Page 59 of Warlord’s Empire

Chapter Twenty-Six

Shaun and Leeza settled into their rooms, then waited until the house went dark and silent before sneaking into Saskia’s room where they received a warm reception. Saskia sat cross-legged on the bed with her sister, Shaun across from them in a chair, a knit blanket draped over her legs. Ayaan, who had also made her way to Saskia’s room, lounged on the rug between them, a pillow beneath her head.

“It’s really quite beautiful here, once you’re out of the wilderness,” Shaun said, gazing out at the stars shining brightly through Saskia’s balcony doors. A band aid on her cheek just below her eye was the only remaining indication of her dangerous trek.

“We’re only missing one thing,” Leeza sighed, hugging a pillow to her stomach. Her gaze met Saskia’s, a mischievous smile creasing her lips as they both said at the same time, “Cocktails.”

Saskia laughed. “Yeah, about that…” She hadn’t planned the moment, but just as she spoke Shola came bustling through the door, her arms laden with wine bottles. Nikka followed behind with a tray of wineglasses and snacks.

Shola set the bottles down one at a time on the table, before turning a heated glare on Saskia. “This is not in my job description.”

“It’s punishment for not being on top of things when these three infiltrated the house,” Saskia said, knowing exactly how to get under Shola’s skin.

Ayaan rolled onto her front, watching the exchange with interest. “She was sharp enough to catch me.”

Shola’s gaze flickered to Ayaan, then quickly away. “Doesn’t count. Radik was able to sneak up on both of us.” Her glare switched to Saskia. “I’m not responsible for Marifiya’s defenses. I sleep when you sleep so I can be an effective bodyguard when you’re awake and on the move. We’ve discussed this.”

“That sounds like a lot of words to say, ‘sleeping on the job’,” Leeza said, driving the knife a little deeper.

“I’m Nikka.” Nikka placed her tray on the table next to the wine bottles. “In case anyone was wondering.”

Shola’s hostile gaze slipped from woman to woman. “I’ll leave you to your pajama party.”

“No, stay. Both of you,” Saskia said, softening her tone. “We’re teasing. Have a drink with us.” Her amused gaze went down Shola’s body, taking in the baggy sweatpants and sleeveless shirt. “You’re already in your pajamas, so you’ll fit right in.”

“Count me in!” Nikka sang cheerfully.

“I don’t think so,” Shola said coolly, reaching for the door.

“What if I order you to stay?” Saskia almost regretted the words when Shola swung around to stare at her with an expression so frightening, Leeza edged closer to Saskia. “I mean, what do you know about these women, really? Shaun could have a rifle under her blanket. I might need a bodyguard.”

“Oh god,” Shaun squeaked, looking between them. “I don’t have a weapon, promise.”

Shola looked like she was going to explode, but finally said, “I hate you,” grabbed a bottle of wine and plopped herself on the floor next to the door, as far from the others as she could get.

“Yay, all my besties in one room!” Saskia pushed off the bed and went to hand out the wine, one to each of them.

“I don’t like red wine,” Nikka said, curling her lip at her bottle.

Saskia swapped it with hers, which was a chilled white. She’d instructed Shola to bring whatever she could find.

“Mine has a cork,” Leeza said mournfully, cradling the bottle against her body like it was a baby she would die to protect.

A corkscrew landed on the rug at her feet and she cast a grateful look toward Shola as she picked it up. “I know you hate us, but you have no idea how much this means to me. I am forever in your debt.”

Shola almost smiled and Saskia knew they would soon have her in their clutches.

“I think I’ll have to pass on the wine,” Shaun said regretfully. “I don’t think my chlorine tablets worked quite right. I haven’t been feeling well all day.”

“I can call the doctor back,” Saskia said anxiously, hoping it wasn’t anything serious.

“I’ll be fine, it’s a minor stomachache.” Shaun smiled reassuringly, but her eyes stayed on her lap.

They drank and talked for hours, until Shaun excused herself to go to bed and all the wine had been drunk. Leeza and Nikka were passed out in Saskia’s bed while Ayaan and Shola had made their way back to their own rooms, arm-in-arm, singing a song in Arabic as they left.

Saskia sat on the end of her bed, tired but not ready to sleep yet.

She bit her lip as she stared at the door separating her room from Radik’s. She shouldn’t go to him, not tonight, and definitely not drunk. That would be stupid. Right?