“Yeah, it’s cool baby. I took the time because I knew I was going to say no.” His gaze clung to mine.
“You said no?”
He nodded. “I said no. I loved being an agent. I loved getting to use my skills for good. But that feels like a part of me that no longer exists. I don’t think I want that life anymore and it would mean keeping secrets from you. I wouldn’t even be able to tell you that I work there. I don’t want that.”
I cupped his chin. “What do you want Xander? Tell me. I’ll be with you a hundred percent.”
“I want you.”
I laughed. “Your sweet.”
“I’m serious. I want you. I want a life with you. That was the first thing I decided. It was true to me and when I thought of what I want with you I followed the other path.”
“What path is this?”
“The path where I’ll be working with Jack, Wes and Dorian as a consultancy.”
My gosh I remembered Jack talking about this with Frankie. In the end of the crazy saga with The Ra it was Jack who was able to summon a hundred marines who took out and shut down the secret facility. It showed the extent of his influence and power, so I knew it was no mere consultancy Xander was talking about.
“That sounds good, but is it dangerous?”
“No, just intel. That’s all. No chasing anybody. Best of all I’ll probably do a few jobs a year and we can live in Italy if that’s what you want.”
“Oh my God.” My spirits lifted. “You mean it?”
“Yeah. I mean I know you won’t just want to be there the whole time so we can travel backwards and forwards, just be there more. Live there. If that’s what you want. That’s why I bought the house.”
It wasn’t until the tear splashed on to my lap that I realized I was crying and quickly wiped the rest away.
“You are too much Mister. I want that, but only if you want it. I know you’ve been doing a lot of what I want and I love you for that. I really do. I want you to be happy too.”
“Told you what I want Jia. I mean it. I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t need to be grounded anywhere to do what I want to do. I have Jack and Wes and we’ll be working together. That’s me done and I’m happy with my decision. It’s what I want and I have to say Italy rubbed off on me too.”
I laughed. “It’s so beautiful Xander. I never really thought of living there because I knew it would get on my father’s nerves but I think my heart is there. So much bad happened here.”
“I know. So how about a fresh start? You and me Bellezza.” The blue hue of his eyes sparkled with the hope I felt rippling within me.
“Yes. I absolutely love that. A new start with you.”
He leaned forward and pressed his forehead to mine.
