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intertwined.
    â€œPlease , Christina. You will call me Ronnie, yes? It is my nickname, one my friends use.”
    â€œThank you. I’m very honored.”
    Trevor moved to the door. “I’ll be in and out. If you need anything, or if anything occurs to you, call me immediately.” His gaze included both of them. “Christina, when you’re out and about, you’ll have Morgan with you at all times, but you’ll still get in touch with me if you see something that raises the hair on the back of your neck. Right?”
    â€œI will.” She followed him to the entryway. “Trevor?”
    His expression softened as he looked down at her. “It’s good to see you again.”
    Her shiver of unease vanished. Trevor had her back. The two of them had become friends a year ago, though at the time she’d thought she wanted more. Trevor had gently reminded her of the adrenal effects of a near-­death experience, and told her to call him if she still felt the same way about him in a month. She hadn’t picked up the phone.
    A blush unexpectedly rose in her cheeks. “Sorry,” she muttered.
    He chuckled. “I didn’t expect you to dial me. I value our friendship, Christina.”
    Curious, she canted a look up at him. “Are you seeing anyone now?”
    To her surprise, a troubled look closed down his face. “No.”
    Christina’s brows furrowed. “Bad breakup?”
    Trevor glanced up at the ceiling. “It’s rather complicated.”
    â€œShelby Gibson?”
    Trevor stilled. “How could you possibly know that?”
    She put a hand on his forearm. “Heather told me about Shelby visiting you in the hospital when we were in Azakistan six months ago.”
    He winced.
    â€œShe was just scared, Trev. I only met her briefly, but Heather thinks she cares more than she lets on.”
    His mouth hardened. “She dumped me while I was lying in a hospital bed, Christina. Broken wrist, broken ribs, gunshot to the shoulder. Nothing life-­threatening, but her timing was shite.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    Trevor forced a smile. “I am, too. Now go learn how to be a princess.” Eyes sad, he touched her cheek and left.
    Christina ran her nails through her hair, fluffing and settling the curls. Poor Trevor. He was courageous, handsome, and a true gentleman. Unbidden, an image of Gabe superimposed itself over Trevor. Her breath caught in her throat.
    She so wasn’t going there. Gabe might be equally brave, and as gorgeous as a fallen angel, but he was no gentleman. She peeked into the main living area. Ronnie and Deni Van Praet sat close together on a settee. Deni held the princess’s hand.
    Christina wandered into her bedroom and flipped open her laptop. She turned on her video-­chat program. Heather Langstrom answered on the third ring.
    â€œLong time, no chat. How’re things in D.C.?”
    â€œI’m not there at the moment. I’m on assignment.”
    â€œWhere?” Heather’s cheerful face dimmed. “Can you say?”
    â€œSorry, but no. Some of your guys are coming here, though.” Heather would have no trouble reading between the lines, Christina knew. They had become friends since they had worked together in Azakistan six months before. Christina had been invited to be a bridesmaid for Heather and Jace’s wedding next spring.
    â€œAh. I’m prepping the info for them. They’re not due for another ­couple of weeks, though. Do you need them sooner?”
    â€œNo. I have my own prep to do. They would just be underfoot.”
    â€œI can see something’s wrong. What is it?”
    Christina took in some air. Where to start? With the thing pressing hardest in her mind. “This bodyguard thing. You know who’s been assigned to me.”
    While they were on an unsecured line, neither would mention specifics about this mission. Heather nodded. “It’s