Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
“Good morning, again.” Radik’s deep voice, the caress of a hand on her hip, and the smell of coffee pulled her from a very pleasant nap and into an even pleasanter morning.
Saskia pushed herself up on an elbow, shoving curls from her face. “Did you bring me breakfast in bed?”
He was beyond sexy in a pair of low-riding sweats and nothing else. He got even sexier when he handed her a cup of coffee.
“Coffee only, I’m afraid. I’ve asked Nonna to prepare breakfast for our guests. We’ll join them once we’ve had our coffee.”
Saskia smiled as she sipped. “You’re a thoughtful man to allow me my caffeine before I have to face Jozef.”
“I won’t allow him to intimidate you,” Radik said seriously, sitting on the bed next to her.
It felt so domestic and perfect, she wanted the moment to last forever. This was the life she envisioned when she fantasized about the two of them.
“He doesn’t intimidate me,” she said. “Not really. It’s finding a way to tell him I won’t be going back with him that’s going to be tricky.”
“Not so tricky because you will have me and an entire army at your back,” Radik replied. “Now finish up your coffee, then get your gorgeous ass into some clothes so we can join your family.”
Saskia noticed a definite shift in the household that morning as she and Radik made their way to breakfast. “There are guards in the house,” she noted as they passed one in the upstairs hallway.
“They’re more visible than usual, yes,” Radik agreed, taking her hand as they descended the stairs.
Meaning the guards were always there and she’d just missed them in the shadows. She wasn’t surprised. She’d been raised in a mansion filled with security guards. They’d become mostly invisible to her.
“You want my cousin to feel their presence,” she guessed, stopping in the hall before entering the dining room. She looked up at Radik as he stopped next to her. “You don’t have to worry about Jozef. He won’t strike with non-combat women in the house. He’s old-fashioned that way.”
Radik rubbed a hand over his bald head, something she noticed he did when trying to carefully choose his words.
“Tell me what you’re not saying.”
He dropped his hand. “You’re coming to know my mannerisms.” He didn’t sound annoyed. “Plainly speaking, the additional, more visible security is more of a display than a threat to your cousin. He knows he’s placed himself firmly within my power, there’s no need for further threats.”
“Then why the display?” She glanced at the guard behind her who was pretending not to hear them. “I don’t understand.”
She could swear Radik, the giant, near mythical warlord, scuffed the toe of his boot against the floor and refused to make eye contact.
“It’s a display of force, yes, but not for the reason you think.
” His eyes glinted with humour as he made eye contact again.. “I want him to know I can protect you.”
“Oh.” She should’ve guessed. Nearly everything he’d done since her arrival in Marifiya was for her benefit. “Do you think it’s working?”
He took her hand again and turned toward the dining room. “Let’s find out.”
He opened the door and they went in together.
Saskia had been in the room but never used it. The large formal room located off the kitchen was meant for guests. She preferred to eat in the cozy kitchen, at the table by the garden, or on the terrace outside her bedroom. Radik joined her when he could.
The conversation ceased and all eyes turned to them. Seated at the table were Jozef, Shaun, Leeza, Havel and Ayaan. Joy filled her at having most of her family in the same room together.
Saskia sought out her cousin, whose worried eyes were travelling over her, searching for injury. Then his gaze met hers and she could tell he was looking for any sign that she was with Radik unwillingly.
Breaking away from Radik, she rushed toward him. “Jozef!”
He held his arms out and she rushed into them, nearly knocking him back as he enveloped her.
“I can’t believe you’re here!” Okay, she could believe he was there, but she’d never envisioned him arriving in such a peaceful manner.
She was so grateful that no one she loved had been hurt in the meeting of families, it lent her hug extra warmth.
He squeezed her hard before pushing her back to look her over. He must’ve liked what he saw because there was relief in his expression. He freed his arms and signed to her, Tell me you are not here willingly. Give me the word and I will raze this place to the ground.
She almost smiled, though her heart pounded in fear and silence fell across the dining room. Everyone who could read sign language tensed as the Guard Dog of Prague made his suicidal declaration.
“There will be no need for that.” Radik’s voice came from behind them. There was caution to his tone. “We can all be friends.”
Saskia’s eyes widened as she realized the import of what just happened. She turned around to stare at Radik. “You can read sign language?”
And speak it, he signed, though clumsily.
She knew the answer before asking, but she asked anyway. “Why?”
For you, he signed.
She shook her head, trying to understand. “But we can speak without it. Why would you learn for me?”
He hesitated, then tried to sign, but the words were in the wrong order.
She shook her head. “I don’t understand, Muhammed. What are you trying to tell me?”
Ignoring everyone else in the room, he said, “I knew you would one day want to see your family and I cannot allow you to go without my protection. I learned so I can properly communicate your security needs to the head of the Koba family.”
Her mouth formed an ‘oh’.
It was her sister who said, “That amount of future planning gives off creepy stalker vibes.”
“But is also in keeping with the way the Koba family works,” Shaun pointed out. “Which makes it sort of romantic in a dark gothic kind of way.”
Radik continued, “I had years to learn and grow as I planned for the moment you would become my…”
“Careful,” Havel spoke in a growl, the first thing he’d said since Saskia had entered the room.
“My wife,” Radik finished. “If she will one day have me.”
Saskia’s heart fluttered. Maybe his stalking and planning was over the top for normal people, but Shaun was right. It was in keeping with the way the Kobas did things, the way any mafia family operated, really.
“We’ll see about that.” It was Havel who spoke, but he was interpreting Jozef’s signs.
Ignoring them, Radik said, “Let us sit and eat.” He waved his arm toward the table. “We can discuss business after our guests have enjoyed our hospitality.”
Saskia was pleased by his use of the word ‘our’. His warm hand against her back gave her confidence in her position within the household.
Nonna and an ashen, hungover Nikka brought in baskets of fresh bread with butter, platters of fried fritters, sweet potato pancakes and fresh fruit, along with bowls of boiled eggs and steamed cassava. They also served pots of hot black tea. The spread was perfection.
Apparently, their guests agreed as the room fell silent while everyone ate hungrily. Havel and Jozef in particular ate with gusto. They’d expended a lot of energy chasing Shaun, Ayaan and Leeza through the rainforest.
At least they weren’t worried about Radik poisoning them. Saskia was happy they were making positive strives in their diplomatic relations. She was proud of all of them.
“Oh my god, these are amazing,” Leeza said, her mouth full of fritter. “What are they?”
“Fried bread,” Radik explained, watching her sister with indulgence. “An ancient tradition here and in many places around the world.”
“I’ve eaten some version of this when working for Doctors Without Borders. It’s a cheap, easy food to produce and is popular in refugee camps,” Shaun said.
“Indeed.” Radik’s gaze moved to Saskia’s sister-in-law who was helping herself to another.
The meal ended with surprising cordiality, but of course, with Jozef, Havel and Radik all under one roof, that couldn’t last.
As Shaun was polishing off her third fritter, her face suddenly paled, she clamped a hand over her mouth and she stood abruptly. “I have to go,” she mumbled through her fingers.
Jozef stood, blocking her. You will not go alone, he signed, his hard gaze flickering to Radik.
Defensive of her lover, Saskia said sharply, “She won’t be harmed under this roof. Radik has given his word.”
The word of a warlord means nothing to me. His expression was cold, but levelled on Radik, not Saskia.
“Don’t be so rude,” Saskia snapped, heat suffusing her cheeks. “It’s also incredibly hypocritical given your line of work.”
Havel responded, saying, “Our work is legitimate and serves a purpose. We’re not warmongers.”
Saskia laughed bitterly. “I’ve lived in the Koba family long enough to know that isn’t true.”
You know nothing of the Koba business, Jozef signed, his annoyed gaze on her. The Koba women are to be protected.
“Except for Leeza,” Saskia pointed out.
Leeza is different. She’s skilled in hand-to-hand combat and good with a gun. You are neither.
Saskia’s face grew hot as her temper ignited.
“Guys!” Shaun squeaked desperately, her own face beginning to turn green.
“I’ll go with Shaun.” Ayaan pushed her chair away from the table and stood.
That left Saskia, Radik, Jozef, Havel and Leeza in the dining room.
“Let us continue our conversation in my private office,” Radik said, unperturbed by the fiery exchange.
Saskia stood with him, hoping she presented a united front.
Jozef stood as well, his eyes hard. There will be no need of further conversation. We will take our people and leave. We have already wasted enough time on this continent.
Saskia gasped, flinching at his cruelty. “Looking for me, you mean.” Her voice was small, hurt.
Radik’s hand slid up her back, squeezing her shoulder. When she glanced at his face, she saw death in his gaze, which was levelled at Jozef.
Jozef was quick to correct himself. You have my apologies, cousin. Those were carelessly chosen words. I meant that I have been away from my home and business for too long. It’s time for us to go back. His gaze hardened again, as he added, all of us.
“You will not take Sask – ” Radik started to say, but Saskia put her hand on his arm, giving him a pleading look.
In a low voice everyone could still hear, she said to him, “This is a battle I need to fight for myself. I’ve told you I intend to stay, and you need to trust that I’m not going back on my word now that rescue has arrived.
” When he looked as if he would argue, she lowered her voice to a whisper.
“He’ll never learn to respect me unless I learn to stand on my own. ”
Radik’s gaze softened and he nodded, squeezing her hand. Then, stepped back from her.
Jozef’s expression was stony, his signs slow and deliberate, likely for Radik’s benefit. You will leave with us and that is final. This is not about respect, it’s about family. You are part of our family and we protect what is ours.
Saskia closed her eyes and took a breath, organizing her thoughts. She had to control her temper, which wasn’t easy for her, but she’d gotten practice working for the Prime Minister’s office. By the time she opened her eyes, she was able to take Jozef’s words in the way they were meant.
“I love you too, cousin,” she said, her lips curling in a small smile.
“I know you aren’t ready for me to leave home, but I’ve been ready for a long while.
And while I’ll always be part of the Koba family, I want more in life.
” She gestured toward Radik. “I want to be part of another family.” She looked up at Radik, speaking to him as much as Jozef.
“I love it here in a way that’s beginning to feel like home.
I’m still exploring and discovering Marifiya and I’m not ready to leave. I may never be.”
“I want you to come home with us. I don’t want you to stay,” Leeza said, her tone subdued.
Saskia’s gaze swung to her sister, surprised. She thought she’d at least have Leeza’s support, but before she could reply, Leeza continued. “But I know it’s not up to me.” Leeza looked at Jozef. “We can’t keep her forever, like a bird in a cage. She has to go free eventually.”
“She isn’t in a cage,” Havel snapped at his wife. “She has her own apartment, a job, a plant.”
“How do you know I have a plant?” Saskia asked, glaring at him. “You’ve never stepped foot in my apartment.”
He looked away and Leeza demanded, “You’ve been in my sister’s apartment without permission?” She punched him in the arm hard enough to make him wince. “And you just proved her apartment is as much a cage as the mansion. She has no privacy in this family. No wonder she wants to leave.”
Saskia blinked back tears. It felt good having her sister defend her.
“This isn’t a debate,” Saskia announced, raising her voice. “I’m not going with you. I choose to stay with Muhammed.”
Jozef stared at her, clearly struggling with himself. His desires, his duty, his need to stamp his alpha-ness over every situation.
Saskia shook her head at him. “It’s not your decision to make.”
After a moment, he nodded. Very well. It will be as you wish. His deadly gaze landed on Radik and he pointed at him, his finger tattoos flashing. Loyalty. Pride. Family. If anything happens to her, I will come back with an army and I won’t stop until you’re dead.
I would expect nothing less, Radik signed back.