Flawed (The Clans #12) - Elizabeth Knox Page 0,7

I have a little hope as I rush to the plane, knowing I’m late boarding.

Melody is already on the plane and strapped in, her eyes meeting mine as I come onboard and get settled as well.

I don’t know what strikes me more; her blue eyes, or the fact that she looks ready to get right back into work.

I have a few things to teach her yet.

Chapter Five

Melody

“So, what can I expect?” I don’t know whether I mean with the job or with where we’re going in general. I’ve visited Canada twice and the UK once, but that’s been the most of my experience outside the United States. On top of that, planes make me nervous. Even though this is a nice one, more comfortable than anything I’ve ever been on as it’s a private plane, it’s still a large flying machine that could crash into the ocean never to be seen again.

And my nervousness is close to showing. I don’t know if alone with Mikel and the crew is the place for that.

“We’re headed to Pietermaritzburg specifically. That’s where I call home, but we’re obviously going to be in rough areas when we start breaking ground. It’s like any big city though a little slower than here in the States. The architecture reminds me a lot of London.”

I’m grateful for Mikel’s answer, it seems he’s more open to talking this morning.

We take off, and I’m quiet as I breathe through the sensations, avoiding his gaze. Once we’ve evened out on our path, a long one to be sure, Mikel orders a drink even though it’s morning. I suppose it makes sense, though. Maybe he’s nervous on this long flight too, or simply wants to be able to sleep. If I want to catch him at his best, it should be now.

I bit my lip before launching another question. “How safe is it, being involved in this? I mean, will we ever come in contact with these dangerous warlords?”

“I certainly hope not, though I can’t promise anything.” His answer is short, and I try a few more, his answer shorter and more exasperated each time.

I think I’m bothering him, but really, I’m just trying to hold myself together.

Somewhere in the middle of our shallow conversation he has ordered me a drink, and then another, trying to help me relax. He must be able to tell underneath all this is a nervous woman who hates flying more than she remembered.

Except the alcohol isn’t working. it’s keying me up, making me want to throw up or cry, or both.

“C’mon, not everything is work. It’s a long flight, and you need to relax.” he pats the spot next to him invitingly, and I bite my lip. “I’m not a hard ass.” He winks at me when he says it, but I ignore that part and go over there, not knowing what else to do. I know for a fact there are far too many hours left in this flight to weather this issue alone.

“Sorry,” I say as I sit down and he wraps his arm around me. Though he doesn’t make any more moves. It’s just for comfort. “I didn’t know the drinks would make it worse, but I’m just so nervous.”

“I can tell. It’s alright. I don’t particularly like flying, but I’ve done it many times. Plus, this is a nice plane, and the weather is supposed to be clear.”

His reassurances and warmth make my body relax just a little more. Maybe it’s that or the fuzziness sinking in from the drinks.

He looks down at me, and I’m reminded again how handsome he is in a non-traditional way. I don’t know what comes over me in this state, so close together, but I thank him in a whisper and then I turn my face up so my lips touch his, liking the way his beard feels against my skin.

It’s a different sensation than I’m used to, but it’s another comfort he’s given me somehow.

I don’t know why, but I let him deepen the kiss, and I do nothing when his hand starts to rub at my hip sensually.

Eventually, with no real reason to stop since we’re basically alone, I let my hand explore the soft tufts of his long salt and pepper hair, a mix of silk and cotton candy.

A moan escapes my throat at some point, and before I know it, my jeans are unbuttoned, my legs relaxed as his hand plunges to find my sensitive spot.

If he meant to distract me