Axel
I noticed the same black saloon with tinted windows as we left for the airport. I made a show of pretending to ignore them as best as I could.
The drive to the airport was uneventful, other than glimpses of the cars following us. I counted at least two. I kept an eye on them, but drove normally, even slowing down at a set of lights so I wouldn’t lose them by accident.
Stay calm. You got this.
I was amazed when my phone rang as we approached the airport.
I answered hesitantly.
“Yeah,” I barked, annoyed.
It was Jean, my French contact. He sounded nervous.
“What’s up, bro? Talk to me.”
He spoke rapidly, in very vague metaphors. I got the gist of what he was saying, barely.
“It is said, my friend,” he murmured, accentuating his French accent, “that Prague, it is very hot this time of year. No? Be careful in the heat. It can be…dangerous.”
“Got it. Hot weather. Thanks for the tip.”
“One more thing, mon frere. Our mutual friend in Prague. He is eager to return the favour, so I hear. I have persuaded him that it would be unwise for him to… avoid showing you hospitality, yes?”
He continued on, rushing the words out.
“I will be going away for a while on vacation. I have some business to attend to. If you… are able to stand the heat in Prague, I will be grateful. I will be taking care of something my end that will... help you.” The phone clicked, the call dropped his end.
I turned my phone off and passed it to Chloe. “Take the battery and SIM out,” I mouthed at her silently. She obliged.
“Who was that on your phone. A friend?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Yeah. An old friend. He said it’s a bit hot in Prague. Says we gotta stay cool, OK?”
I squeezed her thigh reassuringly.
A while later we settled into our Business Class seats. We were sitting next to each other this time, at the back of the central aisle.
No fucking around. I ain’t letting her out of my sight. Fuck, I’ll watch her piss if I have to.
I shook my head to clear the mental image, picking up the drinks menu in front of me.
Most of the other passengers were drinking soft drinks and tea. I ordered a large whiskey, pointing at what I’d guessed was probably the most expensive one. I fought better after the first few whiskies anyway.
Chloe had relaxed somewhat now we were on the plane. She had been nervous in the lounge, pacing. I had eventually persuaded her to have something to eat. And then two glasses of champagne.
“It’s a shame we’re not in First Class. You ever joined the mile high club?” She was grinning at me, champagne in her hand.
“Mile high what?” I asked, incredulous.
She looked at me blankly. “Really? You’re going to make me explain?” She pouted, eyebrows raised.
“You join the mile high club when you have sex on a plane, idiot.” She threw a peanut at me, laughing as it bounced off my forehead. I didn’t even flinch.
I got a large chunk of ice from my glass, and deftly slipped it down her top and into her cleavage, poking it well into her bra. I guessed it probably got her nipple. She gasped, swearing at me as she frantically removed the ice cube.
“You bastard,” she laughed. I could see tears of delight streaming down her face.
I pointed a finger at her. “Don’t mess with me, doll. I got shitloads more ice.”
Chloe
The plane trip had been all too short, the hour and a half trip flying by as we chatted. Or, as I chatted. Axel had returned to his gruff self for the most part. I still slaw flashes of the man that I’d seen come out of his shell last night.
As soon as the plane grounded I saw a change come over him. He sat up straight, finishing the last of his third whiskey, swallowing the remaining half-glass with one gulp.
He was on his feet as soon as the plane come to a stop. His eyes were cold, surveying the passengers around us. I saw him breathing deeply and regularly.
Axel’s more than cool. He’s fucking ice cold. Eyes of a killer. Preparing. Getting in the zone.
His pose was solid, arms slightly raised, palms face up, muscles bunched, jaw clenched.
The sight made me scared and horny at the same time.
I wondered if I was actually in any danger at all with Axel by my side. I almost felt sorry for anyone who tried to mess with him.
He came round to my side of the aisle, standing protectively behind me, inches away. I could feel the presence of his huge, reassuring frame shadowing me. I would be invisible to anyone standing behind him.
His arms circled me protectively as we moved towards the exit. Huge hands settled on my waist. We walked in time as we headed towards passport control.
All of a sudden his pace quickened. He was at my side now, ushering us towards the gate. Crowds of people seemed to part as he strode through, subconsciously avoiding his towering frame.
We were through in no time.
“Ain’t got time to get the bags, Chlo’. Stick with me. We need to get the fuck outta here, right now. Stay fucking cool, OK?”
I felt a twinge of panic in my stomach. I started looking around at the crowds of people milling here and there.
What has he seen?
I guessed this was why he had plied me with champagne. To ease my nerves. It had definitely helped.
I had a few spare clothes in my holdall. They’d have to do for now, I told myself. I tried to breathe deeply, slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth, imitating Axel. I started to feel a relaxed, almost meditative calm cover over me as we reached our car.
I didn’t know a great deal about cars, but this one was sleek. A black Mercedes coupe, smaller than the large saloon we’d had in Paris. But just as luxurious. The car looked both sleek, and mean. A vision of Axel in his suit the night before rose into my mind.
“Gotta thank your Dad for this when we get back. AMG.” He patted the car as he opened the door to let me in, shielding me with his body. “If they keep up I’ll be amazed.”
As soon as I was in the car Axel jumped across the hood, and was in the driver's seat in a second.
“Was that really necessary? Show-off,” I said.
His face was hard, expressionless. “Hold on to something, Chlo’. Not my cock this time.”
Moments later I was stunned into silence as the car roared from the terminal, tires screaming, smoke billowing from them as we sped away at breakneck speed.
I was left breathless at the raw power of the car as I was thrown back into the bucket sports seat. I held onto the door’s armrest for dear life.
Axel
As we were leaving the place I’d seen a few figures following us. I recognised one of the Russians who I’d bumped into on the flight to Paris. There were at least three others, probably more lurking in the shadows.
Fuck. They got close. This is it. Time to stop thinking.
The sheer power of the car I was driving shocked me. I’d done getaway driving in the past, but this…this car was something else.
As I accelerated out onto the main road I heard tires and loud engines revving behind me. Two cars were on my tail., swerving around shocked drivers.
Game’s up now. Just gotta be one step ahead. Set up the first meeting so it goes in my favour.
I felt sorry for Chloe in the passenger seat as I barely made it through a red light, swerving violently right across a large intersection. Tires cried out as they kept the car on the road, back end tailing out as we sped around the corner. I eased off the accelerator until the car righted itself, then slammed my foot down.
We shot forward again, the road ahead clear. Two cars were following, slightly further behind now. They had obviously run the red light.
I visualized the map of the city I’d spent time memorizing, looking around for landmarks. I was fairly sure I knew where we were. I was heading towards a hotel I knew had an underground car park.
If I could get there first…
I reasoned that it would give me a few minutes at least. Enough time to get to a room.
I was unarmed, but the first bad guy to get near me would solve that problem. I would simply break his fucking arm and take his gun. Easy. I’d done it before plenty of times.
Might even shoot him if he looks at me funny.
The lights at the huge intersection a little way down the road were red, and traffic was backed up. I braked sharply, and swerved into a narrow side street for a quick detour.
I dodged a couple market stalls and a few pedestrians. Most of them looked at me, shocked.
Guess I ain't meant to drive down here. Fuck it. Too late now.
I reached the end of the narrow road, braking slightly as I scanned for traffic. A car was approaching to my right slower than was necessary. I put my foot down. I didn't have time to wait.
I heard the beep of a horn sound behind me.
“Fuck off,” I said, out loud over my shoulder. “Learn to fucking drive!”
I wasn’t the most patient of drivers. Usually I avoided driving if at all possible. I always wound up getting myself in trouble, or stressed.
The car shot forward, leaving our pursuers behind for dust. I took another sharp right a little while longer. Our tail was nowhere to be seen.
I hope they’re sitting behind a fucking red light somewhere.
The hotel I had in mind wasn’t far. I accelerated viciously at the next clear section of road. I heard the wail of sirens in the distance.
Great. Just what I need.
The police would be just as much of a hindrance to my followers as they would be to me. I needed all the help I could get.
I decided on another short cut, down a narrow side road. This one was clear, thankfully. My car gripped the road wonderfully as I threw it around the bends of the winding road. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. It was exhilarating. I risked a sideways glance at Chloe as I slowed for the junction. She looked like she was going to be sick.
“Almost there now, babe.”
The junction was clear as I tore across it, the sound of the car’s engine echoing noisily off the surrounding buildings. The hotel was at the end of the next narrow road.
I hope. Or we’re fucked. Might have to run the fuckers over. Ain’t never done that before. Might be fun.
I swerved onto the road approaching the hotel, and turned violently into the underground car park. I stuck the car as far back as I could, out of sight behind a massive SUV.
I ran to Chloe’s door, helping us out. She looked pissed.
“Can you tell me what the fuck that was all about? You nearly got us killed, you maniac!”
She gently slapped my arm.
“No time. Let's go.” I grabbed her arm and rushed towards the stairs to the hotel, stopping briefly to grab her bag.
We were checked in and on the top floor in a matter of minutes.