Page 135 of Marked By Moonlight

“Just consider,” Henrik continued, more humbly than I’d ever seen him. “You would have your own in-house workforce, and Gordon would continue to pay for boarding costs. At least to the end of our new contracts, if I read the document correctly.”

Mina gulped. “IneedGordon’s money, but I don’twantit.”

“Why not?” Bene butted in. “At least it will go to a good purpose that way.”

Mina looked at her hands, stuck on an issue that would take a lot longer than tonight to resolve — as in the future of her relationship with her godfather. But when it came to the issue of who lived where…

I looked at her, my heart filling with hope.

She looked around, contemplating each of us in turn, leaving me for last. I met her gaze, wary and hopeful at the same time. What if she’d changed her mind about me? About all of us?

“Like I said, I need Gordon’s money, but I don’t want it,” she started. “But I do wantyouback.” Her voice broke a little. “I missed you.”

Bene shot her a winning grin. “I knew it.”

“She means all of us, dumbass,” Roux grumbled, then pointed to me. “Especially him, for reasons beyond comprehension.”

Mina smiled. “I did miss Marius. But I missed the rest of you too.” Then her face fell, and her eyes drifted toward Henrik.

“As I said, I shall find alternative accommodations.” He moved quickly to the liquor trolley, where he poured himself a scotch and gazed silently out the window.

Still, Mina looked pained. “There is the issue of the police championships…”

I groaned, picturing that ass, Officer Clement.

Bene’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “I promise, we’ll be on our best behavior.”

Mina shook her head. “How about, you’ll be taking that weekend off somewhere far, far away from Burgundy?”

Bene opened his mouth to protest, but Roux smacked his shoulder.

“Anything it takes is fine.”

Mina nodded, and just like that, our futures were secured. At least for the next few weeks, which was about as far as any of us planned ahead.

Well, that was how it had always been. But for once, my mind revved much farther ahead. As in years. Even decades.

Bene smacked his hands together and grabbed the room service menu. “Deal. Now, I think we deserve to celebrate.”

“I’d rather catch the next train to Paris.” Roux checked his watch, then groaned. “Tomorrow, I guess.”

“No problem. It’s a big menu,” Bene chirped, not quite getting the point.

“One more night here…” Mina looked around bleakly.

A sudden brain wave struck me, and I stood, reaching for her hand. “Come on.”

She rose hesitantly, her eyes full of questions.

“We’ll meet you here in time for breakfast,” I told the others, towing Mina toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Roux demanded.

I flashed Mina a hopeful smile. “Well, there’s this little place in Belgravia…”

Mina broke into a wide grin and looped her elbow through mine. “Sounds perfect.” She waved to the others. “Have a good night.”

Bene sighed. “At least you two will.”