“I know I’m not an official part of your security staff, but I hope you’ll let me finish what I’ve started,” Levi said. “My time spent here was entirely focused on enhancing security. Whether you believe it or not, I never spied on you or your family, nor did I send information back to the CIA.”

“I’m fully aware of that.”

“You are?”

“My resources may not be as extensive as the CIA’s, but it wasn’t that hard to pull your phone records to see that you hadn’t been calling Langley.”

“I’m impressed. That’s something I would have done.”

The king leaned back in his chair. “We never did decide on your official title here, did we?”

“No, Your Majesty. We didn’t. That conversation died when you learned of my heritage.”

“From the amount of time you and my daughter are spending together, I’m guessing you are hoping I will overlook your loyalties.”

“I hope to be allowed to serve your family.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Levi drew a deep breath and gathered his courage. “I did give some thought to that. I believe there are a number of options for my future here.”

“Oh, really?” The king’s eyebrows lifted. “I’m listening.”

“To start with, I have been working with Paciano on an interim security plan to hold you over until your guards are able to return to work.”

“What does this interim plan entail?”

“Your nephew Crispan and I believe a private security firm out of Spain could enhance your staff for the next few months,” Levi said. “I would also like to bring in a friend of mine from the CIA.”

“Another spy in Sereno?”

“Alan isn’t a spy. He and his K-9 partner work bomb detection,” Levi explained. “He wouldn’t need access to any sensitive information, but having him and his dog here can help strengthen security until your guard forces are back to full strength.”

“I’ll consider it,” King Alejandro said. “Anything else?”

“Yes. I would also like your permission to take over for Darius until he recovers from his injuries,” Levi said. “Considering his loyalty to your family, I assume you won’t want him to be replaced. By allowing me to fill in for him, the job will remain his.”

“Where would that leave you when Darius returns?”

Levi straightened his shoulders, and his gaze met the king’s. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

For a moment, the king said nothing. “My daughter, married to an American spy? Surely you can’t be serious.”

“I would be a former American spy if she says yes.”

“You would leave your loyalties behind to marry my daughter?”

“I prefer to think of it as realigning my loyalties,” Levi said. “Cassandra has been my priority since I met her.”

“And you haven’t spoken to her about this yet?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Your deception hurt her deeply,” Alejandro said. “I don’t want her to ever feel that kind of pain again.”