Page 14 of Warlord’s Empire

“Or your cousin’s,” he said, his lip lifting in a sneer, his gaze darkening as he mentioned Jozef. “So don’t bother offering a ransom.”

“I wasn’t going to,” she snapped defensively, but she definitely had been about to offer up Jozef’s vast wealth for her freedom.

The apartment quieted around them and she realized Radik’s staff had disappeared.

“It’s time.” Radik led her to the door, picking up her laptop bag from a table that had a vase full of fresh lilies and handing it to her.

Grateful to have it, she pulled the strap over her head and tucked the bag against her side before glancing over her shoulder at the interior of Radik’s apartment. “So if you don’t live here, what is this place? An Airbnb or something?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I have many places around the world. Wherever I spend time.” At her frown, he added, “I prefer the comfort of my own space over a rental or hotel.”

Something they had in common, except her salary didn’t allow her to purchase apartments all over the planet. Actually, it wasn’t entirely true that she couldn’t afford it. She had her portion of her parent’s estate, but she was trying to make it on her own. She’d save the rest for retirement.

Radik led Saskia to the elevator, which was just outside the apartment door. Looking around, she realized his was the only apartment on the floor. Fancy. Radik’s bodyguard stood next to the elevator, pressing the button as they approached.

“Saskia, this is Shola. If you need anything, you will let her know.”

Saskia stared at the tall, athletic woman. Her head was as bald as Radik’s, but the look was more delicate on her. It suited her, gave her a warrior-like appearance. She wore tight black jeans, combat boots, and a green jacket with multiple pockets. There was a lump at her hip under her jacket where her gun was probably located.

“Nice to meet you,” Saskia said, sticking her hand out.

Without making eye contact, Shola gave Saskia’s hand a quick squeeze. “You as well.”

Saskia looked between the two, wondering if Shola had a thing for Radik. Why wouldn’t she? Radik was a powerful man, and the two probably had way more in common than Radik and Saskia.

Jealous, Saskia, you’re just jealous and making assumptions. She internally smacked herself.

The three of them stepped onto the elevator and Shola hit the button for the ground floor. Saskia stared at Shola while Shola stared at the elevator panel. Radik’s eyes were on Saskia, and when she side-eyed him, his lips lifted into a smile.

“Stop looking so smug,” Saskia snapped, though the smile definitely did something to her insides. “Havel, Leeza, and Jozef are probably already on their way and I’ve seen what they do to people who mess with the family. They won’t be happy about you forcibly taking me away from Pretoria.”

Shola grumbled something and her shoulders stiffened as though she was offended by the idea of Saskia’s family threatening Radik.

Radik said something to Shola in Afrikaans, too fast for Saskia to catch. Shola nodded, her eyes remaining straight ahead.

Radik stepped in front of Saskia, cutting off her view of Shola. Well, her view of everything really.

“How tall are you?” she asked, then bit her tongue. Stop being interested in the kidnapping stalker, Saskia.

He grinned, his teeth flashing in the light, giving him a sinister pirate look. “I’m six foot five,” he said, not in a boastful way. “And your family doesn’t scare me.”

“Why?” she demanded. “You know of Jozef’s nickname, right? He’s the Guard Dog of Prague. He’s vicious and he doesn’t stop when he has someone in his sights.” Her heart sank. She wasn’t posturing. Jozef really was a stone-cold killer and he would come for Saskia. Even if he didn’t love her like as sister, which he did, it was a matter of honour. No one fucked with a Koba and lived. As big and battle-hardened as Radik was, she didn’t see him being able to defend against Jozef, Havel and their Bratva allies.

Radik lifted his hand, reaching for her face, but he stopped, his fingers hovering in the air. “May I touch you?”

She was surprised by the question but nodded. Maybe she shouldn’t let him, but there was something about such a dominant person asking for permission. It melted her.

His fingers brushed her cheek and she closed her eyes, inhaling, drawing in his warm, masculine scent. Cigar, sweat, and… pancakes? She must be hungry. He wrapped his long fingers around the back of her neck and drew her closer, pulling her toward him until they were inches apart, her nose almost brushing his chest.

Her heart lurched, pounding in her chest like an out-of-control sonata. Her palms sweated and her breath hitched.

His breath grazed her forehead as he bent over her, speaking in her ear. “It’s our time now, Saskia Koba.” His lips touched the tip of her ear, sending a shudder down her spine. “No guard dog will stop what is happening between us. I won’t allow it.” Radik stepped away from her and her breath came out in a gasping rush. He tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. “You understand?”

She stared at him, reading his expression. There was resolve, determination, and… and… love… maybe.

“I understand,” she whispered. But she didn’t have to accept the situation. No more words left her mouth though, no denial, no threats. She didn’t have it in her to argue with that powerful stare.

God, was this how he warlorded? Just stared down his victims until they gave him whatever he demanded?