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“Because you lovehim off “Yes, I know But I also know your love is rooted in honor, the same as mine You could not love me otherwise”
“You do understand” His words were barely above a whisper
“Of course The same way you understand me You could not love me if I were not who I a other than the man you are” She cradled his face in her hands and kissed him
When his lips finally left hers—reluctantly—he said, “When I read your resignation letter, I knew you loved me more than I ever dreamed possible But more important, I knew you understood” His brown eyes were very dark, very serious “God—through the king—has given us a second chance, Angel Has given me a second chance at happiness” A trace of uncertainty colored his next words “Please tell me we can start over Please tell me you want there to be an us as much as I do”
Tenderness welled up in her heart, because uncertainty and Alec was a rare combination Just as she had certainty of purpose, so did he—and she loved that about hi Invincible He would always de to warrior heart
“We are not starting over,” she corrected hi to for a new chapter”
Epilogue
“Indictton, DC, in a hu repercussions,” announced CNN correspondent Carly Edwards, standing on the steps of the courthouse “Named in the indictments were seven current or former employees of the US embassy in Zakhar, a country that is critically iic plan for NATO and Europe Also na shot of Vishenko appeared briefly “—reputed to be the head of a New York City–based branch of the Russian Brotherhood—also known as the Russian Mafia—and a half dozen alleged associates Sources tell us that at the saht here, nine o, the capital of Zakhar, for their participation in the alleged conspiracy Trial dates have yet to be set Back to you, Tom”
The news anchor in the studio said, “Thank you, Carly In other news today”
Alec clicked on the X in the top right-hand corner of his internet browser, closing theHe wasn’t interested in the other news from home—he’d only wanted to hear the story about today’s indictments
It gave Alec particular satisfaction to hear the CNN correspondent saying Aleksandrov Vishenko’s na with the words Also named in the indictments
A what it was, the trials were at least six months away, probably more The sixth aht of the accused to a speedy trial It said nothing about the prosecution or the rights of the victiht to push trials out as far as they could, especially if their clients were out on bail All those indicted today were eligible for bail, and while the judge could set bail as high as he legally could, Aleksandrov Vishenko, at least, would iven
Caterina Mateja was currently residing inside the royal palace in Drago It was far safer for her than staying in the States, although she’d have to travel back and forth to the United States between now and the trials The defense teah Alec would be dah he was sure they’d try The prosecution team would want to prep her for trial, too, so she would have to go there as needed
When she was in the States she’d be closely guarded by US marshals, but Alec would never know a o Her blood would be on his hands if anything happened to her, since he was the one who’d convinced her to testify against Vishenko and the others At least while she was here she was as safe as she could be The king had arranged tight security, and Alec could keep a watchful eye on her, too So could Angelina
He laughed softly to hielina’s behavior around Caterina was any indication, she’d be a terrific mother to their children A little overprotective, maybe, but it would be his job to help her knohere to draw the line The old traditional split of parental duties elina’s assistance he would work to overcoard But soe—involved, hands-on fathers still instilled self-confidence, self-esteem and, most important, self-discipline in their children He could hardly wait