* * *

Levi didn’t know how Cassie could pack in an hour. He’d started packing two days ago, and it had still taken him over three hours to complete his task. Of course, he was packing two years of his life, not three weeks.

Dinner with Janessa and Garrett had given him a much-needed break and the time to remember the few things he had forgotten. What was it about phone chargers? He always seemed to leave his plugged in somewhere out of sight when he traveled.

He hauled his suitcases to the van waiting outside, where Cassie’s bags were already stored neatly in the back.

Enrico took one of his bags and loaded it for him, leaving the second for Levi.

“How many more bags?”

“Two.” Levi wasn’t sure how to feel about having as many suitcases as Cassie. Though, the remaining two cases housed his weapons. One held his rifle and the other his spare sidearm. Since he and Cassie would be taking King Eduard’s private jet to Sereno, Levi’s primary weapon remained holstered at his waist.

“I can send Martino to get them.”

“That’s okay. I’ll get them,” Levi said. “Have you seen Cassie?”

“She’s in the kitchen saying goodbye to Patrice.”

“Probably trying to get her recipe for fried chicken.”

“I may have heard some mention of a bribe when I walked through.”

Levi’s lips twitched into the beginnings of a smile. “I’ll be right back.” He went back to his living quarters and took another look around. Ignoring the tug on his heartstrings, he picked up the silver cases that housed his weapons and turned his back on the cozy living room and the view out his window.

Levi detoured to the kitchen and found Cassie hugging Patrice and Janessa in turn. “Cassie, are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes.” She picked up two pastry boxes.

“What’s in there?”

“Some snacks for us and some muffins for Patrice’s daughter,” Cassie said. “You should have told me Patrice had family in Sereno.”

Levi wasn’t sure how Patrice found out Noelle was in Sereno. As far as he knew, the Saldera family still didn’t know of their daughter’s association with Interpol. “I was going to tell you when we got there.”

“You give my girl a hug for me,” Patrice said.

“I will,” Cassie promised. “I look forward to meeting her.”

Patrice reached for Levi and gave him a hug. “You take care of yourself. Come back soon.”

Unexpectedly emotional, Levi swallowed before he managed to speak. “I’ll do what I can.”

Janessa moved to the door. “I’ll walk you out.”

They left the kitchen and made their way outside.

Cassie turned to face Janessa when they reached the van. “Janessa, thank you again for your hospitality.”

“You’re very welcome,” Janessa said. “I hope you will visit again soon.”

“I’d like that.”

Levi opened the passenger door and waited for Cassie to climb in. As soon as she was securely inside, Enrico handed Levi a set of car keys.