Salt Kiss – Episode 39
Dawn trapped them in the consequences of a moment that had almost happened. Tristan checked the vehicle while Isolde packed in silence, both behaving as if discipline could erase attraction.
The road to Washington reopened by midday. Mark’s security team established a moving perimeter, but Tristan refused to surrender responsibility until he personally delivered Isolde.
At a refueling stop, she found him examining the same tire twice.
“You avoid me with impressive efficiency,” she said.
“I am keeping you safe.”
“From the attackers or from you?”
Tristan looked toward the waiting convoy. “You are engaged to my employer.”
“A man who did not tell you I existed.”
“That changes nothing.”
“It changes what I thought the arrangement meant.” Isolde stepped closer. “Neither of us chose the roles they gave us.”
Her words cut through every defense. For one reckless instant, Tristan imagined choosing something for himself.
Isolde touched his cheek, waiting for him to retreat. He did not.
His encrypted phone rang before their mouths could meet. Mark’s name filled the screen.
Tristan answered and stepped away from her. Mark asked for their arrival time, but suspicion threaded through his controlled tone.
“We will be there tonight,” Tristan said.
“And Isolde?”
Tristan looked at her. “She is safe.”
When the call ended, he told Isolde the moment could not happen again. She nodded, but hurt entered her expression. Duty had saved him from one betrayal while creating another.