“You’re not listening to me. You’re not going with me. It’s my job. I can take care of any negotiations.” He was shaking his head and she said in exasperation, “Don’t be an idiot. You’d only be a burden. If one of those chiefs recognized you, he’d probably kidnap you and hold you for ransom.”

“Then you’d have to rescue me. I’m good with that. I trust you to protect me.” He leaned back on the seat. “But until you have to do it, I’ve brought a tent where we can watch the stars and talk and tell each other all the intimate details about ourselves, and you can learn to trust me.”

“I do trust you.”

“No, you don’t. You’ve only scratched the surface.” He smiled. “But you will, and we’ll both enjoy the learning process.”

She knew that was true. And it meant she would be drawn even deeper, closer to him. What would that be like? she wondered. She’d always had a passion for learning, and learning Korgan could be the ultimate lesson. It would be difficult and challenging, but suddenly the thought was no longer intimidating. She made a last effort. “You shouldn’t go with me. You won’t change your mind?”

He shook his head. “No way.”

She drew a deep breath. Okay, roll the dice. Make the best of it. And it could be a very good best—if she could shrug off all the fear and accept that there was a chance, she might have been given a gift that could last forever. Forever? Totally unrealistic. What was forever? Yet that could be another lesson to analyze and probe to see what was out there.

What she did know was that all gifts and lessons must be nurtured and explored and cared for, and she had learned how to do that. “Well, I won’t argue with you.” She leaned forward and turned the key to start the jeep. “But I wasn’t kidding about you not causing me trouble if anyone in those tribes recognizes you. I’m in charge, and I’ll take care of you and the entire situation from now on. Understand?”

His eyes were twinkling, but his voice was soft and very tender. “Perfectly,” he said. “I understand absolutely perfectly, Alisa.”

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About the Author

Iris Johansen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 consecutive bestsellers. Her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has sold over 20 million copies and counting and was the subject of the acclaimed Lifetime movie The Killing Game. Along with her son, Roy, Iris has also co-authored the New York Times bestselling series featuring investigator Kendra Michaels. Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at:

irisjohansen.com

Twitter @Iris_Johansen

Facebook.com/OfficialIrisJohansen