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“Because you love me,” she said swiftly, cutting him off. “Yes, I know. But I also know your love is rooted in honor, the same as mine. You could not love me otherwise.”
“You do understand.” His words were barely above a whisper.
“Of course. The same way you understand me. You could not love me if I were not who I am. And I could not love you if you were anything other than the man you are.” She cradled his face in her hands and kissed him.
When his lips finally left hers—reluctantly—he said, “When I read your resignation letter, I knew you loved me more than I ever dreamed possible. But more important, I knew you understood.” His brown eyes were very dark, very serious. “God—through the king—has given us a second chance, Angel. Has given me a second chance at happiness.” A trace of uncertainty colored his next words. “Please tell me we can start over. Please tell me you want there to be an us as much as I do.”
Tenderness welled up in her heart, because uncertainty and Alec was a rare combination. Just as she had certainty of purpose, so did he—and she loved that about him. Uncompromising. Unyielding. Invincible. He would always demand the best of himself...and of her. Warrior heart calling to warrior heart.
“We are not starting over,” she corrected him, another smile beginning to form, a sure one this time. “We are merely beginning a new chapter.”
Epilogue
“Indictments were handed down today in a federal courtroom in Washington, DC, in a human-trafficking conspiracy case that could have far-reaching repercussions,” announced CNN correspondent Carly Edwards, standing on the steps of the courthouse. “Named in the indictments were seven current or former employees of the US embassy in Zakhar, a country that is critically important to the United States’ strategic plan for NATO and Europe. Also named in the indictments was Aleksandrov Vishenko—” a mug shot of Vishenko appeared briefly “—reputed to be the head of a New York City–based branch of the Russian Brotherhood—also known as the Russian Mafia—and a half dozen alleged associates. Sources tell us that at the same time the indictments were sought here, nine men were indicted in Drago, the capital of Zakhar, for their participation in the alleged conspiracy. Trial dates have yet to be set. Back to you, Tom.”
The news anchor in the studio said, “Thank you, Carly. In other news today...”
Alec clicked on the X in the top right-hand corner of his internet browser, closing the window. He wasn’t interested in the other news from home—he’d only wanted to hear the story about today’s indictments.
It gave Alec particular satisfaction to hear the CNN correspondent saying Aleksandrov Vishenko’s name—the only name reported in the story—along with the words Also named in the indictments...
American jurisprudence being what it was, the trials were at least six months away, probably more. The sixth amendment to the US Constitution referred to the right of the accused to a speedy trial. It said nothing about the prosecution or the rights of the victims. Defense teams often sought to push trials out as far as they could, especially if their clients were out on bail. All those indicted today were eligible for bail, and while the judge could set bail as high as he legally could, Aleksandrov Vishenko, at least, would make bail. That was a given.
Caterina Mateja was currently residing inside the royal palace in Drago. It was far safer for her than staying in the States, although she’d have to travel back and forth to the United States between now and the trials. The defense teams had the right to take her deposition, although Alec would be damned before he let them intimidate her, even though he was sure they’d try. The prosecution team would want to prep her for trial, too, so she would have to go there as needed.
When she was in the States she’d be closely guarded by US marshals, but Alec would never know a minute’s peace until she was safely back in Drago. Her blood would be on his hands if anything happened to her, since he was the one who’d convinced her to testify against Vishenko and the others. At least while she was here she was as safe as she could be. The king had arranged tight security, and Alec could keep a watchful eye on her, too. So could Angelina.
He laughed softly to himself. If Angelina’s behavior around Caterina was any indication, she’d be a terrific mother to their children. A little overprotective, maybe, but it would be his job to help her know where to draw the line. The old traditional split of parental duties might not apply so much anymore, and with Angelina’s assistance he would work to overcome the example set by his father in that regard. But some things would never change—involved, hands-on fathers still instilled self-confidence, self-esteem and, most important, self-discipline in their children. He could hardly wait.
