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“And what will you do?”
Neil reached across the table and took my hand in his. “I want you to have as much say in that as I do.”
The knot in my stomach came undone. He wanted to be with me. He wanted us to shape our future together.
His expression turned serious. “But before all that, I need to tie up loose ends in Singapore and in Auckland. I can’t leave everything up in the air. Ronnie needs me, Luxmore needs me… unless… unless you want me to stay with you? Because I’d do it. I’d turn my back on it all for you, if that’s what you wish.”
His voice was so raw, so earnest, I knew he meant it. In that moment, part of me was tempted to take him up on the offer. But I couldn’t ask that of him. Not after he’d already come so far. To throw away years of work and sacrifice now would be a betrayal, not just of the mission, but of the person Neil had fought to become. And truth be told, that was the person I had fallen in love with.
Swallowing hard, I entwined my fingers through his. “I want you to see this through to the end. No matter how long it takes.”
Neil’s eyes widened a fraction, brows lifting. Then, all at once, his features relaxed and settled into a look of pure gratitude and adoration. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
I shook my head, squeezing his hand. “Just come back to me in one piece, that’s all I ask. Oh, and look after Archie. He needs you just as much as Ronnie and Luxmore need you.”
Neil grinned. “He’s in good hands with a capable dogsitter. But you’re right. I need to get back to him.”
The tension between us eased, a comfortable understanding blossoming in its place. When it came to the important things, we were aligned. Even if our respective paths diverged for a while, they would eventually converge once more.
“I’ll have Europe to keep me occupied while you’re busy finishing what you started,” I said.
Neil sighed. “After what happened to you, I’m going to have a hard time with the knowledge you’re out on your own. I doubt Daniel would be capable of sending anyone after you anymore, but still… It would ease my fears if you had Lana as a chaperone.”
“Lana?”
“The woman you referred to as Hannah. Lana is her real name. She’ll need a new assignment now.”
“Lana…” Even though she had been paid to act as my best friend, I liked to think we had become real friends in the process, and I wouldn’t mind spending more time with her. Besides, if having her along to watch my back would grant Neil some peace of mind, I could allow him that. “If she agrees, then yes. At least for a couple of months until I find my footing.”
Neil’s shoulders eased, some of his worry lines smoothing out. “Good. I’ll arrange it.”
I brought my hands back to cradle my hot drink. “When are you going to leave London?”
“The police wish to talk to me, but once that’s taken care of, I should go.”
“Stay with me until Christmas.” The words sprang to my lips before I could even think them through.
Smiling, Neil leaned across the table. “Your wish is my command.” He sealed the deal with a chaste kiss pressed to my lips.
“Thank you.”
“I wouldn’t want to spend Christmas with anyone else.”
“Me either.”
When we had finished our mulled wine, Neil stood and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
I rose and slipped my hand into the crook of his elbow. As we walked side by side, faint white flecks began to drift through the air.
Chapter Sixty-Six
ONE YEAR LATER
Aswarm of buzzing nerves built to a frenzy inside me as I rocked on the balls of my feet, scanning the street outside the hotel entrance.
Any second now…
A black cab emerged from the line of traffic rounding the corner. I held my breath as the driver pulled up in front of the hotel. Even before the door opened, I recognised the familiar shape and movements of Neil unfolding from the backseat.
