A knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” Levi called out.

Cassie pushed the door open and walked in, then noticed Janessa. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all. I was just leaving.” Janessa stood. “Levi, don’t forget what I said.”

Levi didn’t say anything, but he doubted Janessa expected him to respond.

Cassie moved farther into the room as soon as Janessa left. “Are you sure I didn’t interrupt?”

“I’m sure.” Levi waved at his computer. “I have something you need to see though.”

“What?” She looked down when he angled his laptop toward her. She sighed. “They found me.”

“I’m so sorry. I should have known better than to let you down on the beach.”

“It’s not your fault.” A flash of vulnerability appeared on her face, but her voice remained calm and even. “Do I need to leave?”

“No. Rachelle is enhancing the security here at the chateau,” Levi said. “I think it’s safer to keep you here than to try to move you.”

“I trust your judgment.” To Levi’s surprise, she kept her eyes on the image. “It’s a good picture of us.”

“You sound like you like being in the news.”

“No, not at all, but it’s a necessary part of my life.” She waved dismissively at the image. “This will blow over soon enough. I’m sorry that it has caused your staff unnecessary work though.”

“It’s part of the job, but with the paparazzi camped outside the chateau, our plans to go into the village will have to be canceled.”

“That’s too bad, but hopefully they’ll get bored within a few days,” she said. “If all goes well, the announcement of the drilling contract will take priority over my social life.”

Levi wasn’t sure whether he should be impressed by how easily she adjusted to the news or if he should be insulted that he was one of countless stories that would quickly fade into obscurity.

“Have you started on the plans for the palace in Sereno?” Cassie asked.

“I have a couple ideas, but I’ll know more when my friends arrive.”

“When is that supposed to happen?”

“Today.”

“You don’t waste any time.”

“With your location now public, I don’t have any time to waste.” He saw the concern light her eyes again, realizing now that her calm facade was just that: a facade. The concern was there and so was the fear.

He debated briefly if now was the time to step away from her and their growing friendship, but that glimpse of vulnerability prevented him from taking the step. He circled his desk and slipped his arms around her. “I’ll keep you safe.”

“How much will that photo hurt your career?”

“My name isn’t mentioned, and I doubt it will be,” Levi said, realizing how lucky he was that the images shared didn’t show a clear view of his face. “For now, let me show you my ideas for enhancing your father’s security.”

“I’d like that.”

* * *

Julien hung up the phone and slammed it onto his desk. Incompetents. Couldn’t anyone do anything right?