The plane touched down with barely a bump. Through the window, Keira could see a line of black cars waiting on the tarmac, along with what looked like a small army of officials and security personnel.

"Showtime," she murmured, more to herself than to him.

"Remember," Alexei said as the plane taxied to a stop, "no matter what happens, no matter what my father says or does, you belong here. With me."

She wanted to believe him. God, how she wanted to believe him. But as the engines wound down ...