Ian and Kieran stood together in front of the casket, Ian maintaining a protective hand on the wood. “I miss her so much. We only had a short time together. Cassie was so sick, but all she wanted was a fresh start. She had some answers, and we were together. In five seconds, she was gone.”
Kieran placed a stabilizing hand across his brother’s back. Anger spilled all week while the news speculated that he was working on a hostile takeover. The news networks refused to give up their source.
Ian noted Wilds from across the room. “Let’s see where this goes.”
Wilds waited his turn to approach the casket. Ignoring Kieran and Ian, he knelt before her. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I was a giant ass. I resented your presence on my team, but please hear me. I never wanted you to get hurt. I know I said terrible things to you, and I was a jealous fool, especially when I saw you that night with Ian. Well, none of it matters now. Be at peace, Princess. I called you that because you were one—a true regal beauty.”
When Wilds crossed himself and rose, Kieran and Ian bookended him. “I’m not here to cause you any trouble.”
Ian had no trouble tearing up, his real emotions fraying fast. “Greg, in Cassie’s memory, I won’t lower myself by taking you apart, but if you so much as repeat her name, I won’t hesitate.”
Wilds stared at him. “I am sorry for your loss.”
* * *
In the library, Cassie fingered the same page of her book, thinking about anyone who could possibly want to kill her and destroy William’s body. She stared at her sketch on Ian’s stationery as voices and pictures swirled in her head. Lost in thought, she never heard Martin come in.
“Hey, Cassie, I thought you might like this.” He held a tray with a mug of steaming tea and a small plate with biscotti.
In haste, she closed the book. “Thanks, Martin. This is so sweet of you. Come sit and share them with me. Please.”
“How are you doing? I’m sorry about earlier. I cannot imagine how difficult this is for you.”
“I’m fine. I never considered I would need long-term security.”
Martin bit into the crunchy cookie. “Yes, you may need to make some accommodations, but look at what you gain: love and family.”
“How long have you worked for Ian?”
“I was a part of his team and then a platoon leader under him. I’ve been with him since he started Eagle’s Talon. Kieran and I survived BUD/S together.”
“Were you with Kieran when he was shot?”
“I wish. Kieran was part of another team. I was with Ian when he was shot. Jamie was the medic. It happened doing door-to-door searches in Bagdad. The bullet was meant for a man who shared information with us, and Ian knowingly stepped in front of the target. Julian took over as temporary CO. That’s another story,” Martin chuckled.
Cassie chewed a cookie. “You’re family.”He’s not getting hurt again because of me.
“When someone is willing to put it on the line for you, no questions asked, you tend to get close.”
“Do you have someone special?”
“Nah. It’s hard. People don’t quite understand. Do you have someone in mind?” Martin asked.
Cassie saw some unease cross his expression and crinkled her nose. “Maybe.” Her eyes twinkled. “Sophie?”
“I’ll make a deal with you, Gator: when this is all over, I will talk to Sophie and see if she feels like going out with me.” He raised his stitched brow.
“Deal.” Cassie touched the scar. “I want to apologize for everything.”
“For what?”
“I know what you did to protect me in that ambulance. And the explosion. It could have killed you, Eric, and Tuck.” Her fingers lingered. “I’m putting everyone in danger. I am the key to all of this.”
“First, you didn’t do any of that. Second, we are trained to deal with the unexpected. And third—and most important—you are family to every one of us. Cassie, I have never seen Ian like this. I’m not saying he didn’t have female company through the years, but you…the night you were stabbed, he was devastated. After you were poisoned with the potassium, he didn’t leave your side until we brought you here. Every time the doctors said things were bleak, he refused to accept it. We think he willed you to live. Ian has never brought a woman to this home. He adores you.”
A pink blush tinted her cheeks. “Isn’t this a step down for you? I mean, you’re Ian’s executive officer.”
“Protecting you is no step down. In fact, it’s humbling that Ian trusts me to take care of you. You are his world. I see that look in your eyes—don’t go there.”
