Page 28 of Ace

As she went through all the training procedures they’d been able to fit in, even during the current international climate, Gianna’s estimation of the woman grew.

Dex nodded and made comments, asked important questions. The rapport between the two was comfortable. At one point he leaned over her to point out something on a spreadsheet. Ivy looked up into his face, and Gianna had to wonder if there was anything between them.

“The question we all want an answer to is”—Ivy looked at Gianna, Omar, and Jed—“what do we do? If the United States holds back aid or support in this situation, do we still move forward aiding the Pacific Alliance?”

“Of course.” Dex’s tone brooked no argument.

“But I thought with General West’s recent comments…”

Gianna shook her head. “He has no jurisdiction over this.”

“True.” Ivy inclined her head. “But he does have clout.”

She held Gianna’s gaze until Gianna nodded. “He does.”

“Clout or no”—he shared a grin with Gianna—“we were hired to do a job here, and I say we do it. Besides, if our country refuses aid in a situation where they really should step up and assist, then I feel it’s almost our duty to do so.”

Ivy looked like she would say something, but she closed her mouth instead.

Omar clapped Dex on the shoulder. “We’re in. Ivy will be too. She’s just got to find a rule somewhere that accounts for her being here.”

Ivy colored again. “There is nothing wrong with playing by the book. You’d think none of you went through the same military training I did.”

Jed moved to stand at her side. “I was right there with you. We made a commitment here. After meeting these pilots, their director, I just don’t think we can desert them.”

Dex smiled. “I’m relieved to hear it. Since I just recently left Panau and know many who will directly benefit from your assistance.”

“So, we’re sticking it out?” Ivy studied Dex’s face.

He turned to Gianna. “Yes. I think we are. But Miss West and I might leave some of the on-the-ground decisions with you again, Ivy.”

Her eyes widened, but she only nodded.

“The more I hear about what’s going on in Washington, I wonder if she and I might do more good there.”

“Surely not right away.” Gianna’s face clouded with worry.

“Not anxious to leave the Pacific?”

“No.”

He nodded. “Understandable.”

Dex motioned for everyone to take a seat at the table in the middle of the room. “Let’s further debrief and then go through the schedule we set up before we got here. Even though we’re in the middle of something, I’d still like to leave Tandora having done what they’re paying us for.”

As soon as everyone took their seats, Gianna was surprised by Dex’s arm around the back of her chair. “I’d like to include Gianna in all our discussions for now. She was a JAG with me and served in Afghanistan up in the air. She knows as much as any of us.”

They nodded. And everyone got to work.

Watching Dex and the others, Gianna saw the joy he felt and understood the energy coming from what he was trying to do. She realized more clearly why he’d jumped at the chance to start Top Flight. It was his passion, clearly.

But what was her passion? With a sinking feeling, she realized that she and Dex might still be in the same place they had always been, a place where they could not be together.

Chapter 10

Dex knew Gianna wanted to stick around, but the more he read, the more he thought about everything. He also knew that they both needed to get to Virginia as quickly as possible. But then what?

He rubbed his face.

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