes Stephan's hand as we get ready to file out of the jet.

"It's all about the density altitude, sir." Stephan smiles back.

"Beighley here is good at math."

Jungkook nods at Stephan's first officer. "You nailed it, Beighley, smooth landing."

"Thank you, sir." She grins smugly.

"Enjoy your weekend, Mr. Jeon, Mrs. Jeon. We'll see you tomorrow." Stephan steps aside to let us disembark and taking my hand, Jungkook leads me down the aircraft steps to where Taylor is waiting by the vehicle.

***