Page 132 of The Defiant Curse

“I get it, my love. I’m sorry. Let’s find her. I didn’t know,” he said. I would never hurt someone by judging them. I haven’t walked a mile in her shoes.”

She was aware, and that was why no one blamed him. Maybe she should have warned him, but she didn’t want to air Elizabeth’s business.

It was hers to tell.

Helping his wife up, he threw more money down for his wife’s food, even though Michael paid. It looked like their waitress was getting a good tip.

Then, they headed outside.

He’d hurt a woman, and he’d not meant it.

Now, he’d fix that.

Because Elizabeth was a good person, and she didn’t deserve to hurt over this.

Not because of his words.

Chapter Eight

Back In Damascus

Middle Of The Night

The Melee

This was unacceptable, and Ivan knew it. It had been a rough few weeks, and this was the last thing they needed. What he’d expected was a break, and what he got was anything but because the jackassery was continuing.

Ethan was supposed to be at the office working, and lo and behold, he WAS NOT.

Another Blackhawk had flown the coop, and this was happening far too often for his liking. Yes, he understood Elizabeth needing a break, and while it pissed him off, Ivan knew she could handle her shit.

Ethan?

No, he couldn’t. Not anywhere close to what he needed to do to survive. He was just as recognizable as his wife. Being out there made him a target.

Yeah, that terrified him and worked him into a frenzy. He was overly exhausted, still worked up about the whole Devon Slater situation, and he missed his wife and kids.

He didn’t need this on his plate.

Gene had reassured him that Elizabeth was safe, but no one could do that regarding Ethan.

And that was a problem.

Up to a couple hours ago, his plan was to get home, take a shower, and then sleep.

What was happening was none of that.

They had a missing Blackhawk, and from the look of it, he had a head start.

A.

BIG.

ONE.

What he also knew was that the man who had been on his duty wasn’t nearly incompetent, and he was also Ethan’s best friend.

Raphael was an Archangel, and he knew better than to let Ethan slip away.