Chapter 12 Mad Skills #2
“It can only be one or the other, Duncan.”
“I genuinely did forget, although subconsciously I think my brain wanted to wait because I can’t stand the thought of someone other than me protecting you. It makes me feel like I’m not doing my job.”
“What? You think because you aren’t here physically that you’re not protecting us? I think you’ve taken one too many knocks to the head in the boxing ring.”
“I’m being serious, Sloane.”
“So am I.”
“Have you forgotten the reason you need extra security in the first place? It’s all because of me, Sunshine.”
“Bullcrap. We’re in this because some scumbag tried to kill us, then tore us apart, while betraying your trust. Sound familiar? Now, would you like to continue this conversation or have make-up sex?”
I ground my hardening cock into her ass.
“Always make-up sex.”
Sloane
I was team Zakhar all the way. Not just because he was drop-dead gorgeous, which he was.
His jet-black hair, which was pulled back into a low ponytail, highlighted the most interesting steel-blue eyes.
The two goons with him, introduced as Kasimir and Makari, were equally as handsome, however they were scary big.
“Miss Beckington, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Zak kissed both my cheeks in greeting, making heat spread up my chest. Duncan growled while I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
In my ear, he whispered, “Your blush is only for me, Sunshine.”
“Jesus, it’s not like I can help it.”
“Daddy, dat guy’s almost as big as you.”
“Never, baby girl. Daddy is always the biggest.” He picked her up, settling her on his hip. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Rogan, do you have what I need?”
“Yes, sir.” He patted his pants pocket.
Meanwhile, I had no idea what they were talking about. Ready for what? Duncan and his team were about to leave on a mission so dangerous he enlisted the Russian Bratva to keep watch over his family. What were these three planning?
“What’s going on?”
“Can I get everyone’s attention please?”
He stepped back and winked. Then he dropped to one knee with our daughter on his hip, our son at his side, and all our friends in attendance. I couldn’t breathe.
“Sloane. I knew you were my soul mate the second you threw your attitude at me nine years ago. So much time was stolen from us, and I don’t want to waste any more. It’s always been you and will always be you. You’re my Sunshine, forever. Marry me.”
“Say yes, Momma.”
I shifted my gaze to Rogan, who was holding the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen. Duncan took it from him, sliding it easily on my ring finger. Perfect fit.
“I haven’t said yes, yet.”
“I’m not giving you the opportunity to say no.”
“Okay, then. Yes.”
Duncan leaped to his feet, dipped me back, and kissed me while our friends and family cheered around us. I never imagined we’d get engaged five minutes before he left on a mission he might not come back from. He’d better keep his promise.
“Tell us about Pru,” Jade asked some time after the agents left.
Jade’s brother, Jett, and Finn were playing tag with the twins in the backyard, while the rest of us watched from the deck. Zak mentioned Pru in passing a few times, never more than a word or two. It was obvious his feelings for her went well beyond his assistant.
“It’s complicated.”
“Welcome to our lives.” Henley spread her arms out wide.
“My mother was killed by one of her johns, then I was targeted by a serial killer. Jade raised her little brother after her druggie parents took off. And you know Lanie and Sloane’s stories.
We are one big complicated family around here. Spill it, mobster.”
“Shit, Henley.” Jade scrubbed her hand down her face. “I don’t think it’s wise to call the mobster a mobster to his face.”
“I’m not a bad mobster. You ladies know that, right?”
“Are there good mobsters?” I pursed my lips.
“Define good.” Kasimir broke his silent streak. “Zak and the rest of us live in the gray. We aren’t good, but we aren’t bad either. We’re somewhere in between.”
“That’s valuable information.” Henley clapped her hands together. “Now can we get back to you and Prudence?”
“There is no me and Pru.”
“But you want there to be,” I stated.
“Very much so. Pru is moy dykhanie, my breath. But she got injured because of me, because of the Bratva. I’m not sure she’ll ever be able to forgive me.”
“Have you talked to her?” All eyes went to Jade.
“No.”
“Then you’re an idiot.”
Henley may have insulted the leader of the Bratva for the second time in as many minutes; however she wasn’t wrong. The only way Zak stood a chance of winning his lady was if he learned how to communicate. Being the strong, silent type only got you so far.
“Pru is having a hard time dealing with her injuries. She said being around me reminds her of what she lost.”
I looked to the heavens and prayed I wouldn’t end up swimming with the fishes for what I was about to say.
“Forgive me, Zak, but Henley’s right. You’re an idiot.
She’s in pain, physically and emotionally.
Talk to her, feel her out. You’ll be able to tell if she’s pushing you away because she’s not interested or if it’s something else all together. ”
“Fuck. I’ve been going about this all the wrong way.”
Then I added, “You should probably do something about that when you get home.”