His expression remained noncommittal, but it was all he could do to keep his feelings in check. He wanted to find the men who’d done this to her, twist off their cocks with his bare hands, and shove them down their throats. For now, he settled for soothing words. “You’re safe from now on,” he insisted.
The glance Celina flashed at him tore at his heart. Going to her, he knelt at her feet and took her hands in his. “Lift your head. Look at me. Don’t let them win.”
“They’ve already won,” she said. “Their boss got away, and I can’t let you go back into danger for me.”
“You can’t stop me,” he said, willing his strength into her as he stared steadily into her eyes. “Blood and Thunder will finish this one way or the other.”
“You’ll be distracted because of me,” she said, shaking her head. “You always said that if emotion gets in the way, people make mistakes.”
“Don’t you think I care about every mission I undertake?”
“I think you care too much,” she countered, “about everyone but yourself.”
“Like you, then,” he said.
“You can’t change my mind. I can’t live like this. I can’t love you and see you walk into danger. I can’t risk losing you—”
“You love me?” he repeated.
“Of course I love you,” she insisted impatiently as if this were obvious. “That’s why I’ve got to leave you, before we both do something we’ll regret.”
“Such as?” he pressed gently.
“Get into this any deeper.”
“Is it possible to get in any deeper?” Pressing his lips down, he shook his head. “You have to trust me to help you.”
“Not if it puts you in danger,” she said stubbornly. “Del Roca has already struck at the heart of the team. I heard about Dante’s first wife.”
“But you haven’t heard all the story. You’d have to ask our Romani chieftain, and I know for a fact that Dante won’t talk about it.”
“Exactly,” Celina exclaimed. “So I won’t risk you running up against Del Roca.”
“You can’t stop me,” he pointed out.
“But there must be other missions, other countries, other causes for you to help?”
“Have some confidence in me, Celina. This is unfinished business, and we will bring it to a close. Whether you’re here or not, with me or not, you can’t stop the wheels of fate from rolling on. These things have a way of playing out, and believe me, Del Roca will rue the day that he began his career of murder and exploitation, but right now, my concern is you. You need time and care, and the team can help you with that. We have trained counselors who can help you come to terms with the loss of your friend. Don’t be too proud to accept that help. You’re not the only person we’ve rescued who needs this type of assistance.”
“I’m not a worthy cause.”
“No, you’re more of a king-sized pain in the ass,” he agreed dryly. “But I love you, and I want the best for you, so that’s all right.”
Diego was offering everything, so why was she hesitating? She could continue with the work she loved, though it would be here in Spain, with people she cared for and could trust. She’d be close to him. “I still say, I can be more help to the team back in my own country.”
“And so the cycle continues?” Diego shook his head. “Beating yourself up won’t solve anything. Stay and face your demons. If you still feel the same a few months down the line, we’ll go back together. You’re a survivor. Don’t forget that. You might have been alone since you were a child, but you’ve always drawn people to you. You’re well liked here. This is your home now.”
“Home,” she repeated, remembering how she’d felt when she’d been about to leave again. She’d turned around to look back at the estate and had seen her friends, and had realized how much she’d miss them. This really did feel like home.
“Home,” Diego confirmed, his fierce stare burning into hers. “Don’t let the bastards win. Tomorrow, we start rebuilding.” Standing, he walked across the room, and, lifting the phone, he waited a few seconds before issuing an order she couldn’t hear. Replacing the receiver, he turned around. “Amber will be with you in five.” Before she had chance to respond, he added, “You need company tonight.”
Amber? Celina frowned. She didn’t understand. Why not Diego? What had he arranged? What did this mean?
“You’re good friends with Amber, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Well, yes, but—”
“Don’t you think she’ll be worried about you, after seeing you heading off the estate with that heavy pack? Spend some time together. Chill. Relax. You don’t do enough of that.”
