“The cost?”

“Their resources. Their men. They’re all the way in South America. Once they know they can’t get that list, anything they do will be out of retaliation. But they’re businessmen. Everything has a price. A cost of what their time and interest is worth. Eventually, they move on. It’s dirty dollars and cents.”

“So more people will get hurt. You can get hurt.” Her voice sharpened.

“We’ve already had that conversation. I won’t get hurt.”

“Now, I’m calling bullshit. You can get hurt. You can die.” This wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to forget the nightmare they survived and live it up in a fairy tale world. But no, he wanted to go play cops and robbers again.

“Honey, this is what I do. It didn’t change because Clara came into my life, and it’s not going to change because I’m all wrapped into you. I’m sorry.” His fingers drew down her arm, around her elbow to her wrist. “This is complicated, but I promise I’ll keep you safe, and I’ll always come home.”

The room was dark, with the setting sun long gone into the night. Moonlight bathed them, casting a milky glow across the light carpet.

“When this is over, when you don’t have to protect me, do you still want to see me?” She draped her arm over her face, hiding from his answer. If he said no, the moon would drop from the cloudless sky, leaving it sad and inky.

“Of course I do. I’m not making up the things I say for your benefit,” he said, rubbing her arm.

“You’re making it up for yours?”

He shook his head, coiling his arms around her. “Silly girl. Let me rephrase. Everything I’ve done is for your benefit, but I’ve never lied to you. We have something special. So let’s play it out one day at a time and see if it works for us. Maybe you’ll hate me on our date. Maybe you’re just using me for the sex.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be the worst thing that’s happened to me.”

His phone rang from the nightstand. He unwound himself from her and answered. A few short words later, he was back by her side.

“So that was the bad guys calling in their surrender?” She laughed softly.

“You’re cute when you say bad guys. But nope. I have to be at the office at stupid o’clock in the morning.”

“What?”

“Early. I have to head to Titan way earlier than I wanted. So when you wake your adorable head up in the morning, you’ll be all alone. Sorry about that.”

“I suppose now you’ll tell me we have to sleep while in bed.”

They laughed together. The moment was so comfortable and fun.

“Guess so. But there’s an upside. I can vouch these sheets are softer and cleaner than that motel room’s.” He kissed her nose. “Besides, I need my beauty sleep. Hot date tomorrow.”

“Oh, me, too.”