Seal of Surrender by Traci Douglass Page A

concerned, I doubt you’ll hear anything from him for awhile.” He dug the toe of his combat boot into the bathroom’s rubber floor tile. “I gave him some unscheduled orthodontic work.”
    â€œDespite your best efforts, the press sighted him out and about yesterday, bandaged and bruised, but otherwise unharmed.” Xander’s tone darkened like a five-o-clock shadow. “Things are deteriorating fast in your little corner of the earth and you could get caught in a whole world of shit before you realize what’s happening. You call me immediately if things get out of hand. Luther and I will join you as soon as we can.”
    â€œSi, brother.” A knock sounded on the door and Chago grabbed on to the excuse with both hands. “Listen, Xan, I’ve got to go. Someone else needs the facilities.”
    After a few exchanged orders, Chago ended the call and emerged from the tiny room to maneuver back down the aisle, eager to cuddle once more beneath the blanket. He reached their row only to discover two empty seats and a wadded-up blanket.
    Irena was gone.
    â€¢ • •
    When her warm pillow had disappeared, Irena snuggled under the covers and tried to recover her heat source. No luck. She yawned and pushed herself up, careful to avoid contact with the man beside her. She needn’t have worried. Chago’s seat was empty.
    She lifted the blind on the window and gazed out at the black expanse below, an endless void of nothing. A voice startled her from her reverie, its undertone of sleaze spreading an oil slick of nauseous unease through her system.
    â€œHello, babe.”
    She pivoted toward the aisle.
    Drake smirked down at her, his scarecrow grin wider than the Mississippi River. “What, nothing to say? I’m disappointed.”
    Without invitation, he slid into Chago’s empty spot and made himself comfortable. Irena noted the multicolored bruises adorning his jaw and nose with abundant satisfaction. “What are you doing here? I thought you had business to attend to.”
    â€œChange of plans.” He looked her over with a cold sneer. “Enjoy your trip to the mile-high club?”
    â€œWhat? Are you watching me?”
    â€œDid you fuck him yet?”
    â€œThat is none of your damn business.”
    â€œWe’ll be landing in London soon to change planes. Maybe you should tidy up a bit, babe.”
    â€œMaybe you should go fuck yourself.” Irena threw off the blanket and prepared to stand, only to be locked in place by Drake’s restraining grip.
    â€œOff so soon?”
    â€œWhat the hell’s wrong with you?”
    â€œThe Consortium has a vested interest in the Congo. The situation must be handled with care. Many lives depend on it.”
    She stared at him for a moment, taken aback. Was he threatening her? “I always do my best. What more could they want?”
    â€œLoyalty. They require loyalty.”
    â€œMy loyalty has never been an issue. My sole purpose in being here is to help people. I doubt you could say the same.”
    â€œCome up with me to first class. I’ve got something to show you.” Drake rose and held out an impatient hand, his finger waggling when she hesitated. “I insist.”
    Irena ignored his outstretched hand and stood to follow him up the narrow aisle, her trepidation increasing with each step. She doubted he would try to manhandle her again in the plane, not with so many witnesses around. Still, she gripped the set of apartment keys stored in her pocket. If he tried anything, she’d gouge his eyes out.
    The aisle widened as they passed into the luxury section at the front of the aircraft. Drake slid into a seat in the second to last row and offered her the spot beside him. “Don’t worry, no one’s sitting there.”
    Irena sank into the wide, cushy seat and eyed her boss with extreme distaste. He reached into a messenger bag near his feet and leafed through