“You don’t believe that.”

“No, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibilities,” Levi said. “I have some people searching for Jeremiah Escobar’s descendants. If we’re right about Satori Oil being behind the assassination attempt, that narrows down the pieces of the puzzle we’re trying to connect.”

“True.” She let out a sigh. “What are our plans for today?”

“King Eduard already reached out to your father to offer my assistance in enhancing your family’s security,” Levi said. “If King Alejandro agrees, we can start working on the necessary enhancements so you can go home.”

“If my father agrees, will you have to go to Sereno right away?”

Levi had asked himself that same question repeatedly since last night. Under normal circumstances he would have been the first to request the assignment, but the thought of leaving Cassie in someone else’s care unnerved him enough that he was already considering other alternatives. “I have a former employee I trust. He’s with Interpol now. I thought I would reach out and see if he and his partner can oversee the security enhancements.” Levi didn’t mention that Jeremy’s partner was also his wife and Patrice’s daughter.

Cassie visibly relaxed. “I wasn’t crazy about the idea of being handed off to someone else while I’m here.”

“The new chief of security for the chateau arrives this afternoon from the palace,” Levi said. “That will open up my schedule so we can work together on your home’s security.”

“How do you feel about being replaced here?”

“It’s bittersweet,” Levi said. “The people here are like family. I don’t know that I’ll ever find an assignment I will enjoy as much.”

“Then why are you leaving?”

“Orders.”

“I would think that as well respected as you are by the royal family that King Eduard would let you stay if you wanted.”

Levi didn’t correct her assumption that his reassignment had originated from the royals in Meridia. “It isn’t always that simple.”

“It should be.”

“I won’t disagree with you.” He glanced out at the lightening sky. “It’s beautiful out this morning. Would you like to eat breakfast out here?”

“I’d like that.”

“I’ll be right back.” Levi rose. “Are you comfortable out here by yourself?”

“Surprisingly, yes.” She angled her head as though in deep thought. “Thank you for helping me feel safe again.”

His shoulders lifted. “That’s my job.”

“Right.” Her voice chilled. “Your job.”

Levi sat back down. “Don’t start that.”

“Start what?”

“That ‘everyone only wants to be my friend because they have to’ thing.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I don’t know what will happen when you go back, but I don’t want you to ever think that what we’ve shared together happened because I was paid to protect you.”

“But you are being paid to protect me.”

“You’re here and you’re safe because I’m good at my job,” Levi said. “Whatever this is between us has nothing to do with orders or a paycheck.”

The terrace door opened, and Brenna emerged with a breakfast tray. “Patrice asked me to bring this to you.”