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When he finished, I took his hand and hugged it toto me before”

“Did you like it?”

“I loved it”

“Then I pro for you any time you want me to”

After a while, I whispered, “I’ to happen if and when the brothers find us”

“I know I’ical ability,” he said, “but I promise I’ll protect you, Mateo I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe” I really believed he would

Chapter 12

The next day daith blue skies, a rarity on the central coast this tiroceries, and Elias and I joined the needs for breakfast We tried to keep the conversation light, and they told us about all they’d seen and done in Paris But there was an undercurrent of worry, and we all felt it

Meanwhile, Carter was pacing outside He kept checking his phone every few , I joined hi?”

“I’e took out every camera we had set up around the compound Desiree sent some people to do surveillance, but for about twentyfor a fact whether the brothers are still inside”

I took his hand, which was cold to the touch, and said, “Co out here” He ray eyes, and I told him, “You can check your phone just as easily from the kitchen”

He let me lead him inside, and I directed hi him some coffee and a croissant While he and Elias discussed this latest develop chess at a s roo on his husband’s lap Whenever it was Tinder’s turn, he barely glanced at the board, then leaned over and ust When Tinder announced, “Checkrinned at him

I repeated what Carter had told reat news, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve left the compound, or that they knohere to find us”