This was her first plane ride. It was a ridiculous thing to be thinking in the middle of everything that was happening, but, oddly...it was the very thought that kept coming back to her as Abby sat in her seat. Not only was it her first time flying, but she was about to take off in the belly of opulence in Adam Steele's private jet. She shook her head in awe at her surroundings. It wasn't like the inside of any plane she'd ever seen in the movies or television. Instead of dimly lit interiors filled with cramped, functional seating, overhead storage bins, and industrial upholstery designed to survive multiple spills and God only knew what else...this one was bright and airy, and filled with expensive seating, real wooden accents and fancy brass fixtures. There were lamps, big screen TV's, throw pillows, vases overflowing with flowers...everywhere she looked screamed high-end decadence. Even her seat wasn't a real seat. With the way the supple, cream colored leather molded to her body, it felt more like a luxurious recliner which could be sitting in the living room of his penthouse rather than a plane. The only thing differentiating the two, was this one had a seatbelt.

Playing idly with the clasp, she stared up towards the front of the aircraft where Adam stood in deep conversation with his brother. Despite her begging them not to, Jo Jo and Steph had already left to board their own plane heading to Las Vegas. She still couldn't wrap her mind around this foolish plan of Hathaway's, and she had to put her hands in her lap to keep from sinking her nails into the leather as a wave of anger floated over her. How dare the private investigator bring her friends into this. Not only did he include them, but he had them dressed as replicas of her and Adam, basically using them as bait. They might not have a problem with the idea, but she sure as shit did. It was a dangerous game to play, and using her friends as decoys was reprehensible. But, to her annoyance, nobody seemed to agree with her.

Adam had given her his typical indulgent approach, trying to sooth her worries, but Jonathan had acted like she was taking a large amount of his patience over her naïveté. Okay, she got it. Something had to be done so they couldn't be traced, but did they have to resort to recruiting the only people she'd ever gotten close to, and considered her family? With a heavy sigh, she leaned over and placed her head in her hands. Rubbing her forehead against the hopelessness hitting her like a tsunami. The sad thing, she was mad at Hathaway, but it wasn't like she had a brilliant plan of her own. This was way beyond anything she could have possibly envisioned. Burner phones? Bribing FAA officials with fake manifests? She groaned. This kind of cloak-and-dagger stuff made her feel as if her life had suddenly become one of those spy thriller movies, overwrought with danger and deception. Only there were no stunt doubles to take the falls. No yelling cut at the end of an intense scene. And no promise the heroes would win the day. All she could do was have faith in the man she could barely stand, and in Adam...the man she dearly loved.

"Are you alright, baby?"

Adam's concerned voice dropped over her, wrapping her in a soothing cocoon. A warm hand fell on her shoulder, and she turned up to meet his amber gaze.

"This is my first time on a plane," she said numbly. There it was again, that stupid, inane thought. Only now, instead of thinking it, it was tripping out of her mouth and taking a stroll around the cabin.

He made a sound of amusement while taking a seat next to hers before scooping her up and settling her in his lap.

"What can I do to relieve your jitters?" he asked, nuzzling the side of her neck, and pressing soft kisses down the column of her throat.

"Tell me this is all just a bad dream." Abby's reply came out breathy when he nipped lightly at the base of her throat. "Tell me I am going to wake up, and all this was nothing more than a nightmare."

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Abigail," he murmured, brushing his lips across her temple. "Everything that has happened, will happen, and is happening...is all very real. Including me." He cupped her chin, tenderly nudging it until their gazes met. "Your life has been upended for a long time, baby. But that's where I come in. I'm going to do my damnedest to fix it, and make sure nothing happens to you in the process. Together, we will have a normal life...just you and me."

A small giggle bubbled up her throat, surprising her. How could he make all of her doubts disappear with only a few spoken sentiments and promises? She didn't understand it, but somehow, he always managed to do it. "Just you and me, huh?" Reaching up, she brushed the errant curl off his forehead, his warm regard following her every movement. "The billionaire and the waitress. It sounds like a made for Lifetime movie."

"I don't know about the movie part, but I find the term lifetime...fascinating."

His low rumbled words made her cheeks flush with heat. Abby couldn't tell if he was teasing, or serious, but this was exactly what she feared. The more involved she became with Adam, the more she would fall for him. And the more she would want...want things she shouldn't. Hearing the absolute confidence in his voice, would keep her panic at bay, but it also made her desire things that felt like they were beyond her grasp. He was making her believe in fairytales, and for once, she desperately wanted them to come true.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to direct your attention to the wide ass television lowering down into the cabin, in case you happened to miss something the size of a compact car coming out of the ceiling. It'll be showing your safety demonstrations, and for the next few minutes I would like the two of you to please take your own seats, keep your hands to yourself, and pay attention to the fucking screen." Erich's monotone, cajoling voice came through the speaker system of the aircraft, snapping Abby's head up.

"Erich?" Shocked, she turned to Adam who was scowling up towards the cockpit. "He's flying the plane? Can he do that?"

He let out a heavy sigh, and with a reluctant peck on her lips, set her in the seat he had lifted her out of. "Yes, and yes, but undoubtedly...he has decided to add comedian to his long resume of accomplishments." With quick movements, he snapped her seatbelt, tightening her securely to her seat.

"The pilot has turned on the fasten seatbelt sign. If you are unaware of the complexity of such a device, I would like to direct your attention to the screen once again, and I would also like to take a moment of silence for our dying education system. As you notice, the lovely lady is now showing you a demonstration of how the emergency masks work. If you are sitting next to a small child, or someone known to act like a small child from time to time...not that I am mentioning names," he muttered good-naturedly, "please do us all a favor and put your own mask on first."

Abby couldn't help the giggle as Adam's scowling deepened.

"The yellow button on the arm of the chair controls the above reading lights. Please don't press the orange button. That button is to call the stewardess. As you can plainly see, we don't have one of those on this flight, and I'm not about to stop flying the damn plane to make you a sandwich or fetch you a pillow. So if you press it, and annoy me, it will be used as an ejector seat. Under your seat cushion are flotation devices. In the event of an emergency water landing, please take them with compliments of Steele Industries."

"Also, there may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only two ways out of this plane. I wouldn't suggest using them while we are in the air. I would also like to remind you this is a non-smoking flight, unless otherwise stated by the man who actually owns this bird. You will find this and all other safety information that nobody cares about somewhere on this aircraft, good luck finding them. We'll be taking off as soon as this asshole running the tower decides to stop jerking my chain. Please, enjoy the flight."

The intercom clicked off, but the smile stretching Abby's cheeks soon fell as she felt the engines roar to life. Grabbing onto the armrests of her seat, she nervously peered out the window to see them slowly making their way to the runway. In the distance, she could see the other two planes already lined up waiting for their turn to takeoff. She blinked, still not believing this was actually happening.

"Everything is going to be fine, Abigail," Adam said calmingly, easing her clenched grip off the armrest, and tangling his fingers with hers. "Every plane is being piloted by people handpicked by Erich, and each of them have hundreds of hours of flying experience. And I promise you, Erich is much more proficient at flying than he is at doing standup." He gave her a little wink, giving her hand a squeeze.

Nerves kept her from being able to answer him, so she simply nodded her head as she watched the first plane take off gracefully into the night sky. Which one was it? Was it Jonathan's or Jo Jo's and Steph's? Soon, the second plane followed the first into the darkness, and before she knew it, their plane was taxiing into position.

Taking a deep breath, she sat back in her seat, closing her eyes tightly as the plane started to accelerate. Faster and faster, the engines grew louder and louder in her ears as the plane hurtled down the runway. Abby's grip on Adam's tightened to the point she was positive she was going to crush every bone in his hand. Within moments, she felt her stomach sink back against her spine as the aircraft lifted off. Holy crap on a cracker, it was an odd sensation. Her ears felt like they were about to burst, and she wasn't a hundred percent positive she wasn't going to vomit. Just when she thought it was never going to end, the plane leveled off, and she let out the shaky breath she'd been holding. The roar turned to a dull hum, her ears popped and everything seemed...normal. As if she was simply sitting in a car, and not a silver wad of metal shooting off the earth soaring towards the heavens.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, in case you've forgotten who I was. We have now reached our cruising altitude. I have graciously turned off the fasten seatbelt sign, and you are now free to move about the aircraft, but please stay inside the plane until we land. If you go walking on the wings, we will be watching our own short version of Gone with the Wind."

In the face of her nerves, Abby laughed as the intercom switched off once again.

"Don't encourage him," Adam grumbled, easing out of his seat. "Are you thirsty? Hungry?" He asked, stretching his lissome frame, and rolling his shoulder.

Looking up at him, she briefly wondered if his shoulder still bothered him from the night of the fire when he had charged down the apartment door, but the thought was quickly lost when her gaze took in the exquisite maleness of his appearance. Standing on a plane belonging to him in his expensive suit, cut an impressive picture. He was every bit the powerful CEO, conqueror of his world, and her breath caught in her chest. The man was the ruler of a vast kingdom far beyond her capability to understand, but the way his whiskey colored eyes regarded her was a reminder that he was more than the power and money.

He could be hard, cruel and calculating in the boardroom, but if you looked past all that, you could see he was also amazingly gentle, kind and generous to a fault. Adam Steele was unlike anyone she had ever met, and more than she bargained for, in every way possible. Just when she thought she understood what made him tick, he would do something new and surprising, keeping her forever on her toes. It was both confusing and wonderful. She'd never felt this way about anyone, and she doubted she would ever again. The only thing she could hope was her past didn't manage to find a way to destroy it, like it had with every other relationship she'd dared to get involved in.

"Abigail? Do you need anything?" he asked again, arching a dark brow. His gaze penetrating, but amused, as if he knew exactly what she had been thinking and agreed.

"No," she answered, shaking her head. Her stomach hadn't yet settled from takeoff, and the last thing she dared do was put anything in it that might not stay there. "I'm fine." A yawn snuck up on her, and she quickly tried to smother it.

Immediately, his brow dropped into a concerned frown. "You're tired," he stated flatly.

"I'm fine, Adam."

"Fine." He straightened up, and tapped his lips with his long index finger, acting all the world as if he was deep in thought. "Two fines in less than a minute. From my understanding of the female handbook, two fines equals a definite not fine."

Abby drew a breath, and was about to tell him there was no such thing as a handbook on females. And if there was, no man would ever read it because it would too closely resemble directions, but he silenced her protest when he smoothly bent down and kissed her, long and languorously. When he finally released her mouth, she felt rather dazed and confused. All thoughts of being obstinate gone in a flash.

"I'm going to have a brief word with Erich, but when I return, I am taking you straight to bed."

"Adam..."

Diving in, he quieted her once more. She tried to pull back to tell him she didn't need him coddling her, but before she could, he slipped his tongue past her defenses. With one slow, sensual slide of his tongue, he stole the words right out of her mouth like a thief in the night.

When he let her up for air, Abby shoved him out of her personal space, lightly scowling up at him. "Stop kissing me," she said, but because her heart was flapping wildly in her chest...the words came out more breathy than scolding.

"Why?" His dark eyes traced her lips, making her shudder.

"Because you're trying to distract me," she stammered.

"Is it working?" he murmured, tilting his head so his mouth was a hair breath away from hers.

"Yes." The word dropped barely above a whisper. His magnetic pull drawing her towards him. Only the sight of his smug smirk, managed to snap her out of it. "I...mean...no."

The soft chuckle, fluttered across her lips. "Stubborn girl." Brushing his nose softly against hers, he gave her begging mouth a light nip before standing. "I'll be back shortly. When I return, we are going to bed. No arguments, baby. It's been a long, taxing day for the both of us, and we could use the rest." The finality in his voice allowed for no discussion. Not that he stuck around for one. Turning on his heel, he headed for the front of the plane. Every bit of the CEO was back in full force.

Rolling her eyes at his bossiness, she leaned her head back, closing her eyes. There was no sense in fighting him about it. She was utterly exhausted, and she knew it showed. Panic attacks always tired her to the bone, and the one she had suffered at the club had been a doozy. Not to mention the constant worry over her friends, the whereabouts of her stepfather, Hanover, and Adam's safety kept constantly beating at her brain endlessly. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. It was astonishing she was even able to keep her eyes opened at all. But, as shattered as she was, she worried she would never be able to sleep again.

Rolling her head, she stared out the window into the inky blackness only broken by the flashing lights on the wing. Somewhere out there both monsters laid in waiting, biding their time. The game of cat and mouse had now been stepped up to a whole new level. The question was, who would find whom first.

"Come on, baby. Time for bed."

Adam's voice brought her out of her trance. Without warning, he scooped her up in his arms, and started walking with purposeful strides towards the rear of the plane.

"I can walk you know."

Opening the door, he entered a softly lit cabin.

"I am aware, but carrying you is one of my greatest pleasures. Would you really deny me it?"

Shaking her head at his exaggerated pout, Abby tucked her head against his chest allowing herself to enjoy the safe feeling she always got from being in his arms.

"Fine, but when I become fat and lazy, you have nobody to blame but yourself."

Chuckling, he slowly lowered her until she was standing in front of him. Sitting on the edge of the sizeable bed considering they were in an airplane, he pulled her between his thighs.

"I hardly think that will become a problem. But, fortunately for you, I can think of other ways to keep you fit, baby." With an unholy gleam to his eyes, his fingers splayed on her hips as his mouth playfully nipped at her belly.

The unexpected lightheartedness, touched her heart and stroked her desire. Running her hands through his soft, messy, chocolate waves, she tugged him closer. His head snuggled into her midriff as she continued to lazily run her fingers across his scalp.

"If you keep doing that, sleep is going to be the furthest thing from my mind," he grumbled, lowering his palms to cup her ass.

"Sleep is way overrated anyway," she sighed, parting her thighs so he would have easier access for his wandering hands.

"Abigail, you would test the chastity of a monk." He groaned and stirred restlessly against her. "Though I would like nothing more than to strip you out of these clothes, and devour every inch of you, you need to get some rest." With reluctance clearly painted on his face, he gripped her hips and pushed her gently away from him.

"Are you telling me no, Steele? I thought you didn't do no?" she reminded him huskily. With her gaze never leaving his darkening eyes, she began to undress. Leisurely. Unhurried. Her fingers worked the buttons down her blouse, slipping it off her shoulders and letting it float to the floor. Next, she shimmied out of her skirt, and kicked it to the corner. In only her bra and panties, she pulled the last of the restraints holding her hair, and shook it loose until it fell down along her shoulders. Knowing full well the effect it had on him.

His eyes smoldered. His lips drawing into a tight line while the little muscle at the corner of his jaw ticked. His gaze was so burning, it was a wonder she didn't combust into flames. He watched her in a way only Adam could. The Big Bad Wolf...sizing up his prey. His primal scrutiny stroking over her only added gasoline to the liquid fire scorching inside.

A low growl erupted out of him as he shoved off the bed, standing just a foot apart from her. His eyes slowly skimming from the tip of her head, down to her toes and back. But her focus was on the thick erection being restrained by his slacks. When her eyes finally moved to meet his, the fiery challenge was unmistakable.

With the same precise, deliberate movements she had done, he stripped out of his jacket. Tossing it off to the side with his eyes never leaving hers, he reached for his cufflinks. Removing them one by one, he set them on one of the built in side tables coming out of the delicately carved wooden headboard. Slowly, he undid one button of his shirt, letting it fall open to reveal his chest in small increments until her breath came out in raw, harsh spurts. A slight smirk tilted the corner of his mouth as he pulled it off, his muscles rippling as he stretched. The shirt fell to the floor, and he stood before her looking nothing less than perfect. He was a flawless specimen. Muscled. Lean. Hard. Strong. A modern day gladiator in every sense of the word. He may fight battles behind a desk, but you would never know it by looking at him. Strip the trappings of the business world off him, and you could just as easily imagine him with a sword and shield.

Not able to resist any longer, she pressed her palms against his broad chest, running them lightly up over his shoulders. His body heat warmed her palms. He was hard, all smooth ridges...and he was all hers. Abby wanted to twine herself around him like his cat.

Quicker than she could track, he grabbed her wrists, and spun her around until her back was pressed tight against the very chest she had been admiring.

"If you so much as breathe on me, I'm going to throw you down on this bed and fuck you until you scream this damn plane out of the sky," he hissed into her ear. "Do not tease me, Abigail. Not ever about how much I want you." His mouth sharply nipped her ear. "Now...behave yourself, and get into bed. There should be something suitable for you to wear in one of the drawers. Find it, and put it on. I expect you to be dressed when I return."

Just as quickly as he caught her, he let her go, dropping his hands as if they had burned him. She was so shocked by his reactions, all she could do was gape after him as he disappeared into the small bathroom, and shut the door. Rubbing her wrists, she shook her head in awe. Holy crap on a cracker. He could go from hot to cold faster than the shower in her apartment did when someone flushed the toilet. Abby didn't know if she should be disappointed or pissed off as hell that he hadn't done what he threatened.

"And they say women are fucking confusing," she muttered under her breath. Walking to the small set of built in drawers, she yanked one out. Inside, neatly folded were boxers and a variety of t-shirts. Pulling one of the shirts out, she held it up to her nose, breathing in the distinct scent that was all Adam. Hearing the water in the sink shutting off, she quickly threw it on, and fled to the bed. She had just managed to wiggle under the covers when he returned.

"Good g..." He caught himself, and cleared his throat. "Good job."

Briskly, he walked over to the other side of the bed. With one graceful movement, he slid in next to her, and flicked off the lights. Only the safety LED glowed. Abby rolled over and frowned at him. Despite the lack of lighting, she could see he was still dressed in his slacks, and laying stiffly on top of the covers.

"Aren't you getting into bed?"

"No." Came the short response.

"Why not?"

A heavy sigh lifted his bare chest. "Because if I get in beside you, then I will want to be inside you."

"I want you to make love to me."

"That would be counterproductive to you getting sleep," he muttered. "Roll over on your side." His hand twirled in the air, his features irreproachable.

Rolling her eyes, she did as he asked. She was about to tell him where he could stick his bossiness when his arm curled around her, dragging her snug against him.

"Close your eyes, baby," he said softly, his lips brushing the back of her head. "Before you know it, we will be at our destination, and I promise, I will spend days making love to you over and over until you beg me to stop. Until then, settle for allowing me to hold you. Now, sleep."

The sound of his deep voice rumbling through the darkness, soothed her as much as being in the shelter of his protective embrace, and she felt her eyes slowly droop. "I wanted to join the Mile High Club," she mumbled sleepily.

"Sweet girl, there is always the return trip home." The sound of his chuckling the last thing she heard before she drifted off.

Author's Note:

I hope you enjoyed this latest installment of Bending Steele, and if you like it, you will consider giving it a vote. I love hearing from you and comments are always appreciated. I may not have time to respond to them all, but know they are very dear to my heart and are not being ignored.

If you don't see any updates here, feel free to check out my other works When Roses Collide, Steal You Away, and FANGED.

As always, thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

K