Nigel opened his eyes to see a magnificent sunrise. The sun’s warm radiance cast fingers of light throughout the clouds like a blanket.

“It’s lovely, isn’t it,” Blanka said.

Nigel turned his head to find the female assassin mere inches away. Something stirred in Nigel at the sight of her.

“Where are we? Shouldn’t we be there by now?”

“Madam Dahlia is making sure we are safe. So far, we haven’t seen any more threats. We don’t want to lead the cabal to a Black Iris safe house.”

“I suppose not,” Nigel said.

A tingling sensation overcame Nigel as Blanka stroked his neck. Before Nigel could react, her warm lips met his. Her other hand groped for more private areas. He pulled at her leather jacket. She removed it, revealing a sleeveless top. Nigel wanted her, but a pang of shame and guilt ran through him.

“We shouldn’t be doing this.”

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“Jet is a lucky girl,” Blanka said.

Nigel turned away. He couldn’t bear to have Blanka nearby. He didn’t think he could control himself much longer.

“We are coming in for a landing,” Dahlia said over the roar of the engine.

Blanka took a seat opposite of Nigel. She looked out the window, trying not to look his way. Vedrana stirred, but Eva appeared to be passed out. Probably from the pain medicine. Moments later, the plane shook so violently that Blanka fell out of her seat and into Nigel’s lap. He felt both aroused and frightened simultaneously, and she made it back to her seat before the next wave of turbulence overtook them. Nigel thought he could hear rattling and straining as Dahlia lowered the plane into the clouds. His attention to be drawn to the flashing lights of the runway. Dahlia never lost control as the plane smacked onto the tarmac. After a brief bounce, the plane righted itself.

It’s good to be back on solid ground.

“I’ve never seen anyone land in conditions like that before. We are lucky to be alive,” Nigel said.

“It’s not luck. And you were in good hands. I’m disappointed in that you have such little faith in my abilities,” Dahlia said.

“It’s not that—”

Dahlia raised her hand and clenched a gloved fist. Nigel stopped talking.

“Soon you will be reunited with your beloved, but you still owe me.”

“Is Jet here?”

“She’s at the safe house and you will see her. But I hope you will honor your promise.”

“Of course—”

“Who’s that?” Blanka said, pointing to a hangar.

“That’s Hans and . . . that android girl.”