“It’s a detailed analysis of Dr. Blake’s current security measures and recommendations for the future. Since her appearance at the conference, we’ve doubled the number of men assigned to her detail. She’s agreed to leave the brownstone in favor of the Ryan Hotel, so we’ve secured one whole floor. Should she choose to stay on past this semester, we will make other arrangements. We’ve selected four properties which will meet the security needs of Dr. Blake living individually, but only two will suffice if you elect to stay with her.” Vidal took a sip from his coffee. “Further, we’ve vetted three undercover operatives to rotate through her classes and give us eyes on the campus. It isn’t sufficient for long term surveillance.”
“What do you meanif?” The file went beyond security measures, since it also included a background check. “And when did you run a background check on her?”
“Five years ago, during the conference. Initially, it was rather superficial, but you were only having an affair at that juncture. After you hired Mr. O’Connor, I updated it. I’ve maintained regular checks since then.” Vidal sat his mug down.
“I didn’t authorize a background check.” A fresh wave of anger flooded him. “If Armand…”
“His Highness did not receive a copy of this report until a few days ago.”
Sebastian’s blood iced and his temper spiked. “Then why did you do it?”
“Your safety is my job. Your interest in her presented a vulnerability which could have been exploited.” It was a reasonable answer.
“Five years ago, maybe. But this—?” Sebastian tapped the report. “This is up to date as of a week ago. You know what? Fine. It’s done. Don’t do it again.” Blowing out a breath, Sebastian glanced around for his phone. “You didn’t answer theifquestion.”
“Because it is not for me to speculate the outcome.” Evasion was not Vidal’s usual style.
“I’m too tired to play games. If you have some objection or piece of information you think I need to know, simply tell me. I’m going to have a difficult enough time with Meredith cutting short every phone call.” Weary to his bones, he just wanted to go to her, wrap her in his arms and stay there for the rest of his life. Of course, it might take some convincing to let him back in, even on a part time basis. Hope existed, though. Her appearance in Belaria gave him hope.
Touching a button on the side panel, Vidal invoked the privacy light. It would alert the staff to not step into the maincabin. Clasping his hands together, the man leaned forward. “For the next five minutes, I will speak to you as myself and not your bodyguard, agreed?”
“All right.” Sebastian shifted. Vidal only stepped over the line once before —when he’d bodily carried Sebastian from the scene of his assault and told him, in no uncertain terms, he was not allowed to die.
“Very good. You, sir, are an idiot.”
“What?”
“I’m not finished.” Vidal pinned him with a look. “I’ve had a front row view to your relationship with Dr. Blake. She’s enormously good for you, but you treat her rather shabbily. You appear to be under some delusion that she shouldn’t have to choose between you and her career. Perhaps it’s too much time in the Americas or a distinct lack of time in France, but ignoring a woman’s say so in a relationship is not romantic. It is the act of a madman.”
Jaw clenched, Sebastian stared at the other man. “Are you quite finished then?”
“No. The initial decision to maintain secrecy was applaudable. She proved time and again capable of withstanding the desire to shout her relationship with you. Quite commendable on her part. Letting five years lapse in uncertain limbo? I’m rather surprised she didn’t drop you on your ass sooner.”
Sebastian’s temper ignited. “It’s my job to protect her.”
Vidal snorted. “No, sir. It’smyjob to protect her and you. It’s your honor to love her. You mistake your devotion for duty and honor for love.”
The words bored through to his soul. “What kind of a man would I be if I demanded she give up her life for mine?”
“Don’t compound one mistake with another. I know you understand the value of word selection. I never said youshould demand, but you could invite. You’ve made a great many decisions about your relationship without consulting her. Apparently, she’s realized this all on her own.” Vidal smiled. “Hence, she’s begun to make decisions without you.”
All the oxygen backed up into Sebastian’s lungs and the tension vanished from his jaw. “Meredith ordered the background check.”
“No, sir. She requested it.”
“Why the hell would she do such a thing?” What had they been up to while he’d negotiated his family’s safety? Why would Meredith want a background check done? Admittedly, they were standard practice in the family, particularly for new hires or… His gut clenched. “She met with my mother.”
“As well as your cousins, actually. I understand she also has a dinner scheduled with Grand Duchess Alyxandretta and her husband in a week. If you don’t introduce His Highness before then, I have it on good authority he’s likely to make an appearance at the same dinner.” Vidal’s tense expression eased with a small smile.
A grin curved the corner of Sebastian’s mouth and then his good mood faded nearly as soon as it dawned. “But she’s avoiding my phone calls…”
“Her plans do not excuse you from groveling.” Vidal rose and checked his watch. “We will be landing within the hour, Your Highness. I took the liberty of ordering a car. What is your destination?”
“Time’s up, hmm?” But he couldn’t be angry with Vidal, not when he’d given him something to think about. “What time is it in Boston?”
“Late. After nine local time.”
Sebastian wanted to rush to her, but then again... “The hotel, but don’t tell Dr. Blake I’ve arrived. Does she have classes tomorrow?”
