Page 29 of Married to the SEAL
Talia nodded. “There’s something else. I went and spoke with President Vasile before coming to you. He is not well. He tells me you are aware of his… condition?”
“Yes.”
“He’d like to speak with you.”
Matteo made his way down the hall to Vasile’s room, quietly knocking.
“Come in.”
A single light was on beside the bed. Vasile looked older and sicker than Matteo had ever seen him.
“Talia told you about Ten Komanda?”
“He did.”
“They are like your HERO Force. Covert operations. The difference as I understand it is that your organization operates with some sort of moral compass. Ten Komanda does not. I’ve known for some time they are working for Victor Trane. The fact that they are now after my grandson…”
Vasile shook his head slowly. “They will do anything. I am concerned for my daughter’s safety, too. Her and the baby. I need you to keep them safe.”
“I will. To the best of my ability.”
“Even if I’m no longer here. I need your word you will protect Grace until she is completely safe from harm.”
“I will.”
Vasile nodded. “I have a speaking engagement a few hours away tomorrow evening. I’m not well enough to make it. I want you to take Grace there in my stead.”
“Grace?”
“You don’t know.” Vasile smiled. “She is a charismatic speaker with a highly political mind. We share similar political views and at one time she considered running for public office, though it infuriated her to think how alike we are. I believe she’ll do it, if not for me then for the people.”
“We’ll be more vulnerable on the road than we would be here at home.”
“It’s only a few hours away and it is necessary to the campaign. This is a mountain I’m willing to die on, Matteo.”
“But is Grace?”
“I believe so, yes. But she can tell you her own mind.”
He nodded. “I’d feel better if the baby stayed here. If we have any trouble, he would make everything more difficult.”
“Fine. I will talk to her.”
Matteo shook his head. “No. Let me do it.”
It was Vasile’s turn to focus the questioning stare on Matteo.
“She’ll listen to me.”
20
Matteo staredat the ceiling long after returning to bed. The room was dark, and he was just able to make out his surroundings in the dim light coming from the bathroom. He was in Grace's bed, Nico at his side, with Grace curled up on the other side of the baby.
He must’ve fallen asleep, because when he woke, the baby was clearly looking for his next meal. He put his arms under the infant and pushed him closer to his mother. "Grace?"
"Mmm.”
"I think the baby is hungry." She reached out and pulled him close, the sound of the baby nursing filling the quiet room. A wave of protectiveness washed over him. He would do anything to keep this woman and child safe.
