Page 67 of Warlord’s Empire

“You want my cousin to feel their presence,” she guessed, stopping in the hall before entering the dining room. She looked up at Radik as he stopped next to her. “You don’t have to worry about Jozef. He won’t strike with non-combat women in the house. He’s old-fashioned that way.”

Radik rubbed a hand over his bald head, something she noticed he did when trying to carefully choose his words.

“Tell me what you’re not saying.”

He dropped his hand. “You’re coming to know my mannerisms.” He didn’t sound annoyed. “Plainly speaking, the additional, more visible security is more of a display than a threat to your cousin. He knows he’s placed himself firmly within my power, there’s no need for further threats.”

“Then why the display?” She glanced at the guard behind her who was pretending not to hear them. “I don’t understand.”

She could swear Radik, the giant, near mythical warlord, scuffed the toe of his boot against the floor and refused to make eye contact. “It’s a display of force, yes, but not for the reason you think.” His eyes glinted with humour as he made eye contact again.. “I want him to know I can protect you.”

“Oh.” She should’ve guessed. Nearly everything he’d done since her arrival in Marifiya was for her benefit. “Do you think it’s working?”

He took her hand again and turned toward the dining room. “Let’s find out.”

He opened the door and they went in together.

Saskia had been in the room but never used it. The large formal room located off the kitchen was meant for guests. She preferred to eat in the cozy kitchen, at the table by the garden, or on the terrace outside her bedroom. Radik joined her when he could.

The conversation ceased and all eyes turned to them. Seated at the table were Jozef, Shaun, Leeza, Havel and Ayaan. Joy filled her at having most of her family in the same room together.

Saskia sought out her cousin, whose worried eyes were travelling over her, searching for injury. Then his gaze met hers and she could tell he was looking for any sign that she was with Radik unwillingly.

Breaking away from Radik, she rushed toward him. “Jozef!”

He held his arms out and she rushed into them, nearly knocking him back as he enveloped her. “I can’t believe you’re here!” Okay, she could believe he was there, but she’d never envisioned him arriving in such a peaceful manner. She was so grateful that no one she loved had been hurt in the meeting of families, it lent her hug extra warmth.

He squeezed her hard before pushing her back to look her over. He must’ve liked what he saw because there was relief in his expression. He freed his arms and signed to her, Tell me you are not here willingly. Give me the word and I will raze this place to the ground.

She almost smiled, though her heart pounded in fear and silence fell across the dining room. Everyone who could read sign language tensed as the Guard Dog of Prague made his suicidal declaration.

“There will be no need for that.” Radik’s voice came from behind them. There was caution to his tone. “We can all be friends.”

Saskia’s eyes widened as she realized the import of what just happened. She turned around to stare at Radik. “You can read sign language?”

And speak it, he signed, though clumsily.

She knew the answer before asking, but she asked anyway. “Why?”

For you, he signed.

She shook her head, trying to understand. “But we can speak without it. Why would you learn for me?”

He hesitated, then tried to sign, but the words were in the wrong order.

She shook her head. “I don’t understand, Muhammed. What are you trying to tell me?”

Ignoring everyone else in the room, he said, “I knew you would one day want to see your family and I cannot allow you to go without my protection. I learned so I can properly communicate your security needs to the head of the Koba family.”

Her mouth formed an ‘oh’.

It was her sister who said, “That amount of future planning gives off creepy stalker vibes.”

“But is also in keeping with the way the Koba family works,” Shaun pointed out. “Which makes it sort of romantic in a dark gothic kind of way.”

Radik continued, “I had years to learn and grow as I planned for the moment you would become my…”

“Careful,” Havel spoke in a growl, the first thing he’d said since Saskia had entered the room.