That comment sucks the air from the room. My gaze darts to my parents, andMamá’seyes narrow. She’s forgivenTíaElle for the danger I was in becauseTíaElle spared my life. But nowMamá’squestioning my good sense, bringing a woman into our family who clearly has a past with a fellow mercenary.
“Elodie, I’d say we both came out no worse for wear.”
I’ve never seen that expression on mytía’sface before. It could freeze lava.
“I see your arm works just fine.”
I shift my gaze to Vita for her reaction.
“I see your breathing’s not so labored anymore.”
There’s color rising inTíoEnrique’s neck and up into his ears. It’s hard to tell with his perpetual tan, but I know himbetter than most. I recognize it better than anyone because the same thing happens to me when my temper is about to combust.
“Ellie, what are you two talking about?”
His tone could cut diamonds. Mytíacocks an eyebrow as she stares at Vita, daring her to explain.
“Your wife shot me, Enrique.”
I don’t notice how tightly I’m squeezing her hand until she flexes her fingers. I glance down at them and realize she’s probably lost feeling in most of her hand by now.
“Well, you did break my ribs and left me to find my own way to the hospital in Budapest.”
Oh, fuck.
Oh, fuck.
Oh, fuck.
TíoEnrique is going to lose his ever-loving mind. None of us carry guns in each other’s homes, but we all still have knives in our pockets. He may kill Vita here on the spot. My heart’s racing as I wait to see what’ll happen next.
I’m ready to throw my body in front of hers. Realizing I’d protect her means I’d choose her over my family. It might make my heart stop. It’s the first time I’ve ever wanted to choose someone who doesn’t share my DNA.
Vita’s chin comes up, and her gaze doesn’t soften as she shifts it fromTíaElle toTíoEnrique.
“We both lived to tell the tale, and if anything, Enrique, I think that proves you couldn’t find a better woman than Elodie.”
Once my heart beats again, I know I’ve found the perfect woman for me. Assuming we both make it out alive, that is. I want to cut in, butTíoEnrique’s stare makes me snap my mouth shut. There’s no changing the subject yet.
“Ellie, explain.”
He doesn’t exactly bark an order at his wife, but we all know this is thejefe de jefesspeaking.
“Kiko, it was a long time ago.”
How long ago could it have been if Vita’s only been in this job for two years? Perhaps it was while she was a spy.
As though she can read my thoughts, Vita looks up at me.
“It was while I was with AISE. Our paths crossed.”
“You worked for Italian Foreign Intelligence?”
I think there’s a smidge of respect in mytío’stone that wasn’t there a moment ago.
“Yes, for six years.”
“What made you leave?”
