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The guys looked at one another with an expression that tightened my stomach.
Something bad was about to happen.
“Our last mission,” Mac began, “It was in Croatia. We were sent to rescue some missionaries from a man named Balaban. Real scum-of-the-earth type, the sort of man who’d toss his own mother off a boat if it meant he’d have a chance at a little more power.”
“We’ve come up against him before,” Marcus said, placing his hand against his shoulder. “Got a bullet wound as a little souvenir.”
I said nothing, letting them go on.
Mac continued. “The mission was a success. We’d gotten in, rescued the missionaries, and gotten the hell out. Each of them was safe, and we got paid a nice sum for our trouble. Along with a chance to stick it to Balaban.”
“But apparently, he’s not done with us. We just got news this morning that he’s in the states, and—”
“Wait,” I sat forward. “Please don’t tell me some Croatian warlord is in the country and coming here to hurt you.”
The boys shared another look.
Shit.
“That’s what we’re fearing,” Mac said. “Can’t think of any reason why he’d risk coming to the States unless it was for revenge.”
Little by little, the situation began to take shape.
“And he’s not coming here just for you guys. He’s got the kids in his sights, too.”
“And possibly you,” Adam said. “All he’d have to do is ask around a little to find out that there’s some woman up here that we’ve been really friendly with.”
I realized I hadn’t even considered that I could be in danger too, by association. I’d been too focused on the kids.
Now that Adam had said the words, however, I began to feel sick to my stomach.
“I get it now. That’s why you’re all here. You’re here to what, throw me in a vault in the basement of your fortress until this is all over?” I stood up and began pacing. I was angry; not just about me, but about how the twins were in danger from all of this, too.
“We didn’t want you to get dragged into this,” Adam said, rising from his seat and coming over to me. “But we’re going to make sure you’re safe.” He put his hands on my arms and held me still. The instant he touched me I realized how panicked I’d become. I turned to see that Aggie and the twins were watching me, worried expressions on all of their faces.
“Is Miss Aubrey OK?” Hattie asked.
Shit. Last thing I wanted was to scare the kids. I closed my eyes and took a slow deep breath, trying to calm myself.
The anger was still there, however. I felt betrayed, I felt like the men had been careless with my life, not to mention the lives of the twins.
Without another word, I stormed from the kitchen, furious.
Chapter 31
Mac
The boys and I shared a look that suggested we’d just blown it –hard.
“I think you guys have some explaining to do,” Aggie said, turning away from the twins. “Or, if you want my advice, apologizing.”
She was right.
“Let’s go,” I said to the guys. “Can you handle them?”
Aggie nodded. “Of course. And tell me what’s up when you guys decide on a plan.”
“Will do,” Adam said. “Thanks, Aggie.”
