“More than likely.” She came forward and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Now that we’ve settled that, I’ll have that coffee. I need it. I should have expected you’d do something unusual to get your pound of flesh, but it wasn’t this. From what I heard, you were more cerebral than physical.” Now that she was committed, her mind was racing, trying to think how she could pull this off. “You’re right, it’s going to be complicated. How soon can we leave?”

He didn’t answer that question. “I’m very physical,” he said softly. “It’s just that most people pay more attention to the cerebral because they assume that’s where they can benefit the most. How physical are you, Alisa?”

She could feel the sudden tingle of sensuality in the room, the sheer eroticism he was emitting. It startled her to find her body responding to it. She had been so focused on his words and the opportunity he’d presented that she hadn’t been aware of the sexuality. Now she was very much aware, and it had to be confronted. “I have to be physical or I wouldn’t be able to do what you’ve asked me to do.” She stared him in the eye. “But if you’re talking about sex, say it. I don’t think you are, because it would get in your way. So tell me if it’s part of the deal. Is it another proof of intent?”

He was suddenly still. “And if it was?”

“I’d take my clothes off. I told you I couldn’t let you change your mind.”

He was silent a moment. Then he smiled and shrugged. “You did, didn’t you? But you’re right, dealing in that particular proof of intent doesn’t appeal to me.” He grimaced. “Well, that’s not quite true. The appeal is there, but I’ve made the deal difficult enough for you. You asked how soon we could leave? Probably within the hour. When I came downstairs, I told Vogel I’d be using the helicopter to fly you down to the Szarnar Jungle at the Maldara border to meet with your so-called valuable contacts.” He smiled crookedly. “And to convince me that it’s worthwhile going forward with you. After the meeting takes place and I’m satisfied, I’ll call Vogel and tell him it’s a go. He’ll instantly set up the arrival of the team to come and meet us, and we’ll make plans to take those schoolgirls away from Masenak.” His tone was cool and efficient. “I believe you have time to go to the dining room and grab breakfast.” He finished his coffee and got to his feet. “As well as call your friend Margaret and tell her that you’ve completed your recruiting mission. She should be pleased. Anyone can tell you, I’m a real prize.”