Page 69 of Warlord’s Empire

Saskia gasped, flinching at his cruelty. “Looking for me, you mean.” Her voice was small, hurt.

Radik’s hand slid up her back, squeezing her shoulder. When she glanced at his face, she saw death in his gaze, which was levelled at Jozef.

Jozef was quick to correct himself. You have my apologies, cousin. Those were carelessly chosen words. I meant that I have been away from my home and business for too long. It’s time for us to go back. His gaze hardened again, as he added, all of us.

“You will not take Sask – ” Radik started to say, but Saskia put her hand on his arm, giving him a pleading look.

In a low voice everyone could still hear, she said to him, “This is a battle I need to fight for myself. I’ve told you I intend to stay, and you need to trust that I’m not going back on my word now that rescue has arrived.” When he looked as if he would argue, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “He’ll never learn to respect me unless I learn to stand on my own.”

Radik’s gaze softened and he nodded, squeezing her hand. Then, stepped back from her.

Jozef’s expression was stony, his signs slow and deliberate, likely for Radik’s benefit. You will leave with us and that is final. This is not about respect, it’s about family. You are part of our family and we protect what is ours.

Saskia closed her eyes and took a breath, organizing her thoughts. She had to control her temper, which wasn’t easy for her, but she’d gotten practice working for the Prime Minister’s office. By the time she opened her eyes, she was able to take Jozef’s words in the way they were meant.

“I love you too, cousin,” she said, her lips curling in a small smile. “I know you aren’t ready for me to leave home, but I’ve been ready for a long while. And while I’ll always be part of the Koba family, I want more in life.” She gestured toward Radik. “I want to be part of another family.” She looked up at Radik, speaking to him as much as Jozef. “I love it here in a way that’s beginning to feel like home. I’m still exploring and discovering Marifiya and I’m not ready to leave. I may never be.”

“I want you to come home with us. I don’t want you to stay,” Leeza said, her tone subdued.

Saskia’s gaze swung to her sister, surprised. She thought she’d at least have Leeza’s support, but before she could reply, Leeza continued. “But I know it’s not up to me.” Leeza looked at Jozef. “We can’t keep her forever, like a bird in a cage. She has to go free eventually.”

“She isn’t in a cage,” Havel snapped at his wife. “She has her own apartment, a job, a plant.”

“How do you know I have a plant?” Saskia asked, glaring at him. “You’ve never stepped foot in my apartment.”

He looked away and Leeza demanded, “You’ve been in my sister’s apartment without permission?” She punched him in the arm hard enough to make him wince. “And you just proved her apartment is as much a cage as the mansion. She has no privacy in this family. No wonder she wants to leave.”

Saskia blinked back tears. It felt good having her sister defend her.

“This isn’t a debate,” Saskia announced, raising her voice. “I’m not going with you. I choose to stay with Muhammed.”

Jozef stared at her, clearly struggling with himself. His desires, his duty, his need to stamp his alpha-ness over every situation.

Saskia shook her head at him. “It’s not your decision to make.”

After a moment, he nodded. Very well. It will be as you wish. His deadly gaze landed on Radik and he pointed at him, his finger tattoos flashing. Loyalty. Pride. Family. If anything happens to her, I will come back with an army and I won’t stop until you’re dead.

I would expect nothing less, Radik signed back.

Chapter Thirty-One

True to his word, Jozef demanded the Koba group be ready to leave Marifiya within the hour. The jet had landed at Radik’s airfield and was ready for their return trip to Prague.

Saskia tried to persuade him to stay a few more days, but he pulled her aside, signing, I meant what I said. I have business back home that requires my attention. I wish we could stay longer, see for ourselves that you’re well settled here, but now is not the time. We spent too many weeks in South Africa looking for you. He glanced at Radik, then signed, He is an extremely difficult man to find. On that count, at least, I’m pleased. My enemies will not be able to get to you here.

Sakia suppressed a laugh. Jozef was mafia through-and-through. Enemies lurked in every shadow, but at least he was satisfied that Saskia would be safe without his protection. It was a battle she’d been fighting for years, and one, it seemed, she’d finally won. It only took hooking up with a warlord.

“Thank you for coming for me,” she said.

His gaze was serious as it held hers. I will always come when you need me. Never doubt that.

“I don’t,” she whispered, blinking back tears as she pulled him into a hug, surprised at how tightly he held her. He wasn’t one for affectionate goodbyes. Sure enough, as soon as he let her go, he boarded the plane without a backward glance.

“He’s trying not to cry,” Shaun said, giving Saskia a warm hug before boarding the jet behind her husband.

“Don’t forget about us,” Havel said gruffly, coming to stand in front of Saskia.

“I couldn’t if I wanted to.” Saskia wrapped her arms around his middle and gave him a tight squeeze.