“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Cassie waved toward the table. “Please sit down.”

Levi circled behind her chair and pulled it out for her.

“Thank you.” Cassie sat.

“I will be outside if you need me,” Levi said as soon as her guests had joined her at the table.

“Thank you, Levi.”

He nodded, a look of encouragement on his face.

The door closed, and Cassie opened her proposal. “If you will turn to page four, we can get started.”

The three executives from Axion complied, and Cassie straightened her shoulders. She could do this, she assured herself. And when she completed her task, she would be one step closer to going home.

* * *

Even though his conversation with Director Palmer had occurred days ago, Levi still hadn’t managed to reconcile his feelings for Cassie and the promise of a new assignment in her home country. As though appearing from the turmoil swirling within him, she entered his office. His confusion deepened.

He glanced at the clock. Six thirty. Almost time for dinner.

“You look very serious this evening.” Cassie crossed the room and leaned over his desk to kiss him in greeting. “Are you at a good stopping place? I hoped you could join us for dinner.”

“Us?” Levi asked, struggling to allow himself to be the person Cassie believed him to be.

“Me, Garrett, and Janessa,” Cassie clarified.

“What about your guests?”

“They’re planning a conference call with their board of directors tonight,” Cassie said. “Patrice is sending dinner to the conference room for them.”

Levi closed the file he had been reviewing and stood. “Did your meetings go well?”

“Very well.” Cassie smiled, her face alight with confidence she had rarely exhibited since her arrival. “We have a few points to iron out, but I think the company will be a good match for us.”

“Will your father forgive you for bringing in an American company?”

Some of her enthusiasm faded. “He doesn’t have much choice.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned him.” Levi skirted around his desk. “I know you’ve worried about his prejudice against Americans though.”

“I do worry about it, but it isn’t something I can control,” Cassie said. “My father entrusted this decision to me, and I’m making it.”

“I’m sure he will appreciate all the time you’ve put into this project,” Levi said.

“I think he’ll be more excited about reducing the threats against the family,” Cassie said. “My sisters and I should be home with him.”

“It’s going to be a while before security will be ready to have all of you in one place, but we’ll get there.”

“At times like these, I wish I weren’t royal. My sisters aren’t going to be any happier than I was to find out our father is fighting a terminal illness and didn’t tell us.”

“Like you, I’m sure they’ll understand,” Levi said. “I look forward to getting to know them.”

Cassie’s expression brightened. “Does this mean you’re staying with me in Sereno?”