Page 92 of Jael

“Then we’ll get him another way.”

“And if you don’t? Where does that leave me?”

“He won’t know you’re involved,” Danny said.

“He will if I don’t follow through on the marriage.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure we bring both Artus and Christopher down. If the engagement doesn’t work, then we’ll find a way for you to disappear for a while. That will give the FBI room to work without you in the picture.”

“If I refuse to go along with your plan, you’re supposed to bring me in, right?”

“They’re prepared to do whatever it takes to get you to cooperate.”

“Like they threatened you with prison.”

“They didn’t threaten me. I gave myself up.”

“Why?”

Danny took a breath. “Because I needed to face the consequences of my actions.”

“What did you get for helping them now?”

“It was someone else they helped this time.”

“And if I refuse to do what they ask, what happens?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

She nodded. “They’ll revoke their help. I know how these things go. The threats. I’ll call Christopher today and make amends. The engagement will be back on.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do. This has never been about me anyway. At first it was about keeping the doors of Vita Nova open, but I can’t do that with Christopher. Allow me to help in what little way I can.”

“Don’t give up on your foundation.”

“I was prepared to give up everything for Vita Nova. Taking down the Siseras will be the same. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop them.”

Chapter 25

Christopher nuzzledagainst Jael’s neck as he pressed her against the door. She held her breath and pushed back. He resisted.

“You have to let me come in.” His voice was muffled against her shoulder.

“Not tonight.”

When he pulled back to look at her, his eyes were glassy with desire. “You say that every time.”

“I’m not ready yet. This has all moved really fast.”

“You said that’s what you wanted.”

“I do, but that doesn’t mean I’m not feeling overwhelmed by everything.”

“You’re still mad at me.”

“No. I mean—” She could only take the lie so far. “I’m frustrated at how the situation turned out, yes. And when Martin attacked me, you did nothing to stop him.”

---