Page 106 of The Lieutenant

“Care? I want to chain you to a bed, locking the door and placing guards in and around the house at all times to keep you from escaping. I want to ravage you for hours, so you won’t consider leaving me. I long to kiss every inch of your body, promising you the world. But I won’t do that. This is what you were meant to do.”

While he was boldly offering his support, I could see pain in his eyes, a sadness that threatened to overwhelm him. That crushed my heart, the ache building as it had been doing since Jacob had called. His reaction touched me more than anything we’d shared.

“I want to stay. At least a part of me does, but I can’t. I’ve come too far and I’d put so much work into this. Plus, I’m not certain I can get out of at least talking to them. It might not work out. I’m a consummate businesswoman, after all. If the deal sucks, I won’t go for it.” I laughed nervously while he shook his head.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Kara. Never do that, but also remember this offer, this opportunity is just a steppingstone to an even more fabulous career. If that’s what you want.”

That was the real question at this point. Did I want this badly enough to leave the man who’d rocked my world? I’d asked for divine intervention every night. I’d prayed for a sign telling me which way to go.

The only sign had been the continued strength of our relationship, but there was no testament of love. Havros would never be that kind of man. I’d accepted that, just like I’d come to terms with his life and that danger would be a constant companion. After all the years spent seeking answers, I wanted peace. I craved a simple homelife around family and friends.

“You could come with me,” I told him wistfully.

He dropped his gaze briefly. “If only I could.”

My test had failed.

“I know you can’t and I would never ask you to give up the life you were born into. And incidentally, you’re very good at.”

“I want you safe and happy. That’s all I need.”

That was all he needed. There was an answer. Maybe that was my sign. I’d made the right decision.

“When do you leave?”

I licked my bottom lip, a lump forming in my throat. “Day after tomorrow. I cut it as short as I could, but I have a meeting in New York on Thursday. I need at least a day to settle back in.”

“Understood. I’ll have my jet take you home.”

“You don’t need to do that. I have a commercial flight lined up.”

“You will return in style. That’s what you deserve and something else you need to remember. You are a star.”

A star.

We both noticed Jonas approaching our table. The fact two soldiers had been with us at all times was just another reminder I didn’t need or want this life.

“What is it, Jonas?” Havros asked, his expression highlighting his annoyance.

“I have something to show you, boss. Sorry for the interruption, but I knew you’d want to see this as soon as I did.” He handed Havros a tablet.

While I couldn’t see the screen, I could tell whatever Havros was looking at thrilled him.

“When?” he asked his soldier.

“Evidently last night. There’s nothing left. Blown to bits.”

“How many people?”

“Four. I don’t know anything else at this point, but I’ll keep on it,” Jonas told him. At least this time when he looked at me, he smiled.

I was shocked.

“Find out if one of the bodies belonged to Bernardi. I want positive confirmation,” Havros stated. He’d now fixated his gaze on me, the delight in his eyes remaining.

“You got it, boss.”

As soon as Jonas walked away, I leaned over the table. “He’s dead?”

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