Page 69 of Fighting Salvation

His hand cupped the back of her head as he held her tight and kissed her hair, and it made her miss Niall that much more.

“I know, sweetheart, but we’re gonna get him back for you. I promise.”

She shook her head, tears falling freely as people huddled in groups, voices low as they all tried to get a handle on their emotions.

“You can’t promise me that, Rafe.”

His silence was confirmation of what she knew. Nothing was guaranteed, but she still had hope and she wouldn’t dishonour Rykov’s sacrifice by giving up.

Pulling away, she wiped her tears and looked at her brother who was watching her with worried eyes. “I’m okay, big bro.”

“I know, sis. You’re the strongest woman I know. I know I don’t say it often but I’m so damn proud of you.”

Tears almost choked her again at his words, but she swallowed them down. Now wasn’t the time for her to fall apart. “Don’t let Nix hear you say that.”

The look of love in his eyes when her name was mentioned was the same one Niall had when he looked at her.

“Do you love him?”

“With my whole heart. I always have.”

Rafe cupped her nape and leaned his forehead against hers. “Then we’re going to get him back for you.”

She nodded and turned to see Hurricane carrying Lotus up the stairs, her body shaking with sobs.

“Did Watchdog get on the plane?”

“Yes, Reid accompanied him back with Bishop. He’ll make sure he gets the care he needs.”

She moved toward Duchess, who was leaning on the island, her head in her hands. Jack was talking to someone on the phone and Bein was pacing. Titan was outside smoking, which was something he only ever did when he was stressed.

“Duchess.”

Her head came up and she saw pain and fury in her friend’s eyes. “Hey. I’m so sorry, Val.”

She took her friend's hand and gripped it hard. “No, you don’t do that. You don’t be sorry. This isn’t anyone’s fault.”

Duchess threw up her hands in defeat. “I was in charge.”

“And our mission was a success. Watchdog is headed home because of it.”

“But Bás is gone and Rykov is dead.” Her words sounded pained.

“We need a leader, Duchess. We can’t fall apart, not now. We can do that when we get everyone else home safe, including Bás.”

“I’ll ask Jack.”

Val shook her head. “No. We need you, Duchess. Jack isn’t our leader. You are and that’s who’s going to find Bás and get us the hell home.”

“What if I fuck up and someone else dies?”

“You won’t.”

She nodded at Duchess and looked up as Hurricane came back down the stairs and headed toward them.

“How is she doing?”

Hurricane wrapped an arm around her and squeezed. “She’s asleep. Novem is cuddled up next to her. I tell you, that kid has a sixth sense. She just cuddled up to Naz and she instantly relaxed.”