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“Ms. Morello wants to speak with you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“This needs to be explained in person. Mr. Glenn is being debriefed as we speak. He’ll be given instructions for where to take you.”
“What? When?”
“Now.”
“Now?”
“Trust me. You want to hear this, and she’s made speaking with you a requirement for her cooperation. We won’t let anything happen.”
“I understand,” I say, even though my brain couldn’t be more confused. I lower the phone from my ear, my thoughts in a state of shock.
“What is it?” Nova touches my hand and entwines our fingers. “You look stunned.”
I blink and focus on her. Wrapped in a sheet, she stands before me, concern painting her features.
“I have to go.”
“Go?” Her voice is hoarse as terror fills her eyes.
“Just for a little bit.” I think. Hope. “That was Agent Keller. They have Marina.”
“How?” She squeezes my hand tighter.
“I don’t know. She wants to see me.”
“Why? Is it safe?”
“The Feds have her. It’s more than safe. I just don’t know why she wants to see me.” I kiss her forehead and force myself to appear calm. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Her grip on my hand doesn’t lessen. “Can I come?”
I love that she wants to be with me. It’s a good sign. “You need to stay here, preferably like this, in that bed”—I nod to it—“looking like the goddess you are, so I can finish what we were about to start.”
Desire flashes in her eyes, but it fades quickly. “I’m worried.”
“Don’t be.” I cup her cheeks, forcing her to release my hand, and kiss her delicious lips. “I’ll be fine.”
She nods but her posture remains stiff and unsure.
“I’ll be back.” I head to the bathroom to clean up quickly before redressing. As soon as I leave the bedroom, Mr. Glenn appears at the doors of the pool house, his hand raised, about to knock. I greet him.
“You spoke with Agent Keller?”
I nod.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s go.”
I follow him across the pool deck toward the main house and to an uncertain encounter with the deranged Mafia princess who’s haunted me for a year now.