She was honest with him.
“At first, I was worried, Gene. I know how much Ethan loves you. When Ethan owned it, I was still worried. Now, I’m not because I’m in love with you too,” she said. “I’ve grown to love you in ways I never knew possible. What we have isn’t sexual, but it’s deep.”
He rested his forehead against hers.
“I know. I feel the same. After that last case inPhiladelphia…I was so scared,” he admitted. “I nearly lost him all of those years ago, and going back there…”
She squeezed his hand.
“That case was brutal,” she admitted. “I’m glad we were able to handle it, and to save Corbin Price. It matters. That’s all part of your past, and your story. So that makes it mine too.”
He knew Elizabeth was an angel.
“You’re a good egg, LaRue,” he said. “Even all of those years when you saved Ethan and me from the director, and went to bat for me with Gabe, I never knew we’d be here. I’m glad we are. I can’t wait to marry you too. I love our new home, and I love that we’re finally safe.”
She kissed him softly on the lips.
“I need a favor,” Gene admitted.
There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family. All they had to do was ask.
“What?”
“If he comes for our family, and tries to hurt you or Ethan, I know I said I’d do it, and I will, but I need you to be my ride or die without Ethan knowing. I don’t want him to know what lives in me. I would murder for him.”
So.
Would.
She.
“I need to make sure that Tommy doesn’t get a second chance to make a move on my family.”
She knew what he was asking, and honestly, she had already made plans. At this moment, Reaper and Wolf were taking him home. Later, when she had a moment, she’d talk to Lewis and have him put a web around her family.
With Russian spies out there still, and a disgruntled man, she wasn’t taking any chances.
None.
At.
All.
“I’ll be your alibi any day of the week. We’ll handle it.”
When Ivan cleared his throat, appearing in the doorway ofArea Fifty-Two, she glanced over.
“Yes?”
He moved toward her, and put his lips by her ear, saying something.
Gene couldn’t hear him.
When he was done, she looked at Ivan.
“Is that so?” she asked. “He’s a tricky one. Okay, Ivan. Get Raphael here. I want to see him.”
He nodded and headed away.
