His face turned hard. “They will if I ask them to.”

He had never forced his hand with her. Even in her most rebellious, attitude-driven teenage years, the two of them had shared a special bond. She didn’t even know how to fight with him.

They glared at each other for several moments before he said, “I won’t hesitate to ask them to revoke the privileges of your entire organization from this country if it means getting you out of here. Don’t test me.”

She sat back in her chair and turned to look out the window. Tears burned in her eyes, but she would not shed them. Fury rippled through her, compounded by the fact that he chose to give her the news right now, on the way to an important state dinner. She looked at her dress. He knew she didn’t approve of the pomp and circumstance that came with high-level politics, didn’t like shows of wealth and privilege, and absolutely hated having cars sent for her when she had other means of transportation. Tonight, she’d set all of that aside to spend time with him, a man she loved and respected and had missed.

She ran her hand down her skirt and swallowed tears. He’d chosen an expensive way to make his point that she would compromise her standards for him. She’d risk his wrath on her, but she couldn’t risk his wrath on the mission she worked for. That would affect hundreds of missionaries and thousands of people—including Tadeas and Ayo. Obviously, her father knew this or he wouldn’t have threatened it. He had a tendency to keep his promises.

“It’s wrong of you to do this. I can’t believe you’re betraying me this way.” She looked at him again. “I’ve spent my entire life seeking purpose. In my little clinic a hundred kilometers away, I could feel God’s pleasure in what I was doing. There are ways you can help me be here clandestinely. That would take way less power than what you’re wielding to force me to go home.” She looked back out the window. “I do not want to be on your arm tonight.”

He stayed silent as the car slowed to turn into a long drive. It stopped at the wrought-iron gate, and armed guards approached either side of the car. The driver spoke to one of the guards, and they waved the car by as the gate slid open.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” her father said. “You are my priority, and I’m only keeping you safe. One day you’ll thank me. But one thing is certain, you won’t embarrass me tonight. Please get out of the car with a smile on your face when we arrive.”

She glared at him. “Or what?”