Page 102 of Warlord’s Empire

Her breaths were coming out in panicked gasps, but she didn’t know how to calm down. She wasn’t expecting the pain to be so bad. Why didn’t women talk about this? Warn each other that it was probably best if they just let the human species die out, because what the fuck? No one could possibly expect someone to do this and survive it.

“Impossible!” she screamed. “I can’t do this.”

The car rocked again as it hit a curb and she wanted to scream at Halil to slow the fuck down except she couldn’t because they were dodging rocket-launching, gun-wielding maniacs.

The car rocked once more, then came to a screeching halt. “We’re here, but they’re right behind. Idiots are on Koba property now. Stay in the car and keep your heads down while we take care of them.”

Something hit the window above Saskia’s head. A bullet. The window held and she breathed a little easier.

Halil crawled from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s and out the door. He used the hood of the car for cover as he returned fire.

Shola looked desperate to go with him.

Saskia gripped her wrist, holding her in place. “Don’t leave me.”

Before Shola could respond, the door behind her was wrenched open and she was yanked out backwards.

Saskia opened her mouth to scream for Shola when a familiar face filled her view.

“Muhammed!” The cry of relief came from the depths of her soul. “The baby.”

“I’m here, my angel.” His gaze was steady, determined, loving. “I’ve got you. Both of you.”

Chapter Forty-Four

It was Radik’s first time on the Koba estate, but he knew all about it. Every nook and cranny of the property had been mapped by his people. He was aware of all its strengths and its few weaknesses. He knew how to infiltrate it and he knew how to protect it.

“Mr. Koba will see you now.”

Radik looked up from where he was sitting on a fancy couch in a fancy room. He preferred his own house. It didn’t have the opulence of the Koba mansion, but it felt lived in, like a home. He wondered if Saskia felt the same.

Radik followed the bodyguard as he led him down a long hall. They passed paintings and sculptures that spoke to the wealth of the owner. They traversed another hallway before stopping at a door.

The bodyguard knocked.

“Enter!” was the barked response.

The door opened and Radik was waved in.

First in his line of sight was Havel, who he'd recently 'entertained' at his compound when he and Jozef came to rescue their women. He admired the man more than he disliked him. How could he not? He was Jozef's second-in-command and owner of Guard Dog Securities.

Recognizing his value, Radik had tried to recruit him several years ago. He’d planned on setting Havel up as commander of his European base, but Havel had emphatically declined. Too bad, but Radik thought it best. Part of Havel’s lure was his unwavering loyalty to Koba. If that loyalty had wavered, Radik would have trusted him less.

“What are you doing here?” Havel demanded, his tone hostile.

Radik ignored him, his gaze moving to Jozef Koba who stood behind his desk, unmoving, but more of a threat than his opulent surroundings would hint at. He was a wolf whose den was filled with riches he would destroy in a heartbeat if it meant keeping his family safe.

It was this characteristic Radik hoped to appeal to.

“Koba,” he acknowledged, dipping his head in a respectful nod. To further his agenda, he switched to sign language. Thank you for seeing me. I appreciate your making the time.

Why are you here? Jozef echoed Havel, frowning, perhaps unbalanced by Radik’s conciliatory approach. Radik wasn’t known for polite platitudes. This mission was different though. It required a delicate hand. We agreed to stay out of each other’s territory, allowing the other to operate without interference. You shouldn’t be here.

We did, Radik acknowledged. And I continue to respect that agreement. I am not here for business.

Jozef nodded, his hands shaping each letter as he signed. Saskia. It wasn’t a question.

I’m here to ask your permission to marry her.