“Renzo and I will follow you to the airport so we can retrieve the van,” Enrico said.

“Thanks.”

Enrico walked to the car parked behind the van, with one of his younger drivers waiting in it.

Janessa stepped closer. “Jeremy called a few minutes ago to let me know the first shipment of motion detectors arrived this morning. He also brought in one of Interpol’s bomb-detection dogs. They’re doing a sweep now.”

“Good to know,” Levi said. “The last thing I want is to find a bomb waiting for Cassie when she arrives.”

“Jeremy said they’ve already cleared the palace,” Janessa said. “It will take some time to do a complete search of the grounds, but the immediate area should be done before you get there.”

“I appreciate knowing that is taken care of.”

“Be safe.”

“You too.” Levi gave Janessa a hug. “Don’t get too royal on me.”

“I’ll do my best.” She flashed a smile. “But just so you know, I may have used my royalness to score you those scones you like so much.”

“Patrice made blueberry scones?”

“She did.”

“That does it. I think you rank as my best friend again.”

“Don’t you forget it.” Janessa gave him another quick hug. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with Cassie.”

“Thanks.” Levi fisted his hand around the car keys and circled to the driver’s seat. He climbed in and felt Cassie’s gaze on him. “You ready to go home?”

“I’m ready to see my father.”

“Then let’s make it happen.” Levi slid the key into the ignition and started the engine. A second later, he put the van in gear, and they were on their way.

CHAPTER 30

Cassie looked out the window of the plane. The glimmer of lights sparkled beneath them like beacons breaking up the darkness. Even though she couldn’t see the coastline of her island nation at night, she recognized the bright beam of the lighthouse that stood beside the bay a few miles from the airport.

The light shone out into the dark harbor, a signal to sailors of the dangers that lurked nearby. She hoped she would be one to find safety tonight, but really, she didn’t know what to expect. Would the announcement of the contract with Axion protect her and her family, or was there still another danger that had yet to be identified?

Cassie gripped her armrests. Someone had tried to kill her the last time she’d been in Sereno. Would someone try again?

The plane descended, finally touching down on the tarmac of the airport her country’s small military used. Cassie’s grip tightened.

“Are you okay?” Levi asked.

“I’m fine.”

He leaned closer and lowered his voice, even though they were still alone in the passenger cabin. “You don’t have to hide your feelings from me.”

She turned her head, her gaze focusing on the dark brown of Levi’s eyes. He was right. If she wanted a real relationship, she couldn’t afford to hide behind her shield as she did with everyone else. “I’m scared,” she admitted.