Page 58 of Warlord’s Empire

“Not until I have confirmation that you are not an enemy.”

“Perhaps not an enemy…” Radik stepped out from the shadows and both women turned to gape at him in surprise. “But certainly not welcome.” He waved his hand at Shola who holstered her weapon and melted into the shadows, leaving brother and sister alone. To Ayaan, he said, “Come, let’s go to my office where I can reprimand you more thoroughly.”

Ayaan pouted but followed him. “You refuse to welcome me into your home?”

“Had I known you were coming and had I the opportunity to prepare for guests, I would’ve welcomed you properly.”

Ayaan snorted. “No, you would’ve demanded I keep my ass in Europe.”

Radik’s iron facade cracked and he grinned at her. “More than likely, you are correct,” he admitted, holding his arms out to her.

She rushed into them, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head into his chest. “My brother, I have missed you.”

“And I you.” He held her away from him, looking her up and down, his expression reflecting pride. “You have become a soldier.”

“Not a very good one apparently,” she grumbled. “Both you and Shola were able to sneak up on me.”

“Many more years of practice,” he said, pulling her in for another hug. “You came for Saskia?”

She nodded.

“And you brought Shaun Koba and Leeza Tsostorov with you,” he said. “I should’ve guessed you’d be clever enough to find me.”

She grinned in pride. “I’m so happy to see you, big brother. It’s been too many years since we were last together.”

“It’s not easy to see a sister who goes to work for my enemy.”

“Koba is not your enemy,” she said sternly.

“He hired my sister to fight for him rather than taking her to safety, which is what I paid him to do. It was a breach of contract.”

“I’m happy, Muhammed,” she insisted. “Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Can’t you let your vendetta go? Let Saskia go?”

“Saskia is not a vendetta,” he said sharply, pacing away from her. “She’s… she was… unexpected. I would never use her as a pawn. She’s too…”

Ayaan smiled softly. “So, it’s true, you do love her.”

Before he could answer, the sound of many feet thundered down the staircase and through the hall toward Radik’s office. Saskia burst through the door, her hand wrapped around Shaun’s wrist, Leeza trailing them, a cautious expression on her face, her hand on her the butt of her gun.

She took one look at Radik, giving him a long up and down perusal, then unclipped her holster.

“There will be no need for that,” Radik said in what he hoped was a reassuring tone. “We’re all friends here, or I hope we will be. I have no desire to harm the women of Saskia’s family.” His gaze strayed to the doctor, taking in her ruffled appearance. “I will send for our town doctor to take a look at you.”

“It’s just a few scratches.” She gave him a tight, wary smile.

“Nevertheless,” he said.

“What about the men?” Leeza demanded crossing her arms over her chest. “You said you wouldn’t hurt us women, but what about Jozef, Havel and the others? Will you harm them?”

Radik had no desire within him to attack Koba. Any thoughts of revenge had long since passed. “It depends on how they approach me. If I’m forced to defend what is mine, then I make no promises.” Taking in the worried look on Leeza’s face, a face that hinted at the elegant beauty Saskia would achieve in another ten years, he softened. “I will do my best to harm no one.”

“Thank you.” She looked sincere as she met his gaze. “Our husbands can be… impetuous.”

Murderous, he thought, but didn’t say out loud. “How long do we have until they get here? I assume they will be following you closely.”

“It’s a good assumption,” Ayaan answered. “I estimate they’re probably only hours behind us, definitely less than a day.”

Radik nodded. “I will prepare for their arrival. In the meantime, you’ll want to freshen up and get some rest. Allow me to show you to your rooms.”