AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Holding The Wand in place until the last convulsion ebbed away, he quickly unbuckled the leather straps, scooped up her limp, exhausted body, then carried her to the bed and pulled the covers over them.
Snuggled together, quiet minutes passed.
Finally shifting in his arms, with half-lidded eyes she stared up at him.
“You’re mine now,” he murmured, holding her gaze.
“I know,” she breathed, thinking,I always have been.
Epilogue
Max Steadman had witnessed untimely deaths, life’s twists and turns, and the ugly face of revenge. Watching the Zeppelin saga unfold, Max decided Carlo Moretti had been right. It was time to step away. He’d miss the intrigue and excitement, but he’d be leaving under his own terms.
Drafting a note to his important clients saying goodbye and wishing them well, he assured them their secrets would never be revealed. The letters would be delivered after he left for parts unknown. With cash reserves in several countries across the globe under various names, he packed only one small suitcase. He could buy whatever he needed on his travels.
Steph was the only person he wanted to see before leaving.
Arriving at the compound in a taxi, he asked the driver to wait outside the gates, and walked down the sweeping driveway to the front door.
“Max, I’m so happy to see you,” she exclaimed as she hugged him tightly. “I was going to call you for lunch this week. Come in.”
“You look happy,” he remarked, studying her face. “I take it Marco is treating you well.”
“He is. When I moved in I was supposed to live in the pool house, but that didn’t last very long.”
“I’m sure,” he replied with a grin.
“I have coffee and cake waiting in the private den,” she said, looping her arm through his as they walked down the hall, “but Max, I’ve been worried. You said on the phone this couldn’t wait. I hope nothing’s wrong.”
“Nothing’s wrong, Steph. Where’s Marco?”
“DeliveringThe Girl With Guitarto my father. Dad loves that painting. Marco’s giving it to him as a thank you for helping with those horrible Zeppelin brothers. But sit down and have some coffee,” she offered as they entered the cozy den. “Tell me why you’re here.”
“I can’t stay,” he said, perching on the edge of the couch. “I have a plane to catch.”
“That’s great,” she said happily. “I can’t remember the last time you went on vacation.”
“I mean, I’m retiring. I’m leaving town.” Then taking a breath, he added, “Steph, I won’t be back.”
Her face crinkled.
“What do you mean, you won’t be back?”
“It’s time, Steph.”
“But—what will I do without you?” she asked urgently. “You can’t just leave. You can’t. Please…”
“You have Marco,” he said softly, fighting a fierce, unexpected wave of emotion as tears sprang to her eyes. “He’s the one you need to turn to now.”
“Why can’t you retire and stay here. Go on trips, sure, have a good time, but—”
“Steph, listen to me,” he said gravely, rising to his feet. “I’ve walked a very thin tightrope for many years, and I’m getting out before I fall off. Marco and some others will receive a letter from me in a couple of days, but you can let him know when he gets back. Please tell him I wish him a long and happy life, and it’s been an honor and a pleasure getting to know him.”
“I can’t believe this. What about your building? Do you need a buyer?”
“Everything has been dealt with, and now I must get back in that taxi. I really do have a plane to catch.”
“Where are you going?”
