“Yes, it was.” She looked directly into his eyes. “Because he also knew I had to keep my daughter safe, and there was no question in my mind that I had to get to you.”

He was suddenly jarred out of his stunned incredulity. He started to laugh. “I would have liked to have seen Rodland scrambling to get back on that train to stop it after you were safely on the ground.”

“He made it. I looked back just before I entered the forest. Besides, that was his problem. He had his computer to help him, and I had other things to do. I’ve spent the last quarter of an hour running through this blasted forest worrying about what you might do when you caught up with Bohdan.” She was looking straight ahead now, and her pace increased. “I’m out of breath, and upset, and I have my baby to take care of. So I’m getting out of here, away from all the monsters. You can come with me if you like.”

“I like.” His concerned gaze was on her face. “You didn’t have to worry about me. I knew what I was doing.”

“I know you did. You always do. But there was too much ugliness and bitterness this time. You wanted to hurt him.” She still wasn’t looking at him. “Some of it was because of me. Would he have deserved it? Of course. But I’m never sure what using that blood talent might do to you. I couldn’t bear it if destroying him hurt you, too.” The sun was beginning to rise as they came out of the woods and her gaze was once more searching his face for answers as she turned toward him. “I knew I couldn’t let it happen this time. It didn’t matter how you felt about it. I can’t let it matter if you’re angry or not. I have to take care of you.”

“Do you?” He reached out and touched her lips. “I believe I said something of that nature to you recently.”

“That was different.”

“It always is, but it just means adjustments and understanding. But then I’m different and you’re probably right.”

“I was right this time.” She was looking around the forest. “I don’t hear gunfire any longer. I want to rest. Do you think we’re safe here?”

“Considering all the men and weaponry MacDuff showed up with, those mercenaries would be crazy not to be on the run. But I’ve been keeping an eye out just in case.”

“Good. Nothing gets past you. Then keep on doing it.” She gave a sigh and dropped down on the ground to sit beneath the trees. “I thought you’d be more angry. Are you giving in too easily about all this?”