Page 63 of The Geek and the Sheikh

Jameel looked out of the window nearest him. Three vehicles skidded to a stop outside of the gate as the helicopter lifted off. Allison and Hammer emerged from the front SUV. Jameel lifted his fingers to his temple and gave them a two-fingered salute.

“I don’t think they are having a good day,” Junebug laughed. “Did you know this is another first for me? I’ve never been in a helicopter before. It makes my tummy feel funny in a good way. It’s kinda like when Midnight and I used to use a piece of cardboard to slide down the stairs when we lived with Harlem.”

He chuckled, relaxed back in his seat, and cupped Junebug’s hand. Lifting it to his lips, he kissed her knuckles. She snuggled against his shoulder for a few seconds before she leaned over to look out the window.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “This is like being a bird without having to do all the work. It’s a lot better than the airplane. You can see way more.”

“I’ve never thought it being like a bird, but you’re right,” he chuckled.

He knew a big part of his levity was knowing that Junebug would finally be safe. Once they were in Jawahir, there was no way Bronislav could reach her. He would make sure of that.

Eighteen

Allison turned as the helicopter disappeared from sight.

Well, they couldn't make it too easy, now could they?she thought wryly.

She had always liked a challenge.

“Do you want to tell Bronislav or do you want me to?” Mark asked.

“Neither,” she said.

Mark raised an eyebrow at her. “What do you have brewing in that pretty little head of yours?”

She twisted and glared at him over the hood of the SUV.

“Far more than in that peanut brain ofyours, you misogynist. Let’s just say I’m done playing nice,” she replied with a saccharin smile.

Mark chuckled. “Sounds like a party. Where are we going?”

Allison resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

“Jawahir, of course. I was given a job and I… never… fail,” she stated, emphasizing the last three words.

"Really? 'Cause you've been failing alot."

She halted and gave him a murderous look.

"Easy, babe," he laughed. "It's just part of the gig. Can't win every battle. And look, there's not even a scratch on you. 'Any fight you walk away from', and all that. We'll get 'em."

Allison continued walking to the passenger side of the car and slid in. Mark waved to the two men behind him to turn their vehicles around. She agreed with that decision.

What would be the point in fucking up a tiny old man and his elderly maid? Mark didn’t do a job unless it was personal or he was paid to do it, and the same was true for her. The two old people standing in front of the chateau were not their concern—for now.

* * *

“Wow! That’s where you live?” Junebug breathed out.

The long trip was worth it when Jameel noticed the expression of awe on Junebug’s face. He studied her ever-changing expression as the pilot was given permission to land within the palace grounds at the helipad.

The co-pilot jumped out and came around to open the door. Junebug took the man’s offered hand and moved down the steps. Jameel followed, holding the backpack with their gear.

“Thank you,” he said to the man.

“Our pleasure to be of service, sire,” the man replied.

Jameel strode after Junebug who had wandered farther away. He caught up with her, sliding the strap of the backpack onto his shoulder so he could grip her hand. She started with surprise.

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