Christian was. The entire Adler Squad was.
But I’m not.
“I think yourBaachanwas being very optimistic, kid.” I rummage my hand through his hair, “I lost my entire squad in an operation.”
I’m not entirely sure what drives the words from my lips, and Kai’s eyes widen with such abysmal horror that I chuckle light-heartedly, “Not only am I a poor subordinate, like you said, I let them down.” My voice is soft, “I have a bad reputation.”
I’m not entirely sure if I’m talking as Christian Adler or asme.
It keeps me awake so often… So often, I’ve wondered… if I’d let ‘Christian’ die that night… would that have been his greatest legacy? By ‘surviving’ as him, maybe I’ve darkened it with my own hands. Ruined everything.
Instead of the leader who died with his team, he became the leader who survived. The leader who failed.
“But Reuben gave me another chance,” I shrug away my doubts for the moment. Push them away into that crevice where I know they’ll eventually come out again. When I’m alone in the dark and I’m stuck staring in the mirror at Christian’s face.
“To prove that I can still be useful.” I make sure to keep my tone flippant for the kid. As though it no longer bothers me. “If I’m able to do that and you still want to recruit me, then you can ask me again.”
Kai is watching me with pursed lips and it’s the first time he doesn’t immediately respond with something snippy.
Poor guy probably regrets asking me now.
“Unfortunately,” Reuben’s voice cuts through us both as he steps out onto the porch, and my body immediately flushes at the sound of his voice—at the familiar vision of his messy updo and tall frame.
“Even if this entire country turns into a monarchy and you become the king,” he stops in front of Kai with a domineering smirk, “I still won’t give him to you.”
Kai’s expression immediately becomes fierce and he snorts, “If he stays here with you he’s doomed.”
“This kid—” Reuben steps forward but I’m stepping in his way, ignoring how close his chest is to mine. A dark shirt clings to his frame and the contours of his arms, over grey sweats.
“You’re three times his size,” I deadpan.
“We all know his mouth makes up the rest.”
I push Reuben’s face away with my palm right as Miss Rosabella’s car enters through the gate.
Reuben is actually scowling at Kai, and the kid’s grin is way too big when his mother steps out of the vehicle and takes in the scene with a raised brow, wearing a black cardigan this time over black jeans a red shirt and tall heels.
“I thought you would’ve gotten bored, but you’re still having fun.” There’s a surprised amusement in her eyes.
Kai’s expression becomes sheepish. He takes his suitcase with him to follow his mother, but he turns back at the entrance with a strangely determined expression, “When I see you again, I’ll have an even better argument for why you should work for me instead.”
“Ven por tu hijo, Rosa,”Reuben scowls, but Miss Rosabella looks completely stunned for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
“Nunca fuiste bueno con la competencia, Rubenito.”
I really need to pick up that Spanish dictionary. Kai distracted me, but I’ll be sure to check my phone for one later.
“Is this some new tactic of yours?”Reuben glares, “To steal my men through your son?”
“If my son can steal one of your men, you should consider seriously disbanding, brother.”
I’m still here guys.
Can’t understand a word you’re saying.
When Kai and his mother finally disappear behind the tinted windows and through the inner gate of the compound, I feel like my shoulders can finally relax.
“You should just go adopt a bunch of brats and raise a family at this point,” Reuben pipes up beside me. “It’s looking like you’d be pretty good at it.”
