Page 11 of Impossible Crusade

There were eight luxurious-looking recliners in the front, stacked in twos with an aisle between each pair. In the back of the plane, there was a couch on one side and a table and four chairs on the other. A galley lined most of the back wall. There was a door to the right of the long, shiny black countertop. The upholstery of the furniture was a soft gray, the accents chrome and black.

“This is beautiful,” Chalisa murmured. She’d never seen the inside of a private jet.

“Thank you.”

She darted a gaze to him. This was his jet? Her sister had married a prince, but the kingdom of Magna wasn’t wealthy. She’d never met someone who owned a jet.

A door in the front opened and a thirty-something man, well-built with dark hair and beard and wearing a short-sleeved white button down and black pants, strode out.

“Thank you for coming on short notice, Paul,” Aiden said.

“Anything for you, sir.” The man’s deep-brown eyes were sincere. He truly would do anything for Aiden. Paul looked at him with a gratitude and respect that had to be earned.

“Chalisa, this is my pilot Paul, who doubles as a highly trained bodyguard. He’ll be flying you home tonight and watching out for you until we’re certain there’s no danger of Jorge coming after you.”

Paul extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you.” She shook his hand. This man would watch out for her? For how long? The shock of realizing Aiden must be wealthy was overridden by apprehension. Aiden wasn’t accompanying them home. Her heart beat painfully against her rib cage. When would he come for her?

“We can be wheels up anytime, sir,” Paul said to Aiden.

“Thank you. We’re waiting for Chalisa’s friend and Jose. They are maybe twenty minutes out.”

“All right.” He looked between them and smiled. “I’ll give you a moment, then. Stretch my legs.” He strode out of the airplane.

Aiden turned to Chalisa and her heart sank. He had a casual look about him, nothing like the sincere and invested look he’d had when he’d bought her the necklace and she’d almost kissed him.

Had he only been playing a part? She couldn’t believe that.

“You’re not coming with us,” she said.

His brows lifted at her boldness, but he only gave her a short shake of his head. “I’m not.”

“You have to catch Jorge?”

“Yes, I do. Neither of us wants him taking advantage of any more unsuspecting female tourists walking the beach at night, shipping more drugs to America, or killing anyone who crosses him or outlives their usefulness to him.”

Her stomach turned over. “No, we don’t,” she agreed.

He captured both of her hands in his and suddenly that intense, warm, they-were-meant-to-be-together look was back in his blue eyes. “Ah, love. You understand why I can’t escort you home?”

“I do.” But would he come for her later?

His gaze traveled over her face, full of need, tenderness, appreciation … love?

She wouldn’t survive if he never came for her. How had she fallen so quickly? This wasn’t like her.

Aiden had swooped in like her hero and saved her life tonight. She was in an extreme situation full of intense emotion, and he was the most appealing man on the planet. Above all, she believed they had something special between them. Did he? If not, could she show him how she felt and possibly convince him?

They were going to be separated. The clock was ticking. Chalisa wanted to give him a proper goodbye. She’d pray the connection and joy she was certain they would experience would be enough motivation for him to find her as soon as he finished his important mission.

She eased closer, and the yearning in his blue eyes said he agreed they needed a long, beautiful kiss before they were separated for a very short time.

Aiden released her hands and wrapped his palms around her waist, tugging her against him. She slid her arms around his neck and arched up onto tiptoes. The pulse point in his neck was going like mad. In a crazy, bold move for her, Chalisa leaned in and tenderly kissed his neck.

Aiden let out a telling and beautiful groan. “Chalisa.” His hands came around her lower back, and he lifted her off her feet.

Chalisa clung to him, staring into his blue gaze. She’d never forget those eyes or this moment. “Aiden. Since I am deeply in your debt…”