Chapter 193:Dangerous Departures

(Scarlett's POV) The private airfield hummed with activity as our jet prepared for departure. I stared longingly at the ice cream cart near the terminal building, my stomach growling despite the meal I'd had on the helicopter. "Don't even think about it," Roman said, following my gaze. His hand rested protectively on my lower back. I pouted. "Just one scoop?" He shook his head, amusement dancing in his ice-blue eyes. "Your stomach needs proper food after what you've been through. Not sugar." Instead, he handed me a large travel mug filled with steaming fruit tea. The sweet aroma of berries and herbs wafted up, making me sigh in resignation. "Fine. But I'm having ice cream the moment we reach Shadow Valley," I muttered, taking a sip of the tea. Roman's lips quirked into that half-smile I loved so much. "We'll see." The oversized cup warmed my hands as I drank deeply. After days in Darian's cold hunting lodge, I couldn't seem to get warm enough. Roman noticed my slight shiver and