Derrick picked up his glass again. “As to why the theatrical ruse,” he continued, “one would not have been necessary if the Gestapo chief had not asked to witness your execution and bring along his underlings. As it was, I had no choice but to make your torture and execution appear real to secure my own credibility and safety.”

He took a sip of champagne and added wryly, “In certain quarters, to those with a skewed view of heroism, I am quite the man of the moment. My personal sacrifice for the greater cause earned favor in high places. Most certainly, your execution left no question of my allegiance to the Third Reich to those who doubted it. The regard in which I held my bout partner was no secret to those interested in the affairs of Colonel Derrick Albrecht.”

“You…are not who you pretend to be, are you?” Victoria said, beginning to realize the dangerous game he was playing. “Are you a double agent?”

He laughed shortly. “Not exactly. A double agent plays both sides. I am on only one side, and that is what is best for Germany. I belong to a group secretly formed to oppose Hitler and his regime. My mission is to save like-minded countrymen accused of treason from fates worse than death while carrying out my other unsavory duties. You dropped into my life as an unexpected means to broaden my range of activities. My hope was to pipe classified material through you that would save lives on both sides and bring an early end to the war.” He reached forward to refill his champagne glass.

Victoria’s remained untouched. “So the drama that day at the folly was a setup.”

Derrick tipped his glass to her. “I would apologize for the deceit if I meant it.”

Amazed, Victoria shook her head, her throat going tight. He could have secured his future by going through the real thing, the torture and execution, and spared himself the enormous task of pulling off an incredible scheme to save her and the others, but he had not. For her sake, he had imperiled himself, his organization, and even his family. How did a woman reconcile her feelings for a man like that?

“You put your life on the line for me,” she said.

“My life was already on the line.”

“I am grateful, Derrick.”

“I have stated what I wish in return—for you to live a full and happy life. That pinnacle is often unachievable for most people, but I would like to be promised that you will at least attempt to honor my request. Do I have it?”

Tears finally spilled. This man induced emotions in her that bounced around like Ping-Pong balls. Through her blurred vision, she saw him stand and produce a white handkerchief. “I never thought I’d see those for me,” he said.

She took the handkerchief and wiped at her tears. “Well, you have.”

“Do you promise?”