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We turn off the main road and drive for fifteen more minutes. I know we aren’t being stealthy, with the massive dust cloud kicked up off the gravel road by our convoy of vehicles. In lieu of stealth, we’re going as fast as we possibly can.
We round the last turn in the drive and skid to a stop, everyone taking cover behind the armored vehicles.
Roxanne is sitting on the fucking front porch. She’s lounged in a cheerful, brightly painted Adirondack chair, drinking from a glass of lemonade. In the chair across from the small shared table sits Nikolai Volkov, the fucking Pakhan himself, looking equally relaxed.
What the fuck?
I pop out of the tank, gun raised, and move to Roxanne. She smiles.
“Hi, babe. It’s ok, I’m ok.” She gestures to Volkov. “Have you met Nikolai?”
Nikolai?
I’m sure my face is an odd mixture of shock and confusion, because Roxanne continues her reassurance.
“Sean, I’m ok. Put the gun down. We’re all friends here.”
Friends?
“You’re not hurt?” I can see some bruises on her cheek that beg to differ.
“No, not really. Boris and Dimitri slapped me around some, but Patrick hits harder.”
“Where are they?” I ask.
“Dead,” Volkov answers. “I killed Dimitri for treason and being a general piece of shit excuse for a man.” He sips his lemonade and nods at Roxanne. “She killed Boris.”
I look at Roxanne. She just shrugs.
Volkov continues, “You have a formidable woman, Sean O’Connell.” He seems genuine. “I’m sure you would prefer to be on your way. When you’ve settled Ms. Johnson, I would appreciate a meeting. I would like to discuss some future business arrangements that would be more mutually beneficial.” He stands, shakes Roxanne’s hand like he’s at a fucking board meeting, and walks inside.
Roxanne stands, and then she’s running into my arms. I carry her bridal style to the tank, knowing Patrick and Declan are covering our exit.
“I love you too, baby.”
She turns her beautiful hazel eyes to face me. She kisses me. “So Declan gave you my message.”
“Aye, he did.”
Her head is tucked against my neck.
I kiss her hair. “Baby, what the hell were you thinking? Why didn’t you tell Declan instead of running off? I would burn the city to the ground for you.”
I feel her sniffle. “I couldn’t risk Tasha’s life. She’s innocent, Sean. She didn’t ask for any of this. I couldn’t let her get hurt because of my choices.”
Fuck.
“You can’t do that to me again, baby. I can’t lose you. Promise you’ll ask for my help from now on. These aren’t your battles to fight alone.” I feel her nodding her head against my chest.
“Is Tasha ok?” she whispers.
“Aye. She’s shaken up, but almost as tough as you are.”
“Where are we going?”
“Home. Tasha is there. I was going to set her up in one of the guest rooms for as long as you two want. It’s easier to protect you both if you’re in the same place.”
“Thank you.”
