Levi sensed Cassie’s surprise in the way her body stiffened slightly before she forced herself to relax. He put his hand on hers and gave it a squeeze, his focus still on Janessa and Garrett.

Garrett’s direct gaze held an understanding Levi couldn’t quite identify. “I believe we may be able to accommodate that request. How long do you think it will take to make the arrangements?”

“Two weeks. Maybe three,” Levi said. “If we can keep Cassie’s presence hidden until then, we might be able to sneak her back into Sereno without anyone knowing she is there.”

“That’s a good idea,” Janessa said. “Let me know what we can do to help.”

“I will.”

The door swung open, and Patrice and Brenna entered carrying dinner plates. Chicken cordon bleu. Janessa’s favorite. Shocker.

CHAPTER 18

Cassie listened to Levi and Janessa discuss various ideas of how to best work with her country’s royal guard, the ease of their conversation raising an uncomfortable red flag.

“Cassie, do you think your father will be open to some help?” Levi asked her.

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Garrett, maybe your father should approach him about it,” Janessa suggested.

“That’s a good idea.” Garrett set down his dessert spoon and glanced at his watch. “I’ll call him now.”

Levi pushed back from the table. “Cassie, how about a walk in the gardens?”

Though she was mentally exhausted from the emotional roller coaster she had ridden all day, she nodded. “I would like that. Thank you.”

Garrett stood. “We’ll let you know when we have any news from your father.”

“Thank you.”

Levi escorted her outside onto the terrace. He put his hand on her elbow as they descended the wide stone steps. “Are you okay?”

“It’s been a tough day.”

“You’ve had more than your share of tough days lately. I hope we can put a stop to that.” He guided her beneath an arched trellis laden with ivy.

“Did you mean what you said about coming with me?”

“Yes.” He took her hand, his fingers lacing through hers. “Would that be okay with you?”

“You said when I first arrived that you were leaving here.” Cassie leaned down and plucked a white poppy from the bed beside her. She twirled the stem between her thumb and finger. “Where would you have gone had you not been assigned to protect me?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You aren’t sure?” Her eyebrows drew together. “You were leaving in a couple weeks and didn’t know where you were going?”

“In my profession, that happens sometimes.”

The flower she held dropped to the ground. “What is your profession?”

“I’ve already told you. It’s my job to keep people safe.” Levi stopped and took her other hand so they were facing each other. “Why all the questions?”

She studied his face. He kept his eyes on her, his confusion evident. Had her uneasiness at dinner come from her inability to trust anyone outside her family? Or was Levi more than he appeared to be?