Page 95 of Corrupting Ivy

Ivy closed her eyes, listening to my order while I studied the new location for the drop.

I had six pages of notes and another two pages of directions for my men. There was still more to look into, but I was near completion until I scoped the place out with my own eyes. Then I’d have more to put down.

Recon was never easy. It was time-consuming and took my total concentration, but I enjoyed every minute. It taxed my brain, kept me on my toes, and helped me think of ways to prevent new scenarios.

Before I knew it, I’d lost myself in my work. Ivy was sound asleep again, and the pilot was making his announcement for descent.

I ran my hands down my face, scratching at the growing beard I needed to shave, then stretched from my cramped position. My shoulders popped as I reached above my head and groaned. Unplugging my laptop, I placed it in its case and stowed the tray away.

Prudy walked by and grabbed my glasses and a few wrappers from pretzels I insisted I would not eat but did anyway.

“She needs to sit and buckle,” Prudy said as she threw the wrappers in a clear plastic bag.

“She’ll be fine. Let her sleep.”

“But—”

“Prudy…”

Her shoulders sagged as she walked away. The pilot made another announcement for her to take her seat, and I watched Ivy’s body rock with the turbulence.

I didn’t know how this would play out, she and I, but I jumped in with two feet, knowing full well this could drown us both. And it might just do that. I’d never taken care of another soul besides myself. I’d mess it up, but I’d learn from my mistakes and make it better. It’s what I’m good at.

The airplane’s wheels touched down on the runway, bouncing the cabin until, eventually, we came to a stop at the end, then taxied to the private hanger that protected the Cessna and Learjet, the one we were currently on.

Ivy still slept as they opened the door and folded down the stairs. I didn’t want to wake her. She looked almost at peace. Something that she hadn’t been since… I scooped her up in my arms and exited the plane to my waiting truck.

“Welcome back,” Alek said as he came up beside me, opening the passenger door.

“Thanks.” I placed her in her seat just as her eyes opened and buckled her in. “Give me a minute.” I smiled, then shut the door.

“I was going to call you when I got her settled,” I said.

But, of course, I knew Alek wasn’t here for business. He needed to seeher.

“Of course I had to see who the fuss was about.”

I smirked. Knowing Alek so well was a treasure.

“I’ll bring her over soon enough. I’m going to get her healed up and used to the idea that she’s here to stay.”

“Whatever happened to women being a distraction?”

Patting his shoulder, I squeezed. “I don’t recall those words coming out of my mouth. I’ll call you to give the details about Sacha. It’s not done yet, but I’m close.” I said as I rounded the front of the truck, leaving him and Ivy to stare at each other.

“Make it quick. He’s getting impatient.”

I waved him off and climbed into the truck. Ivy tore her gaze from Alek and turned towards me.

“Who is that?”

I smirked. “Some say my best friend.”

We turned down apaved road that led to what felt like the middle of nowhere.

Tall pine trees lined the roadway, creating a curtain of privacy for any neighbor that could hide behind them. Green grass as far as the eye could see adorned both sides of the road.

“Where are we going?”

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