Captivated by Lauren Dane Page A

Vincenz did, that Ellis would instantly take to Hannah. He’d see her hurt and want to fix it. It was what made him such an effective leader.
    That, and he had a soft spot for wounded birds. Hells, the entire Phantom Corps was made up of broken people Ellis had collected and given a purpose to.
    “We’ll both be there then.”
    “May I change my clothing and get cleaned up first?”
    Her hands shook just a little and Julian took one, kissing it. “Go on. No rush. He’s here and we’ll need to have multiple meetings on all sorts of things.”
    She darted inside, avoiding the front room and headed toward her bedroom to change. Though most of the time she slept in their bed, she kept her room and retreated there when she needed to.
    “How did it go?” Vincenz asked as they headed toward Ellis.
    “She remembers more than she gives herself credit for. I’m beginning to think the reason they kept her so long was something to do with her work. Which is obvious and all, but I’ll keep working with her.”
    Ellis was on a comm with someone when they entered the situation room. He signed off and gave them his full attention. “Operatives Haws and Cuomo.” He looked around them. “Where’s Ms. Black?”
    “She’s been in the garden. She went to clean up.” Julian looked around the room and found a spot he thought she’d be most comfortable in. “She’s asked to have me and Vin present when you debrief her.”
    “In case I attempt to ravish her like a rake?”
    “She’s fragile. People hurt her. She’s wary.” Vincenz sat at the table.
    “I know. Julian, I think you should continue with your debrief. I’m sure it’ll be better than mine anyway. It’s your gift.”
    Julian had long since ceased to be surprised when Ellis said exactly the right thing. He just did and everyone in Phantom Corps accepted this fact.
    “When we finish with Ms. Black, we have another series of meetings. Daniel is at Roman’s and they’ll comm in from there.”
    “And how is the babe then?” Abbie was Daniel’s sister and the wife of Roman Lyons, the leader of the Federated Universes. She’d had ababy only two months before; in the midst of so much chaos, there had been joy. It was important to remember that.
    “Mera is thriving. Not hard when every single person she sees dotes on her. As if Abbie would allow anything else.” Wilhelm grinned as he shook his head.
    “Sounds like her.” Vincenz had a great deal of admiration for both Roman and his wife. They’d made a great deal of good in the Federated ’Verses, had brought them forward so much when it came to the extension of basic rights to their people. As a leader, Vincenz felt that Roman was peerless. He made hard choices and he did it well. He was courageous and intelligent and hard when he had to be.
    “Ah, you must be Hannah.” Wilhelm stood and Vincenz watched, amused, as Hannah’s eyes widened when she took in nearly seven feet of Wilhelm Ellis, Comandante of the Military Corps. “I’m Wilhelm Ellis.” He held his hand out, and she took a deep breath and returned his handshake. “Please, come in and join us.” Wilhelm put her hand on his arm and led her to the chair Julian had put out for her.
    “You’re very large.” She clapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
    Instead of anger, Wilhelm laughed as he sat across from her. “Not rude at all, Hannah. I’m told my father was very tall as well. Must be where I got it.” Ellis sobered. “My condolences and those of Roman Lyons and House Lyons for the loss of your family.”
    She blinked several times and nodded. “Thank you.”
    Ellis studied her intently but she held up under scrutiny. Vincenz had to clamp down on his instinct to rush in to protect her. He wanted to defend her against this, but he knew she needed to do this on her own. Knew it meant something to her and it definitely would with Ellis. Vincenz trusted Wilhelm Ellis more than anyone else he knew.