Page 68 of Warlord’s Empire

“My wife,” Radik finished. “If she will one day have me.”

Saskia’s heart fluttered. Maybe his stalking and planning was over the top for normal people, but Shaun was right. It was in keeping with the way the Kobas did things, the way any mafia family operated, really.

“We’ll see about that.” It was Havel who spoke, but he was interpreting Jozef’s signs.

Ignoring them, Radik said, “Let us sit and eat.” He waved his arm toward the table. “We can discuss business after our guests have enjoyed our hospitality.”

Saskia was pleased by his use of the word ‘our’. His warm hand against her back gave her confidence in her position within the household.

Nonna and an ashen, hungover Nikka brought in baskets of fresh bread with butter, platters of fried fritters, sweet potato pancakes and fresh fruit, along with bowls of boiled eggs and steamed cassava. They also served pots of hot black tea. The spread was perfection.

Apparently, their guests agreed as the room fell silent while everyone ate hungrily. Havel and Jozef in particular ate with gusto. They’d expended a lot of energy chasing Shaun, Ayaan and Leeza through the rainforest.

At least they weren’t worried about Radik poisoning them. Saskia was happy they were making positive strives in their diplomatic relations. She was proud of all of them.

“Oh my god, these are amazing,” Leeza said, her mouth full of fritter. “What are they?”

“Fried bread,” Radik explained, watching her sister with indulgence. “An ancient tradition here and in many places around the world.”

“I’ve eaten some version of this when working for Doctors Without Borders. It’s a cheap, easy food to produce and is popular in refugee camps,” Shaun said.

“Indeed.” Radik’s gaze moved to Saskia’s sister-in-law who was helping herself to another.

The meal ended with surprising cordiality, but of course, with Jozef, Havel and Radik all under one roof, that couldn’t last.

As Shaun was polishing off her third fritter, her face suddenly paled, she clamped a hand over her mouth and she stood abruptly. “I have to go,” she mumbled through her fingers.

Jozef stood, blocking her. You will not go alone, he signed, his hard gaze flickering to Radik.

Defensive of her lover, Saskia said sharply, “She won’t be harmed under this roof. Radik has given his word.”

The word of a warlord means nothing to me. His expression was cold, but levelled on Radik, not Saskia.

“Don’t be so rude,” Saskia snapped, heat suffusing her cheeks. “It’s also incredibly hypocritical given your line of work.”

Havel responded, saying, “Our work is legitimate and serves a purpose. We’re not warmongers.”

Saskia laughed bitterly. “I’ve lived in the Koba family long enough to know that isn’t true.”

You know nothing of the Koba business, Jozef signed, his annoyed gaze on her. The Koba women are to be protected.

“Except for Leeza,” Saskia pointed out.

Leeza is different. She’s skilled in hand-to-hand combat and good with a gun. You are neither.

Saskia’s face grew hot as her temper ignited.

“Guys!” Shaun squeaked desperately, her own face beginning to turn green.

“I’ll go with Shaun.” Ayaan pushed her chair away from the table and stood.

That left Saskia, Radik, Jozef, Havel and Leeza in the dining room.

“Let us continue our conversation in my private office,” Radik said, unperturbed by the fiery exchange.

Saskia stood with him, hoping she presented a united front.

Jozef stood as well, his eyes hard. There will be no need of further conversation. We will take our people and leave. We have already wasted enough time on this continent.