Page 88 of Warlord’s Empire

She hugged Saskia tightly before holding her out to look at her. “Wow, you look like you’re about to pop. Exactly how pregnant are you?”

“A little more than five months.” Saskia accepted hugs from Jozef and Shaun who handed out winter gear to the others as they stepped off the plane and into the chill wind.

“Could it be twins?” There was a hint of hope in Leeza’s tone.

Saskia shook her head. “I’ve been assured there’s only one in there. It’s just big and I am not, so things stick out more.” She was starting to feel self-conscious.

Leeza smiled with understanding. “You look beautiful, really. You’re positively glowing.”

Saskia laughed, her first genuine laugh in almost two months. It felt good to be at home with her sister. “It’s the hormones making me sweat more.”

“Sure,” Leeza agreed. “But it’s a gorgeous sweat. Come on, let’s get you out of the cold. You’re probably not used to it anymore.”

Saskia had to admit she wasn’t. It felt both wonderful and strange to be home again. The climate in the part of Africa where Marifiya was located stayed warm and humid throughout the year. Without realizing it, she’d grown accustomed to the heat. She’d traded in her denims for shorts, and her boots for sandals.

There were two cars and Leeza got into one with Saskia and Shola while Nikka and Nonna went with Shaun and Jozef. As they drove, Saskia realized they missed the turnoff into the heart of Prague where her apartment was located.

“Where are we going?” Saskia asked, pointing at the turnoff.

“Jozef thinks it would be best if you stay with us on the estate and I agree,” Leeza said. “We can keep you safe there and you’ll have everything you need.”

“For how long?” Saskia demanded.

Leeza looked surprised. “Well, forever really.” At Saskia’s fierce frown, she quickly added, “At least until after the baby is born and you’ve had time to settle into motherhood.”

“No, I want to go home,” Saskia said firmly. “I didn’t agree to this. I came back to Prague so I could go home, not out to the estate.”

“You didn’t come back to see us? To see me?” Leeza looked hurt, but Saskia could tell it was affected.

“Of course I came back to see you,” Saskia said exasperated. “You walked into a warlord’s compound in the heart of the Congo to save me, I will always want to see you. But I also want to go to my own home and my own bed.”

Leeza looked at Saskia with sharp eyes that held a little more respect than they had in the past. “Jozef won’t like it. He wants all the family on lockdown at the mansion.”

Saskia rolled her eyes. “He wanted that before I got into trouble in Pretoria. Just because I stayed a few extra months in Africa doesn’t change the way I feel about having my own place.”

“You were kidnapped,” Leeza reminded her drily. “Not hanging out in Africa on a lark. Let’s not pretend nothing’s changed. You’re coming back to us pregnant.”

“That doesn’t make a difference,” Saskia said flatly, rubbing her stomach. “I’m the same person I was with or without a baby.”

“You’re more vulnerable,” Leeza argued.

Shola spoke for the first time since they’d gotten in the vehicle. “She will have me.”

Leeza swung hostile eyes toward Shola. “I don’t know anything about you except that the man who hired you also knocked up my sister. You don’t get a say in this.”

“No, I don’t,” Shola said flatly. “But she does.” She nodded toward Saskia. “And the man who hired me instructed me to do everything in my power to give her what she wants and needs.”

The three women stared at each other in a battle of wills. It was Saskia who finally broke the silence, raising her voice to speak to the driver. “Please turn the car around.” She didn’t recognize him, so she gave him her address.

The driver’s eyes met Leeza’s in the rearview mirror. “Mrs. Tsotsarov?”

Leeza seemed torn but finally nodded. “Okay, we’ll do it your way, but Shaun has been planning this homecoming since we found out you were coming back. It would crush her if you didn’t show.”

Leeza was manipulating Saskia’s emotions, but what could she do? “Fine, we’ll come out for a few hours, but then I want your word that no matter what Jozef says, you will make sure I come home to my own place.”

“Of course,” Leeza agreed quickly.

Saskia settled back in her seat, then frowned. “Shaun has been planning my homecoming since yesterday?”