I have to believe there will be—or I’ll lose my mind.
I’ve built a full-blown war operation to ensure her and Bruno’s safety. Both are under the protection of a ten-man team, and I won’t lower my guard until I know they’re completely safe. Meanwhile, I have to hunt down the last missing link in this chain of hell.
Maria has to be eliminated.
I go straight from the plane to the office.
I haven’t slept in over three days, and my head feels like it’s about to explode.
The door to my office opens, and Ethan sits down across from me.
I don’t want to see him—or talk to him.
I never thought I’d feel this way, but for the first time, I just want him out of my way.
As much as I know everything he planned was for his sister’s sake, I can’t stop the bitterness from creeping in. Even though I understand his reasons, I’m not sure things between us will ever go back to the way they were. I’ve already decided to start looking for an apartment to buy. I’ll sell him my share. It’s time for each of us to go our own way.
“I heard it’s over,” he says, but I’m not in the mood for small talk.
“Any news?” I ask because that would be the only reason he’d be here. Since our last conversation, we’ve barely spoken more than a few words to each other.
“Some. But none of it is good.”
“Maria.” I assume it’s about her because as far as we know, she’s the only member of the organization still around. The others have fled to countries with no extradition treaties.
“She’s like a viper. She knows how to blend in and go unnoticed. But that’s not why I’m here.”
Fuck—I’m tired of his circling. “Just say it, Ethan.”
He pauses for a moment, like something’s bothering him. “Have you talked to her? Tried the simplest solution?”
“Yeah, I did. And as expected, Lilly got fucking pissed, but she didn’t believe me. You need to stop underestimating your sister. What she lacks in experience, she more than makes up for in intuition and strength.”
“I’m not underestimating her. I’m trying to protect her.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
“What do you expect me to do? If you two stay together, the risk will be even greater.”
“We’ve already had this conversation. I’m not going over it again. So tell me what you came here for, then leave me the fuck alone.”
“Amos—”
“No. Don’t even try to justify it. I’m trusting that you see the big picture better than I do. And since we both want to protect her, I agreed to be part of your fucked-up plan. But don’t expect me to hurt my woman with a smile on my face.”
“They tried to break into her place.”
“What?”
“While she was out yesterday, someone tried to get in. Before Lilly got back from visiting the kid, I had one of our guys check, and there were signs of forced entry.”
“Fuck!” I roar, half-mad. “And the cameras?”
“They didn’t catch anything, just other residents,” he replies, sounding frustrated. “Whoever it was knew what they were doing. They only failed because of the special lock I had installed when I got back. I know you probably hate me right now, but my sister’s safety is the only thing that matters to me. That’s why I want to send her away. If my plan works, maybe she can spend some time in Paris with the Oviedo girl. They’re close.”
“You’re wasting your time. She won’t go. Not with Theo still recovering—and because she made a promise to Bruno.”
“Then we need to talk to the Greek. He has to convince her he wants her company for a few days. My gut tells me Maria is close, and we both know what rats do when they’re cornered.”
