Page 96 of The Perfect Stranger

“Cariña, when you do what I do for a living you have a permanent target on your head.” I kissed her lips. “I’ve put you in danger once before, and for that I will be forever sorry. But I won’t let it happen again.”

I started to dress, holding her gaze.

She propped herself up and watched. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

I nodded. It was hard to explain why I needed to leave. I needed to end this finally. It was owing to them. It was either them or us.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Not far.” I didn’t want to tell. She couldn’t be involved this time. If shit went bad, it would be on me.

“What does that even mean? Across state? International?”

“Luis Santos, he was gone by the time I returned. I don’t want you worrying. He won’t hurt you. And after everything that went down, he will be long gone, I can assure you of that.”

Her eyes glistened and I could sense her fear. “What are you going to do?”

“Find him.”

“And then what?”

“When my business is finished and I know it’s safe, I will return. Hopefully, lead a normal life.”

Taking a step forward, I cupped her cheeks and kissed her sweet lips.

“I will be close, cariña. Out of sight, but close. You never need to fear anyone causing you harm.” I kissed her again. A farewell. A promise that I would try to come back.

“You have taught me many things Nina Cross.” My forehead rested against hers. “You brought color into a world when everything seemed lost to darkness. You made me feel alive when I was surrounded by death. I’ve been won over by a young, extremely beautiful, rookie agent who never once compromised her morals.”

Tears slipped down her face, her bottom lip quivering.

“You were always more than just a face in the crowd, Nina.”

“Don’t let their world consume you,” she barely managed. “You need to come back.” She kissed my lips tenderly.

Pulling away I hooked my bag over my shoulder.

“Wait!” she called, and I stopped on the threshold. “Tell me your real name, please.”

I smiled.

“Antonio. My name is Antonio.”

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