“More or less. Leo’s going with Nicole as my eyes and ears.”
Kate’s brows lifted. “Really. That’s necessary?”
“Just a precaution,” Dominic said mildly. “I feel responsible for Nicole when she’s so far from home.”
That Rafe Contini had pathological, professional killers on his ass was also a cogent reason for having eyes and ears on her. The second Rafe even smelled a hint of danger on the breeze, he’d promised that Nicole would be spirited out of Split. Carlos and Max were coordinating additional troop movements to the site to augment security. Leo was there to help.
Chapter 27
“What did you say to Dominic?” Nicole asked, as Simon drove them away from the apartment on the Île Saint-Louis. “I was surprised he didn’t put up more of a fuss.”
“I told him we’re both feeling the magic,” Rafe said, holding her in his arms, thinking it was the right word for what he was feeling, that the world was breath held and gold and dazzling. “I said it to him a dozen different ways and he finally got it. I hope you don’t mind about Leo, but it wasn’t a bad compromise,” Rafe said blandly, in lieu of the extensive massing of troops at Split. “He’s on his way to the plane. We’re taking off soon.”
“Leo’s fine. I like him.” Then she twisted in his arms so she could see his face. “I’m so happy it’s bewildering. But perfect too, like the universe is doing us a favor. And I don’t want to miss a thing, I want to pay attention to every second of every day.”
“Don’t worry, pussycat,” Rafe whispered, kissing her gently. “We have lots more than seconds.” But even as he spoke, he felt the slash of grief slide up his spine. They had more than seconds, but not many days. Leo was there to take Nicole home when Rafe could no longer protect her. That was the bargain he’d made with Dominic Knight.