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I raise my own glass. “Cheers.”
We all throw back our shots, which are vodka, and slam them onto the table once they are drained dry. The alcohol is smooth as it’s top-shelf. Nothing but the best for Aleksei Popov—the man who is now my partner.
An unspoken warning lingers between us—we will respect the other, as essentially, we want the same thing. But if either of us fucks the other over, there’ll be hell to pay. I think I’ve met my match, and I know Alek feels the same way.
With nothing further to say, I stand and exit the booth. Alek remains seated, always watching me with those astute eyes. “My finest, most loyal men are at your disposal. Whatever you need.”
“What I need is for one of them to get Cami’s sister.”
Eva is still at Aoife’s, as is Ethan, who is scouting the place. Men are watching the gaff, so we can’t get her out.
“It’s done,” Alek says with a nod. “What about your home? Do you need extra men there?”
At the moment, we’re staying at Kavanagh’s, which I think will be the safest place for Babydoll. “Naw, it’s okay. That’s my home turf. I can protect it. Anyone dares to challenge me…they’ll pay with their lives. But my siblings—”
“Whatever you need.”
Alek is someone who gets shit done, and I instantly feel better having him on my team.
“All right then.”
I turn to leave, but Alek stops me. “Will killing him be enough?”
The hair at the back of my neck stands on end, and I don’t know why.
“I ask this because I think, like me, you too take comfort in the darkness. It’s where your demons thrive. You’re split right down the middle. Good versus evil. I wonder which side will win.”
Turning to look at him, I deadpan him. “Fuck with me, and y’ll find out.”
My warning isn’t empty, and Alek’s smirk reveals he appreciates that I haven’t submitted. Yes, I have given him my country, but that doesn’t mean I’ve surrendered—I’ve won.
Taking hold of Babydoll’s hand, I calmly walk through the pub, never feeling more victorious than I do right now. I don’t fail to notice how quiet she was throughout the meeting, and that silence continues as we walk toward my truck.
I know she isn’t happy with my decision.
As I drive us toward Kavanagh’s, I’m struck with an idea, one which I hope will help Babydoll understand why I’ve chosen the path I have.
She doesn’t say anything when I miss the turn for Kavanagh’s and continue driving toward the castle. I don’t take the usual route, however, as I want to remain undetected. The grounds are vast, and I take the backroad that leads to a dead end.
I switch off the engine and get out of the truck. When I hear Babydoll’s car door open, I sigh in relief, thankful she’s willing to hear me out.
Stepping over the barricade and onto my property, I walk through the long grass, the tall trees shielding us from prying eyes. I don’t hover around Babydoll. I give her space. She’s following, no doubt her curiosity getting the better of her.
When the castle comes into view in the distance, I stop near a large tree and take it all in.
“This is what I’m fightin’ for,” I say, never taking my eyes off the place which will always be my home. “I’m fightin’ for our future, a future where we’re not lookin’ over our shoulders, afraid for our lives. I want this to be a home again. And I want that to be with you.”
Cami sighs softly.
“I know you don’t agree with my choice, but it feels right. I’ve only ever felt that way once before”—I turn to look at her as I take off my necklace—“and that was when I met you. I can’t do this without you, Babydoll.”
She works her bottom lip as I slip the necklace,hernecklace over her head. “I was keepin’ it safe for ye. Close to my heart. Just as you are.”
I brought her here to show her thatthisis the future I want, one I want to build with her.
“And you never will have to do this without me,” she finally says, clutching the rose around her neck. It pleases me so. “I just don’t want you giving this up because of others. Because of me.”
Before I can argue, she levels me sincerely.
