by Elle James
“A guy can change his mind,” Pitbull said. “Besides, if she has any more problems, she’ll need someone to provide protection.” Pitbull didn’t wait for his team’s response. He loped to the steps, climbed aboard and closed the hatch behind him. That way no one else could offer to assist. He’d have Marly all to himself.
Marly chuckled as she secured the locks in place. “I thought you didn’t like flying.” She turned to him and smiled.
“I don’t. But I wanted to see you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly, his tongue pushing past her teeth to claim hers.
Marly leaned into him and deepened the kiss.
Though it was short, the kiss was hot and made Pitbull want so much more.
“The guys can see us through the window,” Marly whispered, nodding to the men on the ground pointing at them. Buck gave a fist pump. The others grinned and waved.
“I don’t care.” Pitbull kissed her again and then set her to arm’s length. “Let’s get this bird in the air. The sooner we’re back at the resort, the sooner I get to hold you in my arms. Without an audience.”
Marly settled into her seat and began checking gauges and flipping switches.
Pitbull climbed into the copilot’s seat and watched what she was doing. The more he knew about flying the plane, the better he’d feel. At least that was what he told himself.
She clamped on the headset and motioned for him to put on his. When he had, she asked, “Ready?”
Hell, no, he wasn’t ready. They would be taking off on a rough field of grass, not a paved or even graded landing strip. He nodded.
Marly released the brake and set the plane in motion. Giving a final wave, she set off across the savanna. “In order to take off, I have to go fast enough to get lift. So hold on, it’s about to get bumpy.”
It was more than bumpy; it was teeth-jarring and insane. Pitbull held on to the armrests, his fingers digging into the leather.
He prayed they didn’t run into a termite mound or anything else sticking out of the ground. As fast as they were going, it would be certain death.
The plane took off, skimming over the tops of several trees as it climbed into the air. They went from wildly jarring to incredibly smooth as soon as the wheels left the ground.
“Better?” Marly smiled over at him.
Pitbull relaxed his death grip on the armrests. “Much better.”
“See? You’re already getting used to flying in a fixed-wing aircraft. Before long, you’ll prefer them.”
“If you say so.”
Marly keyed the mic and communicated with the closest air traffic controller, giving her destination as the All Things Wild Resort. Within a few short minutes, she set the plane down on the dirt strip and brought it to a stop.
“Not only are you a skilled pilot, but you’re also a mechanic? You’re positively perfect.” Pitbull let go of the breath he’d been holding. “Will you marry me?” He winked.
Marly’s cheeks reddened and she gave an awkward laugh. “Don’t be silly. People in the bush do whatever it takes to keep things moving.”
“I’m betting back in the States they’d require a complete overhaul of the engine after crash landing in a remote area.”
She frowned. “I didn’t crash-land. I brought the plane down in a controlled landing.” Marly pulled the headset off and placed it on a hook over her shoulder. “You should have stayed with the guys going on the safari. I’m just going to be hanging around the pool for the rest of the day.”
“Mind if I join you?” Pitbull asked.
She smiled. “I’d love it.”
Pitbull lowered the hatch and climbed down from the plane. He held out his hand to Marly as she followed. As soon as her feet touched the ground, he pulled her into his arms. “The pool, huh?”
She leaned up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. “Unless you can offer a better alternative.”
“You, me, my bungalow.”
“I’m in.”
“Good, because I’ve been dying to peel you out of that flight suit.”
She laughed. “I’m the same beneath the suit as I was beneath the dress last night. Nothing’s changed.”
“There’s something about that long zipper and the hot-pink bra that fascinates me.” He touched his finger to the metal tab and drew it down several inches, his pulse ratcheting up as he did. “Yeah, it’s the zipper.”
“Come on.” She took his hand and led him across the field toward the resort compound. “We need to get to your bungalow before we flash the help.”
“Now you’re talking.” Together, they ran toward the gate, entered and were halfway to Pitbull’s bungalow when one of the cleaning staff waved them down. “Ms. Simpson!”
Marly slowed to a walk. “Yes?”
“There was a phone call while you were gone.” She pointed toward the house. “The man left a message. It’s on the table in the entryway.”
“Thank you.” Marly shot a glance toward Pitbull.
“I don’t suppose you can ignore the message.”
“I can’t.” Marly sighed. “I’ll only be a minute. Probably just a flying gig for after I drop off you and your men. I left word I’d be here for a while.”
“I’ll go with you. We can eat lunch before we hole up in my bungalow.”
She gave him a weak smile. “Thanks.”
Inside the front entrance was a table against the right wall. On it was an envelope addressed to Marly Simpson.
Marly tore open the envelope and read the message, her brows drawing into a V.
“What is it?” Pitbull asked.
Marly sighed. “Can I get a rain check on our plans?”
“Why?”
She handed him the note. “I have to fly.”
“Can’t someone else?”
“There’s a shortage of planes.”
Pitbull read the note.
Sick child needs evacuation to nearest major medical facility. Please call to confirm.
A phone number was listed.
“When there’s a sick child, I can’t say no,” Marly said. “It’s one of the most important tasks I perform as a bush pilot.”
Pitbull nodded. She wouldn’t be the person he was falling for if she ignored a distress call. He took her hands in his and nodded. “When do we leave?”
Chapter Ten
Marly checked her gauges and ran through her landing checklist in her head.
Landing gear down.
Flaps extended.
Fuel rich.
“Seat belts fastened?” she called out into her mic.
“Fastened.” Pitbull’s voice filled her ears, making her feel warm and happy all over. Until now, she hadn’t realized just how lonely her life had become. Sure, she transported people all the time, but she didn’t have the opportunity to get to know them. And until now, she hadn’t met a man she was compelled to get to know better. Pitbull drew her to him like no other.
She glanced in his direction.
Pitbull gripped the armrest on the side of the aircraft with a white-knuckled grasp. The man was one tough SEAL, had deployed to some of the worst places in the most dangerous situations in the world, been transported by helicopter, been shot at, had grenades and rockets lobbed in his direction—and he was terrified of flying in fixed-wing aircraft. Still, he’d insisted on flying with her today, not knowing where he was going or what to expect when he arrived.
Marly’s heart swelled. Not only was he a fantastic lover, he was willing to follow her while she performed her job...on his vacation.
Lining up with the dirt landing strip, Marly began her descent into one of the poorest areas in Africa. This landing strip was a lifeline to the missionary family who dedicated their lives to helping others in need.
Reverend Eugene Thomas and his wife,
Hilary, lived and worked in the little village, teaching the inhabitants about the Bible, sanitation and healthy habits. Not only were they bringing Christianity to the natives, they were helping teach the children how to read and write and the adults how to build better homes for their families and much more productive ways to farm.
Hilary had put her nursing skills to work providing basic health care to the people. She’d stitched cuts, pulled teeth and delivered babies when called to do so, never wavering in her dedication to making the villagers’ lives better. Now her own son was in need of medical care. The sooner he made it to a hospital, the better.
As Marly slowed their speed, the plane seemed to hurtle toward the ground until just before the wheels touched down. It seemed to float the remaining few feet when the tires kissed the dirt.
Beside her, Pitbull released a long, slow breath. He clapped his hands together once and gave her a tight smile. “Well done.”
Marly laughed. “Glad you think so.” She taxied to the group of people waiting at the end of the runway.
Villagers gathered around a tall, white-haired man.
Marly stopped short of the crowd and shut down the engine.
Once the propeller stopped spinning, she climbed out of the cockpit.
Pitbull was a step ahead of her, lowering the stairs. He climbed down and held out his hand for Marly.
She smiled down at him and let him help her from the plane. Sure, she didn’t need it and would have made it out fine on her own, but it was nice to be treated like someone special for a change.
They walked side by side to the welcoming committee.
Small naked children gathered around their legs, touching their clothing and hands.
The tall white man extended his hand. “Welcome to Bunanga. I’m Reverend Eugene Thomas.”
Pitbull gripped the man’s hand. “Percy Taylor.”
“Reverend. I’ve heard good things about your work here.” Marly shook his hand next. “Marly Simpson.”
“Thank you for coming so quickly. Our son’s health has been getting steadily worse since last night. He needs to be taken to the hospital in Kinshasa as soon as possible.”
“Any idea what’s wrong with him?” Marly asked.
The reverend shook his head. “We don’t think it’s contagious. No one else is sick like he is. We think it might be a parasite. But he’s dehydrated and weak. The sooner they get him a fluid IV the better.”
“Where is he?” Marly asked.
“Come with me.” The reverend spoke to the people standing around in what Marly had come to recognize as Swahili.
The villagers scattered, running ahead of Marly, Pitbull and the reverend.
They were led to a small hut with a grass roof and dirt floor.
Reverend Thomas lowered his voice to a whisper. “My wife has been up all night with my son. She’s very worried.” He held back the canvas flap that acted as a door and waited for Marly and Pitbull to enter the small structure.
Inside were three army cots, several trunks and a collapsible desk in army green. On one of the cots lay a teenager. He was long and lanky like his father, but with black shaggy hair. Beneath his tan, his face was pale, his lips dull and cracked.
A woman with salt-and-pepper hair and deep shadows beneath her eyes sat on the cot beside the boy. She glanced up, and relief melted across her face. “Thank the Lord.” She bent her head and closed her eyes. When she looked up again, she smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. Martin hasn’t spoken since late last night. I’ve tried to give him water, but he’s not taking anything.”
The boy’s situation was dire. A person could die quickly without advanced medical care. And advanced medical care meant taking the patient to one of the big cities with established hospitals and life-support facilities. “We need to get him to the plane,” Marly said.
The reverend started forward. “I can carry him.”
Pitbull laid a hand on the man’s arm. “Sir, let me.” He stepped in front of the older man, bent to the teen and slid his arms beneath his back and legs. When he lifted, he cast a worried glance at Marly. “He’s very light.”
“All the more reason to get him to Kinshasa. Fast.” Marly hurried to the door and held open the flap.
Pitbull marched toward the plane, not slowing until he stood in front of the stairs. “Where do you want to put him?”
Marly entered the plane first and adjusted several of the seats. “I had the interior modified to be used to transport patients.” Soon she had converted one side of the aircraft into what looked like a hospital bed, sheets and all.
Pitbull carried Martin up the steps, careful not to bump him into the door frame. Once inside, he laid the teen on the makeshift bed and pulled the sheet up over his thin body.
Mrs. Thomas climbed in and took one of the seats near Martin’s head. The reverend stood on the steps, looking out at the people gathered at the edge of the field. He spoke to them in Swahili.
They nodded and the older man stepped inside the plane and sat behind his wife.
“Get the door,” Marly commanded, stepping into the cockpit. “I’ll perform preflight.”
Pitbull gave her a mock salute and a grin. “Yes, ma’am.”
“And Pitbull—” Marly glanced back at him “—thank you for coming with me.”
“Glad you let me,” he said.
* * *
PITBULL CLOSED AND secured the door to the plane and then took his position in the copilot’s seat, slipping the headset over his ears. “Where to?”
“Kinshasa,” Reverend Thomas said. “The General Hospital of Kinshasa is expecting us. I radioed a message to them.”
Marly started the engine and taxied to the end of the runway. Moments later they were heading into the wind, picking up speed. Then they were in the air, flying over the tops of the village huts.
Pitbull glanced back at the passengers. They didn’t seem concerned about flying in a small airplane. The reverend and his wife were more concerned about their son. Hopefully he’d receive the medical attention he needed in time to save his life.
The flight took just under two hours. They landed at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa, the largest of the international airports in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They’d come full circle from a couple weeks prior, when they’d worked on an operation to protect the secretary of defense’s son and his bodyguard, Reese Brantly. Now they were on a different type of life-saving mission. Pitbull hoped this time the city didn’t blow up in their faces. Last time, they’d barely gotten out of the city alive after an attempted coup against the existing government.
With air travel seemingly in full swing, Pitbull assumed the coup attempts had been completely neutralized. At least for the time being.
He climbed out of his seat while Marly powered down the engine and performed her postflight checklist.
“There should be an ambulance waiting to transport my son,” the reverend said, bending to lift the teen.
“Hold on. I’ll carry him down the steps, but first, let me make sure the ambulance is waiting.” Pitbull opened the hatch and lowered the steps. He dropped down to the tarmac and shielded his eyes from the glaring sun. Several hundred yards away sat an ambulance.
Pitbull waved and the vehicle began crossing the concrete toward the plane.
Marly exited the plane and raised a hand to her brow. “Good. The sooner they get Martin to the hospital, the better.”
Mrs. Thomas climbed down the steps and stood staring at the ambulance. “I’ve never missed the trappings of so-called civilization more than last night. You don’t know how good it is to see that ambulance heading our way.”
While Marly slipped an arm around the woman’s shoulders, Pitbull entered the plane, gathered the boy in his arms and eased his way down the steps to the ground.
The ambulance came to a halt seconds later. Emergency medical technicians unloaded a gurney and rolled it over to where Pitbull stood.
He lowered Martin to the clean white sheet.
The ambulance crew loaded the gurney into the back of the truck and went to work, quickly checking the boy’s vitals and starting an IV.
Mrs. Thomas was helped into the back of the truck to be with her son. The reverend would ride up front.
Marly followed the reverend around to the passenger side of the ambulance. “Do you need us to wait around to fly you back to Bunanga?”
The older man shook his head. “No. I’m not certain how long we’ll be in Kinshasa. But I know how to get in touch with you when we need you.” He hugged Marly and Pitbull. “You two were sent by the angels. Thank you.” Then he climbed into the ambulance and the vehicle took off, lights strobing as they headed for the hospital.
Marly stared after them. “I hope Martin will be okay.”
“Me, too.” Pitbull slipped an arm around Marly’s waist. “Do you want to stay until we know for sure?”
She shook her head. “If I could do something positive, I’d stay and help out. But I think they will have enough to worry about without me making them feel like they need to entertain me or find something for me to do.” Marly glanced up. “We can go back to the resort and enjoy the remainder of the day. Just you and me.”
Pitbull’s pulse quickened and he slowed. “Unfortunately, by the time we get back, the others will be heading back in from the field.”
Marly frowned. “Why so pessimistic? Even if they do show up early, we can have dinner and enjoy the sunset and then call it an early night. They don’t have to know we’ll be spending it together.”
“About that...” Pitbull scratched the side of his neck. “They already know.”
“Know what?”
“That you and I slept together last night.”
Her cheeks flamed, but she squared her shoulders. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter anymore whether they know or not. It’s not like I’ll see them again after you leave Africa.” She forced a tight smile. “Let’s make the most of the remaining days.”