Page 86 of The Specialist

“I lied.”

* * *

I detonated the main bomb from the van, the sound of the house exploding behind us the final checkbox for the night. We were silent for a while.

I passed a weary hand over my face.

“It is done. I need to go home to Sofia.”

“Julian texted. She’s awake. And angry.”

That didn’t surprise me. “I will make it up.”

“Can you wait until I’m asleep? Seriously. She’s my cousin,” Damien lamented.

I chuckled. “Yeah.”

Marcus turned to me. “How’s the arm?”

I shrugged. “I’ve had worse.” Sofia’s words would probably dig deeper.

“It’s over, Egan. HJ is looking after everything now. We’re out. Done.”

“Good.”

“You ready to let it all go?”

“I never wanted back in, Marcus. Ivan forced my hand. I just want a life of peace.”

“What’s next?”

“A life with Sofia. Wherever she wants it to be. If she still wants it.”

“You doubt that?” Damien asked. “She loves you.”

“I broke every promise I made to her. If she can forgive me, we will go forward.” I stared out the window. “If not, I will let her go.”

The rest of the ride was made in silence.

* * *

We entered the house, my jacket hiding the wound on my arm. Julian and Matteo waited, sitting at the table. Sofia leaned against the counter, a cup of coffee in her hand. She was pale, her bruises showing up on her skin like shadows.

Julian stood as we walked in. “HJ has finished the job. The house is secure, and they have the documents needed. It will help sort everything out. We’re done.”

I nodded, my gaze never leaving Sofia’s face.

Damien went over and hugged her, speaking quietly. I sat down, my legs suddenly too tired to hold me up anymore. Julian and Matteo left the room, pausing to exchange a look or tap me on my good shoulder. They knew I’d been shot but didn’t say anything. Marcus grabbed a bottle of water and strode from the kitchen, pausing only to hug Sofia and say something softly. Damien crossed to where I was sitting.

“It’ll be fine, Egan.”

I met his gaze, seeing the sympathy in his eyes.

“Thank you,” I said.

He nodded, knowing I meant for his quick action earlier. Thanks to his marksmanship, Ivan didn’t cause a major injury. He paused then turned back to Sofia. “Egan’s okay, Sofia, but he’s been shot.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”