She giggles. “That machine was something else. No wonder it’s big in porn.”
“Yeah, but that’s the thing. I’ve seen it a million times in porn, and it never doesthatto anyone. Not even close. Jesus. I knew you’d get off on it, but I could never have predictedthat. It was like you got electrocuted.”
“It was incredible. If I owned one of those things, I’d never leave my house.”
“If you owned one of those things,I’dnever leave your house. You wouldn’t need an alarm clock. I’d sit in the corner of your room yelling, ‘Wake up, Kat! It’s Sybian time again!’”
She smiles, but then she pauses, apparently considering something. “I need to tell you something, Josh. I never have sex without a condom—well, unless I’m in a committed relationship and we’ve both been tested. I don’t go without protection casually.”
“I was just now freaking out about the same thing. I never do it, either.”
“You’re sure you’re clean?” she asks.
“I’m positive. Just had my annual physical. You?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. One hundred percent. I was tested two months ago when I went on the pill, and I’ve used condoms every single time since then.”
I exhale, totally relieved. “Okay. Well, then I think we should—” I’m interrupted by my phone ringing on my nightstand. “Hang on,” I say, turning onto my back and reaching for my phone. I look at the screen. It’s Jonas.
“Hey, bro,” I say.
Instantly, just by the sound of Jonas’ breathing across the phone line, I can tell he’s agitated about something.
“Agent Eric just called,” Jonas says stiffly. “The feds want a meeting with Sarah and me in Washingtontomorrow.”
“Holy shit.” I sit up from Kat, my heart leaping out of my chest. “So are you and Sarah gonna catch a flight tonight?”
“Yeah, I already booked a red-eye. We’re packing up now.”
“Wow.” I run my hand through my hair. “This is big.”
“What still needs to be done before Henn can make those bank transfers?” Jonas asks.
I look at Kat. She looks anxious.
I think for a minute. “Um. Henn said he needs to take Kat’s passport photo and make her an ‘Oksana Belenko’ passport. But he said that won’t take long.”
“Okay, good. I don’t know how fast this thing’s gonna move once Sarah and I have that meeting. You three need to be ready to make those money transfers as early as tomorrow, just in case.”
“We’ll be ready.”
“Can you come up to my room?” Jonas asks. “I need to talk to you before I leave.” He lets out a loud breath. “There’s something I need to bounce off you.”
“Sure thing, bro. Don’t stress. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. Let me hop in the shower and come right up. Hang on a sec.” I pull the phone away from my face and address Kat. “Jonas and Sarah are leaving in an hour for the airport—they’re going to D.C. to meet the feds tomorrow. You wanna head up to their room with me?”
Kat’s eyes go as wide as saucers. She nods.
I put the phone back to my mouth. “Kat and I will jump in the shower and be there as soon as possible. I’ll call Henn and tell him to join us, too.”
“Kat’s with you?”
“Yeah.”
“And the two of you need to hop in the shower?”
I can’t help grinning broadly. “Yep.”
“I knew you two were fucking! Why have you guys been so secretive about it?”
