There was only him, me, and that same incessant tug of energy coaxing us, just as it had right from the start.
“They’re going to let me do this, you know, and Ian will lap up what I have to say.”
There was no arrogance in his voice, only a dull inevitability of the forthcoming events as he perceived them.The truth was, though I hoped he was wrong, I’d long suspected he wasn’t.The ICC would push to get the video recorded, and even I knew Jackson well enough to know he’d devour the footage of Harper imploring him for a second chance.
“I’m scared for you, Sir.”I pulled in air at the admission.“Scared for the possible worst-case scenarios, but I’m proud of you, too.You’re right.You’ll be helping a lot of people by taking Jackson off the board.”
“We can only hope that without him, the others won’t have the will or the ability to keep the sham government going.”His fingers relaxed in my tresses.
“What do you think will happen?”After so much time and damage, it was difficult to conceive what Britain would look like without Jackson’s colossal interference, but there had to be an alternative—a version of the country which didn’t involve authoritarian rule.
“The rest of his so-called top team will hobble on for a while, but I don’t think it’ll be long before word gets out about Jackson’s arrest and a viable opposition bubbles up.”
“Would you consider going back?”I blinked down at him, musing on the potential future result.Britain had become so nightmarish, I’d just about abandoned all hope of ever returning.“If that happens.”
“I don’t think I’ll be very popular in the short term,” he reminded me.“Jackson might become public enemy number one, but I’ve played my part, too.Probably better that I stay out of the UK for a while and keep a low profile while I turn my life around.”
“Wherever you go, you’ll have me, Sir.”Lowering to kiss his chin, I released the air I’d been inadvertently holding onto.“Just make sure you remember that and come back to me.”
***
Adam
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“STOP WORRYING.”STARINGup at her, everything I had to achieve and the sole reason why it was so important was crystal clear.
Caroline was that reason.She was the reason for everything.
Without her, I’d never have seen Ian for what he truly was, and I’d never have left Fortorus.I might have offered more resistance to his ideas for murdering all those women, but without a personal stake in the sickening scheme, I was ashamed to realize that I might not have fundamentally opposed it.The women’s fate had seemed inevitable on a long enough timeline, a necessary evil that I’d kicked into the long grass.It had taken my love for one of those women for me to recognize what was really at risk.
It wasn’t only thousands of lives, but the soul of our whole nation.
“You always think you have the answers.”Gazing down at me, her laughter was sad.
“That’s because I do.”Smoothing her hair away from her face, my fingers stretched around the back of her neck and insisted she come closer.
“You’re an arrogant oaf sometimes, Sir.”She giggled, pressing kisses on my chin.
“I’m awhat?”Feigning outrage, I steadied her face between my palms.
“An arrogant oaf.”She sucked her lower lip between her teeth.“But I still love you.”
“Oh, you do?”
I couldn’t believe how mischievous she was being, and watching her cheeky smile, I wished we had time for me to remind her how sore little girls’ bottoms could become when they pushed their luck.At the same time, though, I was pleased to see her so relaxed and playful.I realized how stressful she’d found the suggestions put forward by Akari and the others, and how impotent she’d be once they’d whisked me out to sea.Not for the first time, our needs would be required to take a backseat to the greater good, but I hoped, once I’d played my part in handing Jackson to the authorities, we could finally focus on each other.
“I do.”Her smile faltered as she settled by my side.“I really do, Sir.”
“I know.”
Tugging her against my chest, I breathed in the fragrant smell of her hair and held her close.When the time came to meet with Ian, I was going to fucking miss being with her.I’d never known an intimacy like the one we shared.
“I’ll make this work, little girl.”I rested my cheek lightly on her crown.“Do what the ICC bids and set up a life for the two of us.Is the bag still under the bed?”
“Yes.”Her reply was like a sigh.
“I’ll ask Elsa to keep the room locked in our absence.”I ran her hair between my fingers, amazed at how soft the strands were.“If I have to travel to the Netherlands, then you’ll be in charge of its contents.”
