CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Isabel disappeared before Niko could stop her.
Regrets assailed him. He had hoped she would calmly do what was required of her, not get emotional and run away. He needed to make her understand what was at stake. Trying to ease the tension knotting his insides, he flexed his hands.
But, he couldn’t forget this wasn’t only about Vernonia. Being forced to change her entire life would be difficult for Isabel. Of course she was struggling with this latest turn of events. Anybody would.
He was, too.
Even if he’d been taught to hide his turmoil.
He felt blindsided when he at least understood how things operated. Isabel must be reeling, and he’d done nothing to help her.
Niko hung his head. “That did not go well.”
“She is young. An American.” Julianna lowered her coffee cu
