“Do you speak any languages other than English?”
“Spanish, and I’ve been learning Italian.”
Shawn glanced at Ethan. “German?”
My confidence flagged. “No, but I’m willing to?—”
German poured from him, and irritation knifed into me. I could no longer handle people speaking languages around me I didn’t understand.
“English, now.” The command from Kara fell on Shawn, a hammer made of ice. Apparently, she didn’t like the German either, and if Kara kept this up, I was sure we could be fast friends.
“English is better,” Ethan agreed. “I need both of you to understand that you’re in danger. Jason and Laurel, too. One of the men Juric worked for, he’s coming here to Munich.”
Kara tensed. “Why?”
“Because you’re here. He thinks you have information about who killed his brother.”
Color faded from her face. “Do I?”
“Yes.” He scrubbed a hand over the stubble etching his jaw. “I don’t know how this is going to play out. The quickest way might be to deal with the situation head-on, but that’s going to be a challenge. My cover is as this man’s translator and security.”
I couldn’t catch my breath. Giovanni Abramo was coming to Munich. Why the hell had Ethan brought me here?
“I’ll let you know more,” he continued, “when I know more. Until then, stick to your security procedures and don’t take any meetings with people you haven’t vetted.” He paused, swallowing a preparing breath. “I’m also going to need a favor.”
Shawn arched an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Olivia needs a new identity. You did it with Laurel, so you know people who can make that happen.”
He made a face, looking dubious. “You’re telling meyoudon’t have those resources?”
“I do, but... I can’t.” Ethan set his intense gaze on me, and his voice lost some of its strength. “The situation’s complicated.”
My lungs squeezed tight. No shit, it was complicated.
Rather than think about it, my focus shifted to the couple. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a burden.”
I’d been on my own since coming to Europe, and I didn’t like depending on other people. But I’d accept any help I could get because I was smart enough to know there were no other options.
If Gio or Vitale figured out I was still alive, it wouldn’t just be my life. It would be Ethan’s too, plus the others he’d hinted at in South Africa. Did he mean the people standing before me?
I hadn’t noticed Kara drifting closer to Shawn until the moment his arm slipped behind her, pulling her against him. This simple gesture, affirming their desire to be close, was sweet. Touching.
Touching?
When had I become so sappy?
“You won’t be a burden.” Kara’s voice was reassuring, and she smiled at Ethan. “It doesn’t even begin to repay what you did for us.”
It was clear he didn’t like the role of ‘hero’ being placed on him. He all but squirmed under her warm, grateful look.
Or... was something else going on with him?
Shawn’s hand disappeared into his suit jacket so he could produce a pen and a business card. “I have a corporate room at this hotel,” he said, scribbling on the back of the card. “I told them a new pilot for Osterhägen was coming in, so they’re expecting you.”
When it slid forward, Ethan and I both reached for it, but somehow I beat him. “Thank you.”
Shawn nodded. “Of course.”
