Page 103 of Warlord’s Empire

Havel burst out laughing, tried to cover it with a cough, but failed. Soon the mercenary was choking on his own spit while Radik and Jozef watched.

“Sorry,” he gasped, wiping his eyes. “You’re asking his permission to marry Saskia. Our Saskia. Have you met her? Her entire modus operandi is doing the opposite of what others want of her. Pretty sure Jozef’s permission will mean nothing to the little devil.”

Radik stood with a snarl. “You dare to call my woman vile names.” Havel laughed harder, further pricking Radik’s temper. Too bad he’d left his gun at the hotel out of respect to Jozef. “You find my words amusing.” His tone was heavy with displeasure.

Havel brought himself under control. “Saskia calls herself a devil when she babysits my children because she teaches them bad behaviors. She thinks it’s funny. I love her like a sister; I would never insult her.” His face lost its humour as he studied Radik. “Why would you ask Jozef’s permission? You’ve gotten to know her, right? Which means you know better. She’ll hate that you’re doing this.”

Radik softened, nodding. “I know, but the situation is more complicated than she realizes.” His gaze returned to Jozef who was watching the exchange with a neutral expression. “If I don’t have your permission and I take her again, then we go to war.” He would have to kill Jozef and she would hate him for it.

Only if you fail to gain her permission, Jozef signed.

He’d come a long way from the man Radik had met several years earlier. His wife must be a great influence on him if he believed a woman’s permission was necessary to any situation.

Then it struck Radik what a hypocrite he was and he almost laughed, the way Havel had done. Radik had changed in the past several years for the same reason Jozef had changed. A woman.

I intend to secure her permission, Radik acknowledged, but if I don’t get her permission, the plan is to take her home with me and woo her there. It worked once, it can work again.

What makes you think I won’t stop you? Jozef demanded. I won’t allow you to terrorize my cousin.

Radik was quick to answer. Terror is the furthest thing from my mind. I intend to surround her with luxury, shower her with jewels, show her the world in a way she’s never experienced.

“She doesn’t care about all that,” Havel said flatly. “I’m beginning to think she’s better off without you if you don’t understand her in even the most basic way.”

Radik pinned him with a stare. “She may not care about those things, but I will give them to her anyway because it pleases me. I will also see to her needs in a way she will approve. I will right every injustice she comes across, I will find meaningful projects for her to take part in. I will feed the poor, I will educate the underprivileged, and I will end wars. Anything she wants.”

Havel’s expression shifted to thoughtful. “You’ve come back for her, but she might not want you. Have you thought of this?”

“I have,” Radik said. “And of course what she wants matters, but she must do it with me at her side.” He switched back to Jozef, defaulting to sign language again. I will do whatever it takes, but she belongs with me. I can’t let her go. She is my peace.

Jozef nodded. I understand. And, of course, Radik was confident he did. He’d kidnapped his own wife a second time because he’d discovered he couldn’t live without her, even if her life might have been better without him.

It was the same for Radik.

The PTSD medication was working and everyday he was getting a little better. The nightmares had gradually disappeared and he hadn’t had an episode in weeks. He knew it was too early to call himself cured, but he’d come to the realization that there was no point in him going to therapy, taking medication, working on his health if he didn’t have her with him. His results were meaningless without her.

His therapist told him that wasn’t right, that he had to get better for himself, but her words could not change his mind. He needed Saskia and being apart from her, even for a few months, was more than enough to show him his mistake in sending her away.

He would sleep in the safe room for the rest of his life, take pills, hell, he’d wear a straitjacket, anything it took to get her back and keep her safe.

What do you want from me? Jozef signed. I won’t coerce my cousin into going with you and I won’t sway her decision. If she chooses to reject you, I will protect her from you.

It wasn’t the answer Radik had hoped for, but he respected Jozef for it, nonetheless. It showed his devotion to his family, something Radik hoped he could use.

I will stay here then and woo her to my side. I want your permission to do this without interference. I’m not in your territory to conduct business, I wish to operate freely. Do I have your permission?

Jozef took a breath, then nodded. You may stay here in Prague as long as you like, but you will work with one of my security teams. You’re a prime target in this area of the world and there’s no hiding you. If my cousin is at your side, then she too is a target.

Radik accepted his words. Indeed, you are correct. I agree to work with your team. I don’t intend to stay long, but I won’t leave without Saskia.

And if she decides she doesn’t ever want to leave?

Radik had his answer prepared. Then we will have to find a way for me to live here with her without putting her in danger.

“You would never be able to show your face in public,” Havel piped in. “You don’t strike me as a man who enjoys spending his time indoors.”

Radik half-smiled. “Then I suppose you’ll have to get used to seeing my face on your private combat range because you’re correct, being cooped up doesn’t suit me.”

“How the fuck do you know about our range?” Havel snarled, then narrowed his eyes. “Ayaan.”