Page 88 of The Specialist

“I don’t know what to think. You are angry.”

“I’m not mad anymore. Not at you. I can’t believe Damien let you get shot.”

Suddenly, I understood. Her anger was relief. Relief that she could be angry and tell me because I had come home to her. Women’s emotions were a mystery to me, but one I was happy to try to solve with her.

“I know,” I huffed, trying to lighten the atmosphere. “Bastard.”

That made her smile.

“I will be fine.”

“Yes, you will. I will look after you.”

I clasped her tight to my chest. “You still love me?”

She looked up, more tears coursing down her cheeks. “I will always love you, Egan. There is no end for us. Ever. Mio guerriero. Mine,” she insisted.

I bent and kissed her sweet mouth. Tasted the salt of her tears. Felt her fear slowly ebbing from her hold.

With a sigh, I rested my chin on her head. “I need you, Sofia.”

“You have me. But, Egan Vulpe, this is the last time I am treating you for a gunshot wound, do you understand me?”

“Yes, iubirea mea.”

“I mean it. No more guns.”

“I can’t make you that promise. If you are in danger, I will protect you by any means necessary.”

Her face softened.

“But since I plan on a quiet, peaceful life, I think we are pretty safe from guns.”

“Good.”

“We’re going to the island with them. You need to take a leave of absence.”

“I already arranged it.”

I stood, lifting her into my arms. “Good. Now, we’re going to bed, and I’m going to hold you all night.”

“Your arm—”

“Is fine. I have an excellent doctor.”

She cupped my face. “And I have a great warrior.”

I kissed her.

“Yes, you do.”

EPILOGUE

Egan

I stood in the large room, the sunlight beaming in through the huge glass doors. The whitewashed walls and simple floors were perfect. Nothing to distract me.

I stepped onto the deck, looking at the vista. This side of the island was wilder, the ocean swirling endlessly. Rocks, sand, and birds surrounded us. The sounds of the wind and the waves were all I heard. I focused my gaze on the woman sitting on the rocks, staring out over the water. I walked toward her, bending to drop a kiss to her head, then sitting next to her.