Page 70 (1/2)

Finally, staring at Da profile, she said, “I know that, Damen I believe in that I trust in that”

They passed through the gates

She breathed a sigh of relief they’d made it safely

But this was only step one

And true to her word just seconds before, she told Da to react if you extract your intel from my computer…and it wipes out my hard drive That photo I told you about, the screensaver, it isn’t located anywhere else The fact that everyI saas the very reason I never downloaded it to any other device Itto me, Damen So I can’t be certain how I’ll respond if—”

“You don’t have to uesstiain “You deserve to experience and even embrace whatever comes forth if there’s an IT failure on my end I will understand I will accept it”

“Damen—”

“You’ll have every right, every reason to hold this against me”

“No, I actually won’t—you weren’t the one to bring this upon ain I don’t kno I’ll respond I’ you”

He reached for her hand Gave it a quick squeeze Then he said, “You’re one hell of a brave woht That’s why I can accept whatever happens today”

They pulled into a parking space and Damen climbed out He went around to Nikki’s side of the vehicle and opened her door, assisting her

He turned to head toward a large, rather , but noas Nikki who reached for his hand

He glanced at her over his broad shoulder

She said, “I don’t really want to do this”

The tension in his body visibly loosened—in an effort to relax her “I know”