Page 81 of Risks of Temptation

She puts her hand on my cheek. "Is this what women are to be? Nothing but slaves?"

"If the Global Leaders get their way, then, yes."

Her eyes glisten. "Innocence doesn't save anyone, Malin. Only courage to do things you didn't think you ever could will change the course of life."

Blood forcefully slams in my ears, loud and merciless. Time stands still. I can't disagree with her words. But I don't want her anywhere near this.

"Women have always had to fight. Our entire history is tarnished with men hurting us. If we can't step forward to stop the wrong unfolding in front of us, then who are we to complain when our fate is changed forever? And I would rather die trying to change the future than have to live with any man forcing himself upon me again."

A tear drips down her cheek, and I wipe it with my thumb. Rage slices my heart. I wish Zaka Tillett were still alive. I would make sure his death was painful for ever touching ma belle.

"You are brave, ma belle. But this is not your battle to fight. We will get the documents and then I'm taking you to Omoa. It's not up for discussion. I won't change my mind."

She closes her eyes. "You will leave me?"

My chest tightens. "Not forever. I will come find you, wherever you go, after I do what needs to be done."

She wipes her face, slides off my lap, and moves close to the window.

"Ma belle—"

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. Let's get the folders."

I reach for her hips and slide her over to me then cup her cheeks. "Do you doubt my feelings for you?"

Her lip trembles, and another tear falls.

"I already know you are my forever. I will come find you when I am done. We will be together."

She nods. "Okay."

I kiss her then put my arm around her. For the rest of the trip to Belize City, I keep the conversation light, but I never release her.

It takes several hours to get there. Darkness has set in, and the parking spaces around the station are empty.

"There's the entrance," Emilia says and points to the corner of the building.

I park in a spot in front of it.

My gut flips. "I still don't like this idea of you coming with me."

She tilts her head and arches an eyebrow. "Do you think it's better for me to stay in the truck?"

Such a little smartie pants.

It should be a sin to be so hot.

If I were to compare the woman who crawled out of the pit with the one in front of me, I would say they were two different people. She shows no signs of nerves. There's nothing but confidence in her voice.

I don't answer her. "When we get inside, we go right to Naomi's office. If it's not there, we go to Ezra's." I pull my gun out of my backpack and put it in the waistband of my pants. Then I pull my shirt over it.

"You do realize that doesn't cover anything? Your shirt shows off every muscle you have." Emilia smirks.

"Do you have a better idea?"

"Keep it in your backpack."

"I won't have easy access."