Page 125 of One Last Stand

“I’m hardly the Almighty?—”

“Be we’re made in his image. Capable of being more than we think. Yes, you’re a Swan, but you’re also this amazing rescue pilot. And yes, you’re gorgeous in a dress. I spotted you at the ball—couldn’t believe it. And then when you were taken and Fraser?—”

“I thought I saw him at the fortress. Is he okay?”

“Yes. He and his brother Creed are waiting for us at the hotel.”

“He helped rescue me?”

“Of course he did.” Pippa took her hand. “But it was Shep who put it all together.”

Of course he did.“I show up—to keep you safe.”

Even when he’d been hiding the fact that he was protecting her, he’d done it for her. Holding on to her. Her jaw tightened. “Shep and I are over. He’s tired of running after me.”

“Oh, I highly doubt that. Just give the man some time.” Pippa stood. “And maybe yourself some time, too, to figure out what you really want.”

London walked her to the door. “I don’t know that it’s about what I want. You told me once that you were made for royal service.”

Pippa laughed. “I think we all are. My orders simply changed. And perhaps yours have too.” She air-kissed London’s cheeks. “I need to run. Ring me now and again.”

London’s hand fell on the handle, and the door opened, and for a second—a crazy second—she thought, hoped, that Shep had turned around, returned to her.

But no.

Pippa startled. “Mr. Brooks, sir.”

“Pippa,” her father said.

London backed up as her father came into the room. She shot a look down the hallway right before he shut the door.

Pippa glanced back at her, waved.

But no Shep.

She looked at her father. And Shep’s words from yesterday in the tunnel returned to her.“London, how much do you know about what your dad does? You two should talk. He knew that if I saw you, then . . . there was no way I’d let anything happen to you.”

Backing up, she put her hand on the back of one of the blue sofas. He had gone to the table, pulled out a straight chair, and now sank into it. Crossed his legs. Blew out a breath, then nodded at her. “I saw Shep leave. He’ll be back.”

“I don’t . . . I don’t think so.”

“He loves you.”

Swallowing, she nodded. “But . . . he’s angry.”

“Of course he is. I tried to tell him, but he wouldn’t believe me.”

She stilled. “Tried to tell him what? What did you hear?” Because yes, her mother might know the truth but?—

“Honey, you should sit down.” He indicated the sofa.

She sat down at the far end.

“I know you’re a Black Swan.”

Oh. That. She exhaled. “Right. I figured, since Mother knew.”

“No. I am the one who got you into the Swans.”

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