Page 28 of Depths of Destruction

This isn't The Dating Game, Naomi.

"Lòpez," Hunter's voice barks into the tent.

"Yeah?"

"Swim time is over. The guys need to get back here. We all need to talk."

Andre's eyes never leave mine. "Agreed. It's time to create a plan B."

"I'll go get the guys."

Andre weaves his hands into my hair and firmly tilts my head up. "I need you to trust me, Naomi. Don't go off emotion right now. Let me help you. Please."

"Okay," I whisper as another tear falls.

"I need you to stay rational for the others. For Emilia. Can you do what I'm asking?"

"Yes."

He kisses my forehead. "Good. I won't let anything happen to you."

I shouldn't believe him. He's a stranger. A man I just met who knows hardly anything about me. I know nothing about him. He could be setting me up to turn me in to the U.S. government.

Faith in men is not something I've had a lot of. From the time I was five years old, my father was nonexistent. My relationships over the last twenty years have all been with men who disappointed me or I couldn't put my full faith and trust in.

I've always protected myself.

But as I stare into his eyes, I believe in his words and in him. The realization might scare me more than the current situation I'm in.

6

Andre

"Everyone is in agreement,then? We each take a target and leave at different times?" I ask the guys.

They all nod.

"Turn your trackers off before you leave," I instruct them.

"What about the other team members?" Ryker asks.

Dirk clears his throat. "It's best not to get them involved."

Hunter scowls. "We're going to trick the other guys?"

"No. But what if they don't agree?"

"They're our brothers. They will agree," Hunter growls.

We can't put them at risk, too."No. We aren't telling them. This is our decision. We know the consequences going into it. Interpol is going to want our heads on a silver platter when they find out. No point putting their careers in jeopardy as well."

Hunter furrows his brows. "You aren't going to tell Kalim?"

My gut flips. Kalim and I have been through everything together. He's going to be hurt when he discovers we left without filling him in. "No. I'm not putting him in any risky position."

"But—"

"No. We can't move in a group. They have to stay back, regardless, so let them stay in Interpol's good graces."