Page 64 of Warlord’s Empire

“I don’t know,” she whispered, then switched to signing. I don’t know why I did it. It was reckless and stupid, and you’re right to be angry with me. Before she could stop them, the tears came thick and fast. She could barely see him as she signed, I don’t feel anything. I don’t feel like I’m pregnant. No morning sickness, no flutters of kicking feet, nothing. I know it’s too early, but I don’t believe… I can’t bring myself… what if…

A sob cracked from her throat and she dropped her face into her hands. Arms enveloped her in warmth, cradling her while she cried, urging her to release her tension and fear.

She couldn’t bring herself to care about her pregnancy because she believed it would end the way the other had. It didn’t matter how careful she was, she still suffered a miscarriage. If she lost this one… it would destroy her.

She didn’t deserve his compassion, but she knew he couldn’t withhold it. Not in the face of her misery. Which told her their marriage would be fine, despite what she’d done.

“I’m so sorry,” she sobbed and his arms tightened.

When the bulk of the storm had passed, he urged her to sit on the bed with him, dragging the blanket around her, cocooning her.

His expression was serious when he signed, You’re an idiot and I don’t know what to do with you. How do I keep you, and now our unborn child, safe if you won’t do the same?

“I won’t do anything this reckless again,” she whispered. “I promise.”

He shook his head, his lips lifting in a weary smile. You can’t promise that, my love. Eventually, you will find yourself in another situation where you have to choose your safety over the life of another, and I know what you will choose.

He was right. She could think of half a dozen situations where she wouldn’t think twice about her own safety. Car accident on the side of the highway. One of their people getting shot during a mafia war. A child starving to death in a warzone. She would always run toward the danger instead of away. It was who she was.

He caressed her cheek, wiping the remnants of her tears, before signing, I love all of you, even the part of you that insists on saving the world. I will continue to stand between you and that world, even if it kills me. I will protect you until the end.

“Thank you for loving me.” She knew how special it was to have someone as devoted as Jozef in her life.

He dropped his hand to her arm, touching the spot where he’d grabbed her. I’m sorry I hurt you.

She nodded, accepting his apology. It wasn’t okay and she wasn’t going to tell him it was okay. He should never lay hands on her in anger, but she understood why he’d done it. Fear. For her.

“What do we do now?” she whispered.

We sleep. And tomorrow we get the fuck out of here and go home. Radik can have this part of the world to himself.

“Home,” Shaun said, pushing herself down in the bed until she was laying flat. “That sounds nice.”

Jozef joined her, pulling the blanket over them. He took her lips in a kiss that spoke of his deep love for her, his fear of losing her, and his joy in learning of the pregnancy.

When she fell asleep in his arms, she was in no doubt of his utter and complete devotion.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

It was his scent that hit her first, fresh morning sun and gun oil, then she felt cool air as he dragged the sheet down her body. Shivering, she pulled her legs up to her chest, murmuring her protest at being disturbed. Her grumbles turned to sighs as a large hand slid up her calf to her knee, then over her hip, warming her.

Without opening her eyes, she asked, “Did you kill anyone?”

“I promised I would not.” She felt the lightest of touches as he moved the neckline of her nightshirt to kiss her bare shoulder.

She opened her eyes carefully, searching for any sign of a hangover inside herself. Nope, there was nothing. She was blessed with good solid Czech genes when it came to drinking.

She rolled into Radik, seeking his warmth while stretching her limbs out one at a time. His hand moved from her shoulder to her belly as she rolled.

“Are they here?” she asked, smothering a yawn.

“They are.”

“Are they guests or did you put them in jail?” She frowned. “Is there a jail here? I don’t remember seeing it on the tour.”

“For your sake, I have welcomed your family into my home. Koba went to his wife’s room. Havel collected your sister from your room and carried her back to their room. The rest of the Koba people have been welcomed into the barracks with my men.” He paused for a moment before adding, “And yes, there is a jail of sorts on the premises.”

Saskia smiled broadly and, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulled his head down to hers, pressing her lips to his. “Thank you for being nice to my people,” she whispered.