Falling at 30,000 feets

"You better know your place," Norman gnashed, struggling to his feet as he clutched his twisted arm to his chest. His fingers twitched awkwardly, and a dark bruise was already forming on his wrist. His face was contorted with a mix of pain and humiliation-fury burning bright in his eyes. "Now that Reuben is gone... crushing you will be effortless. I have connections in this company you can't even imagine."

Jane didn't flinch. She stood perfectly still, her back straight, her hands clasped calmly at her sides. The earlier tension had melted away, replaced by a cold, unyielding resolve.

"Listen carefully," she said, her voice calm but sharp as a blade, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him take a small step back. "I got this far on my own merit. I passed every exam, aced every flight assessment, earned every promotion. No one handed me anything. Try to touch me again-if you dare-and you'll find out exactly what I'm capable of."

She turned and walked away, her steps steady and unhurried as she headed for the exit. Only when she was halfway down the corridor did she realize she had been holding her breath the entire time. She inhaled deeply, the cool air filling her lungs as she forced herself to stay composed-though her scalp still throbbed from where he'd grabbed her hair.

But Norman wasn't done.

Fueled by anger and embarrassment, he rushed after her, his heavy boots thudding against the tile floor. In one swift, reckless motion, he reached out and grabbed a handful of her hair, yanking her backward with enough force to make her stumble.

Jane cried out softly as pain shot through her scalp, her balance breaking as she tumbled back a few steps. She caught herself against the wall, her hand flying up to her head as she stared at him in disbelief-not at the attack, but at his sheer stupidity.

"How bold of you," Norman snarled, shoving her back against the wall hard enough to make the plaster rattle. "To hit me here of all places... in front of everyone." His finger jabbed toward her face, his breath hot and sour. "Mark my words-today, I can do whatever I want to you. No consequences. No one will believe a little girl like you over me."

He raised his hand, his fist clenched-

-but it never landed.

A firm, iron grip caught his wrist mid-air, stopping him cold.

Norman turned sharply, his face twisted with rage-only to freeze completely.

Jayden stood behind him, his expression cold-dangerously so. His dark eyes were narrowed, his jaw tight, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. He was dressed in his usual crisp shirt and trousers, but there was nothing calm or composed about him now.

Before Norman could react-before he could even get a word out-

Smack.

Jayden's slap landed hard across his face, the sound echoing down the empty corridor like a gunshot. Norman staggered backward, his head spinning, and crashed to the ground, clutching his cheek as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. His body trembled-from pain, fear, or both.

"You-!" he barely got out, his voice slurred and weak-

But Jayden was already moving. He stepped forward and grabbed Norman by the collar of his uniform, dragging him up just enough before driving his fist straight into his face.

Once. A solid blow to his jaw that made his teeth clatter.

Twice. A sharp punch to his ribs that knocked the air from his lungs.

Again. A final strike to his shoulder that made him cry out in agony.

Each blow landed with controlled, terrifying precision-no more force than necessary, but enough to make it clear there would be no more chances.

Jane's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she stood frozen-this wasn't the calm, restrained Jayden she knew, the man who cooked dinner and tapped her nose playfully. This was someone else entirely-someone dangerous, protective, and completely unforgiving.

"Jayden-stop!" she shouted, rushing forward and grabbing his arm with both hands. She pulled him back with effort, her voice firm despite the surprise in her eyes. "It's enough! He's not worth it-you'll get in trouble!"

Jayden's chest rose and fell heavily, his breathing rough, but he let her pull him away. He released his grip on Norman's collar, letting him collapse back onto the floor where he lay dazed and bruised, blood seeping from his nose and mouth.

Jane stepped forward, smoothing her hair back into place as if nothing had happened. A faint, satisfied smile curved her lips as she looked down at him.

"Now it's my turn," she said lightly, rolling up the sleeve of her uniform jacket.

Before Norman could react-before he could even try to crawl away-

Punch.

Her fist connected cleanly with his mouth, her knuckles cracking against his teeth. He groaned weakly, his eyes squeezing shut as more blood spilled onto his shirt.

"Jane..." he managed to gasp, his voice barely audible.

She straightened, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve, completely unbothered. Her knuckles were red and already swelling, but she didn't seem to notice.

"I have the Lincoln family backing me!" Norman spat, blood bubbling from his lips as he struggled to sit up. His voice shook with both pain and rage. "You let your lover attack me? Just wait-I'll ruin both of you! Bennett Lincoln will make sure you never work in aviation again!"

Jane tilted her head slightly, her tone turning matter-of-fact as she looked down at him with barely concealed disdain.

"Your behavior today has already disgraced the Lincoln family," she said. "You think they'll be willing to save someone who uses their name to harass women? Let's see if they'll still stand by you when I file formal charges for assault and harassment."

Then-

She lifted her heel and stomped hard on his foot, her polished leather boot connecting with his toes with a sickening crunch.

Norman screamed-a high, desperate sound that echoed down the corridor-clutching his foot as tears streamed down his face.

Without sparing him another glance, Jane turned and walked away, her steps steady and confident once more.

Jayden followed silently behind her, his breathing having calmed, his expression returning to its usual composure-though his knuckles were still white from where he'd gripped Norman's wrist.

At the lockers, Jane grabbed her coat from her cubby, slipping it on smoothly as if the entire incident had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. She pulled out her phone, already typing out a message to HR and the company's legal department, detailing every part of the assault.

Jayden walked beside her, escorting her out of the building and into the bright afternoon sun. The fresh air hit them both, carrying the familiar scent of jet fuel and tarmac asphalt.

"Thanks for today," Jane said, looking up at him with a small, genuine smile. "I'm glad you showed up when you did... otherwise I might've been blindsided. I had him handled, but still-" She paused, shaking her head slightly. "It's nice to know someone has my back."

Jayden let out a quiet chuckle, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face-his touch gentle, completely different from the man who'd just punched Norman into the floor. "Honestly, I barely helped," he said. "You had him on the ropes before I even got there. Though I have to say-your punch was impressive. Where'd you learn that?"

"Self-defense classes for pilots," she replied, smiling as they walked toward the parking lot. "Mandatory training, but I actually paid attention. Useful, apparently."

"Next time someone tries to bully.. tell me and I'll beat them up " Jayden said with a smile

" deal" Jane agreed with a smile

They walked a few more steps in comfortable silence, the afternoon sun warming their shoulders. Then Jane glanced at him again, her expression turning curious.

"But... why are you here at the company?" she asked, pulling her arm back slightly as she looked up at him. "Isn't it a workday today?"

Jayden's smile faltered. His steps slowed slightly, and for a brief moment, hesitation flickered across his face-his eyes darting away from hers for just a second before meeting them again.

Jane narrowed her eyes slightly, suspicion creeping in as she stopped walking completely.

"...Don't tell me you-"