Scarlett, sitting in the back, leaned between Zac’s seat and mine. “Five minutes isn’t late.”
“It is for this situation.” I continued watching, gaze shifting for a moment to the mountainous backdrop where Vesuvius rose, blocking out the early morning sun.
“He won’t jump out with fifteen men and trap us in here, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
That wasn’t Noah’s style, but it was still my job to consider it.
“Let’s go,” I said, not looking back at Scarlett. “But stick to the plan. You don’t approach until I’m certain he’s alone.”
“I’ve done this before, Rav.” Her tone was as neutral as it always was on a job, but there was exasperation underneath her facade.
“The last time you met him in a cemetery, you didn’t tell anyone you were going, and look how that wound up.” The memory of Malcolm’s panicked phone call that night in Venice still twisted my gut. I hadn’t wanted anything to do with the man ever again, but he’d saved her ass that night.
“Movement,” Zac murmured, nodding toward the service buildings lining the far side of the courtyard.
A figure emerged from between two of the buildings, slowly coming out of the shadows. Noah. His body language was cautious, his head turning to scan the surroundings before he fully stepped into view.
“Stay here,” I told Zac, reaching for the door handle. “Engine running.”
Scarlett was out before I could open her door. I fell into step behind her, one hand resting near my concealed weapon.
Noah favored his left leg—a limp he was trying to disguise. His normally impeccable appearance was still in place, but there were dark circles under his eyes. Either he was genuinely stressed, or this was an elaborate performance.
With Noah, it was impossible to tell.
His gaze fixed on Scarlett, then slid to me with a flash of irritation. “I said come alone, Scar.”
“And I chose not to,” Scarlett replied evenly. “We thought it best, in case you felt like kidnapping someone this morning.”
Noah’s mouth twisted. “I should have known it would be your guard dog.”
“It’s called loyalty, Noah,” I said, shifting slightly to maintain a clear view behind him. “You might want to look it up.”
“Loyalty?” His eyes hardened. “It didn’t extend to me that night in Prague, did it? If you hadn’t abandoned your post to play hero for Scarlett, things might have turned out very differently.”
My stomach churned. He was right. Two years ago, I’d left Noah to take my place in the vehicle that wound up plunging off the bridge.
I’d chosen Scarlett over him, like I had every day after that night she stopped me from?—
He’s playing you, Rav. Don’t let him.
“We’re not here to rehash the past.” Scarlett’s voice remained steady and controlled. “You called this meeting. What’s so urgent?”
Noah gestured toward Scarlett’s left hand. “And I see the boy toy’s made his claim on you?”
“Yes.” Instead of letting the barb bother her, she smiled for him. She lifted her hand, waving her fingers so her engagement ring sparkled in the morning light. “It’s refreshing, you know? To be with someone who can actually stand up to my mother.”
The way Noah’s jaw flexed was unexpected. The comment stung him, and he was trying to hide it. Interesting. Was it pride? Jealousy?
Or had he not wanted to leave Scarlett in the first place?
“But we’re not here to discuss my love life, either, are we?” she said. “So why are we here?”
Noah glanced over his shoulder before answering. “The demonstration. It’s happening at the Pompeii Amphitheater during a concert event this week.”
“When?” I asked.
“Three days from now. They’re moving everything into position as we speak.”
