Ian explained what he could to Sofie’s father who planned to call his contact at the State Department as soon as he was able to speak to his daughter. Their conversation was brief, and the princess didn’t say much after she got off the phone.
She needed comfort, but he was just too busy finding information to do much for her. He had to do his job. If he didn’t and something happened to her, he’d never forgive himself.
But unable to resist her pull, he sat next to her on the couch and extended his arms. Sofie was in them immediately.
“I know you’re working, and I shouldn’t be so needy.”
He tucked her against him, adjusting his gun to stay out of the way. “You’re afraid, it’s understandable.”
“I can’t believe all the people we’ve trusted have betrayed us.”
“I’m sure it’s not all. But I understand.”
“How?” She cleared her throat. “How am I supposed to trust anyone? Anyone?”
“You can trust me. You can always trust me.”
Burrowing into him, they both jumped when a crash came from outside.
“Oh, my God.” Sofie jumped in her seat
“Shh. The wind could have taken something down. It could have been a tree or some
furniture may have broken loose in the wind. Don’t panic.” He didn’t think for one second it was the wind. Whatever was happening outside, Ian was certain of one thing—there wasn’t a chance in hell he was getting any reinforcements from the Archduke or otherwise.
Another noise. A truck door maybe.
“Sofie, I need you to do exactly what I tell you.”
“Because of the wind?” She kneeled up on the couch and faced him. “You’re a terrible liar, Ian Stuart.”
“Exactly what I tell you,” he said again. She was so damn stubborn.
“You’re joking, aren’t you? When have I ever done exactly as I’m told? It’s not in my DNA.”
He smiled in spite of himself. “True enough, but I want to check the perimeter and I need you in a secure location.” She was going to hate this. “You have to lock yourself in the small bathroom around the corner.”
“What?”
“Look, it has a locking door. There’s only a tiny window for a vent, so no one can climb in. It’s safe.”
“It’s a deathtrap. If no one can climb in, that means I can’t climb out. There’s nowhere for me to go if I have to run.”
Yeah, she was going to be difficult. Ian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where do you want to hide?”
“Nowhere. I want to come with you.”
“That’s not happening.”
“Why not? I’ll get one of those big iron pots in the kitchen. That should pack a wallop.”
“Sofie,” he grabbed her shoulders. Shit, he was tense. “Honey, you’re not coming with me. I need to know you’re safe.”
“But…”
He laid a finger on her lips. Ian knew she was scared; so was he. But there was no way she was going out in the storm to face someone who probably wanted her dead. “The closet in your room. It locks and there’s a window that leads out onto the garage roof. Take one of those iron pots, if you want, and hide in there.”
Her lower lip trembled. Ian didn’t know if she was upset or scared. He was guessing it was a little of both. “Come on, Sofie. The longer I argue with you the more time whoever is out there has to make a plan. Please. I can’t do my job until I know you’re safe.”
“Alright. Don’t do anything foolish.” She kissed him, sweetly, like everything between them was new. “And don’t get hurt. I couldn’t bear it.”
“I won’t. Here’s the cell.” He’d shown her how to make emergency calls earlier; he just hoped she didn’t have to. “You need to get yourself locked in.”
“I love you, Ian.”
“I love you, too. Now get moving.”
Trotting off with a water bottle he’d handed to her and the cell, Ian heard her climb the stairs and then close and lock the bedroom door. Hopefully, she stuck to the plan and went into the big closet. He hated having his emotions tied up like this, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to go back to living without her in his life. She was everything to him and, one way or another, it would work out.
Opening the hall closet, Ian yanked an army green canvas duffle onto the wood floor and opened it. He pulled out a field jacket that would protect him from the weather a little, and his lucky baseball cap, which he put on backwards. There was an assault rifle in a locked cabinet, and he toyed with getting it, but he had three extra magazines for his Glock, so he didn’t take out the rifle.