“Because they did the math, and they saw that if things delay or don’t go as planned, it can cost us an extra half-degree to Earth’s averaged temperature, so, we’re fighting it. The price for fighting it isn’t so high—and it’s not impossible. Though, to be honest, you’re a rather expensive part of the budget.”
“I’m worth every cent. How old is this prime minister? Show me a picture.”
“Hey now, getting turned on, are you?”
“Shut up. This better not be her fifth term in office. She better not be some grandmother. How are we even planning on approaching this? Approaching her?”
“It’s all meticulously planned. What do you think—I’m fucking around? I sent you the picture to your phone. After Australia pulls out, it’ll be a complete domino effect. We’ll push Indonesia back to its corn-field days, if we have to. They’ve never pulled too far ahead, anyhow. Though they might have added some fishing to it. That’s pretty much it in terms of their progress. But, naturally, they know how to burn fossil fuel. Do you know that the bible mentions coal three times—all in relation to burning things?”
“No—who do you think I am? Kasuto?”
“Well, now you know.”
“Wonderful. Two-nil to you in this fascinating trivia game.”
“Two-nil? I don’t think you could be stingier with your points if you tried. I’d say it’s more along the lines of fifteen-million. Fuck you. You’re lucky I’m not asking for commission.”
“You? Commission? I should be the one getting commission.”
“What do you say…”
“Off you go. Shoo.”
“As long as you’ll be coming with me.” He smiled. I loved him and all his… I don’t even know what.
“Besides,” I said. “It won’t be fifteen, it’ll be seven. The bloodsuckers will take half.”
“Seven and a half, you dummy. When are you going to learn?”
“The things I need to know I already do, and the things you haven’t learned yet, I’ve already forgotten.”
“All hail the commander of the European NATO forces! Would you like to command something of me, ma’am?”
“Pick me up and take me to bed. Now. And that’s an order.” I gave him a crooked, sexy smile. It was probably sexier than it was crooked, judging by his leaping toward me.
“What did you text me? And stop deleting things you’ve sent, it drives me nuts.”
“God, you’re full of it.”
“No, no. I’m serious. It’s annoying as hell. My phone chimes, then there’s no text.”
“I regretted sending them. If it wasn’t important, I delete them.”
“So, don’t text me!”
“But as I was writing it, I wanted you to read it.”
“So, you did think it was important.”
“At that particular moment, sure. But after, less so. So, I deleted it. What do you want from me? It’s for your own good—not having me bug you with nonsensical nonsense.”
“But you bother me either way.”
“How’s that, if I deleted the messages?”
“Because I keep thinking about what you wrote.”
“What do you care? I deleted it.”
“It’s interesting.”
“It’s really not. That’s why I deleted it.”
“It most definitely is. Why do you delete them?”
“Haven’t I just answered that?”
“Nope.”
“I don’t know what the hell I’m doing with you. You’re clearly insane.”
“Then make me sane again.”
He threw me onto the bed.
“You ready for me?”
“As long as you are.” I winked and grabbed him by the waistline of his jeans and started undoing the first button.
His eyes closed in bliss and he gave a deep sigh.
Chapter Eight
The taxi honking outside disturbed the morning peace. It disturbed it even more when it was repeated three more times.
I was ready—only one small carry-on coming along with me.
Eran sat next to the driver, a stony expression on his face.
“Good morning to you, my lady.” Eran got out to help put the luggage in the trunk. I told you—he’s a gentleman. Though, that wasn’t particularly impressive. He did only get out to help me when my hands were occupied, all while dragging me halfway across the world so he could tie me up in his stupid reasonings.
Oh well, it’s better I’m the one tied to him and his reasons that some other woman. Right? Though, I suppose that isn’t completely accurate either, being as there are plenty of others involved.
Fifteen million was a winning reason for me, though. Plus, I was having fun with him. That wasn’t always true—but it was true for today. Whether that would still be accurate tomorrow, I couldn’t say. Honestly. He is too fucked up.
“Where were you this past week?”
“Ah. I knew we were going, so I went to put myself and my thoughts in order.”
“You really think?” he asked.
“Huh?” I made as if I had no clue what he was talking about.
“Nothing.
“No, no. What did you say?
“Nothing.”
“Nothing you want to share with me? Now that we’ll be sharing these next three months together, it might be best I knew.”
“Your thoughts are your own, Noa. I can’t get into your head.”
“Really now? I had no idea.”
I showed him.
“Who were you with in Greece?”
I didn’t answer. Here he was, getting on my nerves before the sun was completely up. I knew what he was like when he was like this. Now you’ll get to see, too.
Just take notice as to what a fuck up he is, and that it’s far from being my fault.
“I see, so it’s a secret,” he continued.
“What do you want from me?”
“Nothing. I was simply asking who came with you to Greece.”
“Why do you care?”
“Why do I care? Why do I care? Are you shitting me right now?”
“Yes.”
“Wonderful. You know what, Noa, I really can’t be bothered with you.”
“Great.”
“Really great.”
“Say, what’s up with you this morning?” the taxi driver cut in. “Aren’t you going oversees together?”
“Yup,” I answered, my tone clear that I was in no mood for him to continue butting in. That was anything but helpful.
“What are your plans for your trip? Australia is huge, right?” he asked, looking at me as if he’d stay with me for three months stuck in his taxi, if he could.
“Traveling, you know,” I replied.
“That’s no fun to do
