When he wouldn't, they kidnapped her. Once Bridgette was safe, Interpol did a joint secret operation with the Marines. Our entire joint team assassinated every man involved. No one except Gustave, Louis, and myself knew why.
Gustave clears his throat. "Regardless, Kalim's team is tracking everyone. Earlier tonight, Interpol received a call from a man in Punta Gorda, claiming Andre and Naomi were at his house. Kalim sent his team. The chance of them getting to safety is slim. Louis instructed him to focus his efforts on bringing you and your target in."
My gut flips. I ask myself again why Emilia was not on the original list. "Why is Louis so interested in me? If you convinced him we are on his side—"
"He wants your target."
Blood rushes to my head, my stomach twists, and I pull over. "No. Why?"
Gustave's voice lowers. "We will discuss this in person. I'm tracking you and will send coordinates. It's a few hours' drive from where you are. Leave anything behind you can to throw Kalim off. I'll send a helicopter."
"Gustave—"
"We will talk in person. You've got five hours to get to the coordinates and lay low." He hangs up.
Louis wants Emilia.
He will never have her. I'll kill him first.
Emilia puts her hand on my cheek. "Malin, what's wrong? You look like you're going to get sick."
My heart races so fast I get chest pains. I slowly turn to her. Her dark-blue eyes fill with worry. "We can't go to Omoa. In five hours, Gustave is sending a helicopter."
She scrunches her face, and she whispers, "Did something happen to Naomi?"
I put my hand on her cheek. "No, ma belle. But Kalim's team is on their heels. I can't guarantee your safety if you go to Omoa."
She takes a deep breath and nods. Bravery and hope appear in her expression. "So, I'll stay with you, then?"
"No."
Her eyes widen. "Then where are you sending me?"
"I don't know yet. Gustave will have answers when he arrives."
"Malin, let me stay with you. Please," she begs.
"Things have not changed—"
"They have. Omoa isn't safe. Andre and Naomi may not make it. There is no one else I can stay with who will protect me like you will. Please. I don't want to leave you. Something bad will happen to me. I can feel it."
I want to reassure her nothing will happen. That whoever Gustave says we should trust with her safety will protect her as I will, but I can't. I will die for her or sell my soul to the devil if it means keeping her safe. There are no lines where she is concerned.
But she can't go where I'm going.
She's on Louis's radar.
My gut pitches, and I turn away from her, breathing to calm my shaking nerves. I pray Louis doesn't want her for what I think he wants her for, but deep down, I already know the answer. And he'll move mountains to make sure he gets what he wants.
I swallow hard, turning to ma belle. All the things that drive me wild for her, other men will see. There is no way to mask her youthful innocence. She may be thirty-five, but I wouldn't be the only man to think she's not a day over twenty-four. Her eyes display every emotion at all times. Happiness. Fear. Desire. There are women on this earth who can hide everything well. Not ma belle. And no matter what we've been through the last few days, or do going forward, it won't ever change.
I have to turn away again and get out of the truck. My chest tightens, and I lean against the back window, trying to fill my lungs with oxygen, but the hot jungle air only stifles me more.
Why didn't I see this sooner?
There may be another possibility of why he wants her.
There isn't.
Emilia gets out and runs around the front of the truck. "Malin! What's happening?"
"Get back in the truck."
"No. Tell me what's going on. What did Gustave say you haven't told me?"
"Get in the truck."
"No!"
"Emilia, do as I say," I bark.
She jumps and gasps.
"I'm sorry." I tug her into my arms.
"Your heart is beating so fast."
I kiss the top of her head. "I'll be fine. Please get back in the truck. We need to go."
She tilts her head up. Her blue eyes glisten, full of worry, proving my thoughts that no matter what happens, she'll never lose the emotions in her eyes. Men will always crave her for that feature alone. I know because I yearn for it,