Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 45957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Instead, we were boarding his private fucking jet. A private jet I was sure had extremely comfortable chairs, great flight attendants that he paid top dollar for, the best fucking pilot in the universe, and whole fucking chef so he could have a healthy, well-balanced meal while we were flying. Because he was pretentious like that.
It made it a bit difficult to hate it, honestly. But when I remembered Ivan was on the flight with me, it made hating this whole fucking jet just a little bit easier.
“I could have taken a commercial flight,” I grumbled as I shoved my bag into the overhead compartment.
“And wasted my time? No, thank you,” Ivan coolly retorted as he took a seat. He gestured to the seats across from him, but I only glowered at him before making my way to the back of the jet and taking a seat there—on the opposite fucking side just for good measure. I needed distance. Distance was vital.
He sighed so loudly, I could hear it from all the way in the back of the plane, but I ignored him, choosing instead to stare out the window at the tarmac beneath us. A flight attendant appeared and stopped beside where Ivan was sitting, speaking to him quietly. He nodded at whatever she said, and then she made her way to me, a pleasant smile on her red-painted lips. She was pretty enough with long, chestnut hair and pretty blue eyes. She had curves in all the right places. Usually, I’d take a moment to flirt with her, but being around Ivan had put me in a foul fucking mood.
“Mr. Miller, we will be taking off shortly. Please fasten your seatbelt. I will let you know when it is safe to move about the plane.”
I reached for my seatbelt, snapping it into place. She headed back toward the front of the jet, and I sighed heavily, reaching for my phone when it vibrated. I glowered at James’s name.
James:
Try not to be douchebag. He doesn’t have to help us. Remember the family, Adrian.
I couldn’t forget the fucking family. How the hell could I? The Jacksons were all I’d know my entire life. My father had served with James’s father, and then, I served under James. I’d been born into this life. I wouldn’t turn my back on it, even if it meant I had to work with a pompous piece of shit like Ivan Volkov.
After a few more minutes, the plane began to slowly take off, and then, we were airborne, heading for Russia. Trapping me with Ivan for the next however fucking long.
Fuck my life.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to sleep. If I could just sleep, I could ignore the fact that Ivan was only a few seats away from me. I could ignore that we were in a small space, forced to be near each other. Forced to breathe the same fucking air.
Goddammit, sleep was going to evade me. I already knew it.
Growling under my breath, I pulled my phone back out to reply to James’s text.
Adrian:
I could never forget the family, James, but I’m still pissed about this.
James:
You are my only hope, Adrian. The only person I trust with this. Trust with their lives. I need you for this.
I blew out a harsh breath and glanced out the window, watching as the city got further and further away and the earth became smaller and smaller.
Adrian:
I hate when you say shit like that. I’ll keep you updated.
With that, I locked my phone and shoved it back into my pocket. The flight attendant stopped by a few minutes later, that pleasant smile still on her face. Usually, I’d be able to reciprocate it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to right then. My nerves were rubbed too raw, and I was too damn tired after dealing with Ivan all afternoon.
“Would you care for something to drink? Or eat?” she asked.
I shook my head. “No, thank you.” I just wanted to be left the fuck alone.
She patted the back of the seat next to me. “Just let me know if you change your mind, Mr. Miller.” With that, she strode away, heading back toward the front of the plane again.
Reaching up, I rubbed at my temples, already feeling a migraine coming on.
Fuck, I hated this.
The shit I did for fucking family.
5
Ivan
My eyes flew open when the plane suddenly jerked, and I gripped the armrest, scanning my surroundings. Seeing nothing amiss, I glanced down at my watch, noting the time. We were supposed to be over Russia by now after stopping in Washington to refuel. I looked out my window, grinding my teeth when I couldn’t see a damn thing through the pitch-black darkness.
When the plane jerked roughly again, I flung my seatbelt off and went in search of the pilot. Why wasn’t he warning us of turbulence? Why wasn’t he doing his fucking job?