Xenia smiled.“Can you teach me those skills?”

“You betcha.”

The Captain and his men escorted us to a cell with no windows, two bunk beds and a tiny bathroom.

“Talk about the lap of luxury,” I quipped.

Captain Miller fixed us with a stern gaze. “The room is shielded. No one can transport in or teleport out. A Coletti electro-fence surrounds the prison with dozens of automated laser canons strategically placed along the barrier. Any attempts to leave the area without a keycard and you will be incinerated.Am I clear?”

We both nodded.

He shut the door. There was a loud clank as the electronic locks sealed.

“I know Coletti warriors are hardwired to protect their females, but this is way over the top.” Xenia’s voice was full of sorrow.

An overwhelming sadness filled me. “Hey, what can I say. I’m used to people betraying me.”

“I haven’t betrayed you,”Ethan rumbled in my head.

Lo and behold, the nosy jerk was hanging around. “Haven’t you? I’m locked in a high-security prison because you simply don’t trust me. After all, I am a sticky-fingered Dragos.”

“You’re a Jones now.”

“Am I?”

“Not only are the Bjarke after you, but Luigi has five death squads looking for you too. You’re safe there,”Ethan said.

“Whatever.”I broke the link. “This is the honeymoon from hell.”

“I never got a proper honeymoon, either,” Xenia sighed.

“That’s the problem with Coletti warriors, not a romantic bone in their bodies.”

“They think they can throw some chocolate at us and everything’s good,” Xenia sniped.

I look around the room. “Ain’t no chocolate here.”

“Bastards.”

Granny Annabel materialized in full Gypsy gear.“Your man is stupido.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I will free you.”Granny walked through the door.

Xenia stared at me hopefully. “Can she?”

“Oh yeah. They’re about to learn you never mess with Granny.”

An explosion rocked the building.

Sirens began wailing.

The lights flickered and died.

I walked over to the security keypad and held my bracelet against it. Click. The door slid open. I peeked out. Two frost-covered guards were sprawled on the floor.

Xenia gaped at them. “Are they dead?”