Page 3 of Master of My Heart

Alex nodded. “I understand. If we weren’t leaving tonight, I’d take you out and we’d drown our sorrows in beer.”

Chase laughed. “Typical German.”

Alex drew his brows together. “I don’t think drowning sorrows in alcohol is a particularly German thing to do. I know Americans are just as likely to do it.”

“But you specifically said beer. That’s what I was referring to.”

“Ah!” Alex leaned his head back and gave a hearty laugh, slapping his hands on his thighs. “Touché.”

“Is Anna okay?” Chase asked, turning serious. He knew Alex’s wife had been reluctant to agree to his attendance on this job because of the expected duration.

Alex sobered and then sighed. “She is okay. A little nervous.” He chuckled. “Told me I had better come home or she’d kick my ass.”

“She going to be okay with radio silence?”

“She’s with my parents and the babies. My dad will keep a close eye on her. I suspect Sebastian will pop in every once in a while for reassurance.”

“Pop in on us or her?” Sebastian was an Immortal who watched over Germany.

“Both.”

Chase pressed his lips together. He knew Sebastian had gone on missions with Alex before, but didn’t like the idea of an Immortal possibly popping in during a crucial moment.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Alex said. “They can be subtle, you know. When they want to be.”

“I know.” Chase took a deep breath. “I guess it’s not a bad thing to have him show up every once in a while. I’m sure my mom would appreciate the update, as well.”

“I’m certain he will be willing to do it.”

Chase leaned forward to study the map again and then shook his head at himself. Ethan was right. He knew the map backwards and forwards. He glanced at Alex. “I really appreciate you coming along on this, man. You’re the best sniper I know, and it’s so much easier when we can take the guys out in one shot.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Chase,” Alex said. “I’ve seen your record. And Lance’s. You’re both excellent.”

Chase shrugged, but the compliment made him sit up a little straighter. “Thanks.”

“I agree, though. With the one city potentially having three of the targets... Ja, it’s better to have one guy for each. I don’t mind coming along, though, even if it’s not needed. I like getting out in the field. And you and your men are good company.”

“Fatherhood not suiting you?” Chase asked with a laugh.

“I love my kinder, but ja, it is sometimes nice to get out with the big boys and shoot something. Neither Anna nor my father will let me be a full-time assassin anymore.” He slapped Chase on the back. “I am glad you have taken over my place so I can get out every once in a while.”

Ethan caught his eye from across the room and nodded. Chase stood, wincing slightly at the residual pain from his foot injury. Most of the time, it didn’t bother him. But sometimes, when the weather changed or he was stressed or tired, it would ache.

He pulled out his phone and powered it off. The others followed suit. They wouldn’t be turned back on until after the job was complete. That was his rule. They had one satellite phone they used to check messages. Only a handful of people had the number, and they each knew it was only for emergencies. His mother, Richard, and his best friend, Jayson, were included in that small group.

Chase glanced at his watch and looked around the room. “Ready?” he asked, and each man nodded in response. “Good. Commencing radio silence... now.”

Chapter Three

Cold fear swept through Sabrina’s body as she huddled on the tile floor, staring at the shadow beneath the dresser in front of her. Her body wouldn’t stop shaking, though she wasn’t cold.

Pain erupted in her hip every time a deep convulsion shook her body. Her joints ached. Her skin stung.

She needed to sleep so she could heal. Sleep healed her body and her mind.

But she couldn’t stop shaking. She couldn’t think straight, yet she couldn’t stop thinking.

Something glinted in the dying sunlight, something just under the edge of the dresser. She inhaled through her tight throat. Chase’s ring.

---