Seal of Surrender by Traci Douglass Read Free Book Online Page A

away. “Same as you. Going to Kinshasa.”
    â€œWhy?” Irena demanded, supicious. “The Congo’s not exactly a tourist hotspot.”
    â€œI’ve got business there,” Chago said, diverting his attention toward a couple with a baby across the aisle. Irena took the opportunity to study the lines of his rugged profile. No two ways about it.
He was gorgeous. But gorgeous didn’t guarantee safety.
    â€œWhat kind of business are you in, specifically? You never did share any concrete details with me.”
    He ignored her question.
    After a childhood spent dealing with the Serbian army’s barbaric manners, Irena detested any type of rudeness. She eyed the half-full soda in her hand and considered dumping the contents into his lap. Maybe that would get his attention. The cup teetered at the edge of her fingertips, ready to pour. At the last second, Chago shifted his laser-sharp focus back to her and ruined her plans. Damn. The idea of the man beside her soaked and stripped had been most appealing.
    â€œIf I remember right, there were many things I didn’t get to share with you last night.” His voice dropped to a whisper and his glance held hers before traveling lower.
    Irena looked away, unable to deal with the reminder of their indiscretion at present. “Don’t change the subject. Are you following me?”
    â€œHardly. I have legitimate concerns in Africa. The fact we ended up on the same flight is nothing but coincidence. Besides, if I were
following you, what would you do?”
    â€œI’d warn you not to proceed.” Irena assessed him with a glacier-cold stare. “The Omega Consortium — and Drake in particular — are not fond of intruders. Despite last night’s debacle, they’re ruthless in the pursuit of justice. Don’t interfere.”
    â€œAnd who defines their justice?”
    â€œDrake. After a lot of intensive research and consultation, of course.”
    â€œOf course.” Chago snorted, his tone beyond snide.
    â€œDrake’s good at what he does, and he’s very passionate. Sometimes he just gets carried away.” Irena scanned the pages of her magazine without reading them, appalled by her own statement. Why the hell was she defending that asshole?
    â€œSi, he’s a real prize. He would’ve raped you if I hadn’t been there.” He watched her beneath hooded eyes, his long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. One of his booted feet extended over into her personal space, bold as brass.
    â€œI’m not a complete idiot. I can protect myself. I’ve been in some of the worst war zones in the world and picked up a few tricks along the way. Don’t worry about me.”
    A set of multi-colored plastic baby keys clattered down onto the armrest between them, interrupting her tirade. Chago unfolded himself from his seat, grabbed the keys, and moved across the aisle to return the toy. The infant giggled up at him, basking in his attention.
    A tiny flutter of misplaced envy glided through Irena’s stomach as Chago returned and set about organizing his travel documents.
    To find an unattached, attractive male who was neither gay nor horribly strange these days constituted a near miracle. She tried to keep her attention covert, but he seemed to sense her gaze anyway and scooted nearer to her with a stealth belied by his massive size. “Cute kid.”
    â€œDo you have children?”
    â€œNope. Cattle.”
    â€œCattle?”
    â€œYep. When I’m not on location I’m working on my Rancho Sagrado.”
    â€œHmmm.” Not what she’d envisioned in his downtime. “Where exactly is this sacred ranch?”
    â€œMontana.” He smiled and closed his eyes, his expression relaxing into peaceful satisfaction. “Near the Rockies. Out in the middle of blessed nowhere.”
    She’d always wished for someplace to make her feel that same