XXVIII

“If Raum brings his boys and your dad, there’s a chance for us. There’s no way we can lose,” Malik says. He looks at Sauda while petting Adorna.

Sauda decides to say something without getting too much into private life. Luckily Maddox got up from his seat and it only left her, Adorna, and Malik.

“Be careful, Malik.”

“Why?”

“Adorna is very seductive. And I’m not telling you that you can’t date or whatever after all this. I just want you to keep your head on tight and not let Malik Jr do the thinking.”

“I’m very addictive,” Adorna agrees. “If I work my womanly wiles on a man and let him live after that encounter, he’ll crave my touch until it drives him mad. I used a little on you back on the plane ride here, but not enough to get under your skin. I’m afraid that with your grief and plain old male attraction… that you might attach yourself to me. But I don’t mind.” She smiles widely.