“Is he why you’re irritated?” she murmured.
His eyes widened. “I didn’t think I showed that.”
“I know you too well, Mix. Introduce us, because I have a feeling this is his plane.”
He nodded. “Do you want to use your real name?”
“I won’t tell anyone,” the other man said.
She looked at him for a long minute, then back to Ian. She shrugged. “The cat’s out of the bag, so why not?”
Another flex in his jaw. “Lila Underwood this is Devon Stryker.”
She knew who he was, just from the fact that it was his plane. She knew that Eden had done some work for them with El—a protection detail a few months back. Devon was a legend in the CIA, a man who had done an even bigger disappearing act than she did. He also worked with Dillon security on cyber security.
He came forward with his hand extended. She took it, looking up at him. He was handsome, but not…well, Ian.
“It is my pleasure to meet you. I have been trying to track you down for a while.”
Ice skated over her nerves. “Why?”
“I knew your mother. Well, briefly when I was training.”
She frowned. “So, it’s true? You were recruited in high school?”
“Much like you.”
“I wasn’t in high school. I went to college. I just graduated so early.”
“You can let go of her hand,” Ian said. She thought she heard someone snort behind her.
Devon’s mouth twitched, but he did as Ian ordered.
“We should get settled so Bryan can take off, but I would love to talk to you. Maybe not now because, from what I understand, you have been through a lot. But I would love to talk to you about the business.”
“Okay.”
What could she say? Hey, I would like to talk to you, but I probably need to run away again. And oh, by the way, someone wants me dead so there’s that. There was a good chance she wouldn’t survive the next week.
She settled into one of the seats and Ian took the chair beside her. She glanced at him wondering at the frown.
Leaning closer so no one else could hear, she asked, “What’s your problem with Stryker?”
“Nothing.”
“Mix, I know you. You’re irritated, and I need to know if we should get off this plane.”
He turned to look at her, and this close, she could see the tiny flecks of gold in his blue eyes.
“I don’t like how solicitous he is.”
She frowned. “What?”
“He held your hand too long…” his voice trailed off.
“Ian.”
He sighed. “I just didn’t like how he was acting around you.”
