Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1066 Parker squinted, gauging the distance between the little boat he had commandeered and the massive cruise ship looming ahead.

At least five hundred yards, he guessed.

Rowing there by hand, especially fighting against the sea breeze, would take him a good few minutes.

If Bryce was here, then the "mystery man" must be on that cruise ship!

He was so close to uncovering the truth.

Parker's brow furrowed with impatience as he recalled the gunshots he heard earlier. He reached for his waistband only to realize he had forgotten to bring his gun in the haste of pursuit.

"Damn."

As he bent down to row, the gunfire from the cruise ship abruptly ceased, and soon the sounds of fighting faded as well.

Clutching the oars tightly, Parker's hawk-like eyes tried to pierce the night, but he couldn't make out what was happening on the ship. Gritting his teeth, he rowed harder, pushing through the waves with determination.

Inside the grand lounge of the cruise ship—

The floor was drenched in blood.

Bryce's crew, outnumbering the black-clad assassins, swiftly wiped them out.

was pulled from the clutches of the

fear, cried with gratitude, "Mr. Lutz, thank goodness for you, thank goodness!" She watched as Parisa's deep, contemplative eyes stayed fixed on Bryce, seemingly trying to piece together tonight's chaos: first a group of assassins came after her, then Bryce appeared out of nowhere. How did he know they had changed their landing

her gaze

she hesitated to explain to Parisa, "Mom, I didn't mean to tell Mr. Lutz about our change in plans. He had no idea you

that Ludwik's men were waiting at the Empire City

run into

so I had no choice but to tell him our new

arrived

I would have been done for, victims

's cruel schemes. They're

to go to any lengths

Get rid of?

ran

her hadn't searched for her all these years, but now, upon

was out for blood. Did he think she was still the same forsaken woman from

he and Ludwik know she was

were sent by Ludwik? I never disclosed my return

Bryce glanced at Florence.

forward, pulling out

I apologize for Florence telling me you were coming back, but she refused