Page 63 of One Last Stand

Her mother held up a hand. “Like I said, we are a lot alike. The difference is that I have found a man who is willing to walk into the unexpected with me.”

London’s jaw tightened. “I am happy. I’ve been in love with Shep since that day he held me on rappel as I climbed up the tower back at Glacier Peaks Wilderness Camp. He held me for two hours that day, and . . . frankly, he’s still holding me.”

The thought brought her up, stilled her.

Shep had always been there.

And yet, her mother was right—she had lied to him. Starting in the chalet, all the way to yesterday. And if Tomas hadn’t kidnapped him . . .

Shep would have never known the truth.

Her chest knotted.

“I just don’t want you to settle for anyone less than the man you’re supposed to be with.” Her mother stood up. “Please tell me that you will attend the ball?” She offered the faintest of smiles.

Aw,“When is it?”

“Friday night.”

She’d hoped to be out of the country by then. Still, if things went south, this would give her a reason to stay in country without raising eyebrows. “Maybe. We’ll see.”

Her mother smiled. “Prince Luka will be surprised to see you.”

“Mother! That wasn’t a yes. But if I go, I’m going withShep.”

“Nothing like a little jealousy to put a fire under a man. Or a prince.”

“For the love, it’s like I’m not here. You cannot arrange a marriage for me—align the kingdoms with a royal match. I’m not even royal.”

“Laws are changing every day, honey.” Sofia got up and kissed London on the cheek. “You’ll see. A royal ball is magical—you just might find that you end up in a place you never imagined.”

She only wanted to end up in Shep’s arms, thank you.

Oh, and she’d add the caveat that she didn’t want anyone to die because of her in the process. That was her happy ending.

“I’ll find you just the dress.” Her mother got up and headed to the door. Stopped, her hand on the knob. “I like Shep. I truly do. I hope he turns out to be all you hope for.”

“He already has.”

Her mother gave a slow nod, her mouth pinched. “Whatever you say, Delaney.” She shut the door behind her.

And her mother wondered why London had loved attending boarding school during her high school years.

Still, weirdly, Shep’s voice filtered through her head, stuck there.“I may not be some James Bond . . .”

Yeah, well, she didn’t want him to be either.

And he wouldn’t need to be.Everybody just calm down.

She’d get her bio card, go to a ball, infect the Russian mob with an internet virus, and resume her life in Alaska.

No problem.

CHAPTER7

“On mission, sir?” Shep had stopped at the window and now turned at Mitch’s question. “What do you mean, ‘on mission’?”

Now Mitch walked into the room, clasped his hands on the back of one of the leather chairs. Inhaled, exhaled, pursed his lips.