When my feet touch the floor again, Carson’s mouth crashes down on mine. I taste his happiness, and as the kiss grows hot and heavy, I push my body against his.
Carson grabs hold of my butt and lifts me up. I quickly wrap my arms and legs around him and let out a chuckle as he begins to walk us to his room.
“That’s my queue to make myself scarce. I’ll check if there’s enough food in the cupboards. Maybe go for a walk,” MJ says as she zips past us. “A super long one.”
I let out a burst of laughter, and then it’s smothered by Carson’s mouth. He kicks his bedroom door shut behind us, and dropping me on the bed, he crawls over my body, looking predatory.
I press a hand to his chest. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s that time of the month.”
“Fuck,” he mutters as he lowers his head to my shoulder.
“Just two more days.” I rub my hand over his broad shoulders. “Besides, I want to see Lars.”
Carson nods, and letting out a groan, he pulls himself up.
“I’ll make it up to you tonight,” I say, giving him my best seductive smile.
The corner of his mouth lifts again. “Oh, yeah?”
I nod as I get up from the bed. “Come, if we hurry, we can catch up with MJ.”
Leaving the house, there’s no sight of MJ until we come around the bend.
“MJ,” I call out.
She swings around, and as we get close, she mutters, “That was quick.”
Carson takes hold of the back of her neck, giving her a playful shake. “You’re getting brave.”
She lets out a chuckle. “Yeah, Hailey loves me, so you can’t kill me.”
“Hmm… don’t be so sure,” he grumbles as he nudges her my way.
MJ falls in on my right, and hearing them being more relaxed with each other makes me smile.
I point out little things to MJ while we walk toward the bar. When we get close, my stomach tightens a little, remembering the last time I was here. I shove the thoughts away and walking into the bar, relief washes over me when I see Lars behind the counter.
“Hey, stranger,” I say to get his attention.
Lars’ head snaps up, and then a broad smile spreads over his face. “Hailey!” He hurries from behind the counter and comes to give me a hug.
Carson doesn’t let go of my hand as I greet my friend. Pulling back, I smile at Lars. “How have you been?”
“Good.” His eyes scan over my face. “And you? I was worried. Carson said you’re in Croatia, but…”
I pat Lars’ shoulder. “Yes, I was there, but I’m back now.”
He gestures at the counter. “I didn’t get anyone to take your place, so if you want, you can come back.”
“Really?” Surprise flutters over my face. “Yeah, that would be great.”
“Want a drink? On the house.”
“Sure.” We all take a seat at the counter, Carson taking the stool he always sits on.
Remembering when we met, nostalgia ripples through me.
Carson Koslov. Badass assassin. Yes, I’ve made my peace with the term. And the recluse who’s become the love of my life.
Carson leans over until his mouth brushes against my ear, and then he whispers, “Ya lyublyu tebya.”
Just like the first time he said, ‘I love you’ in Russian, goosebumps spread over my skin.
CARSON
(Another 3 months later…)
My phone vibrates, and opening the text from Lekgari, I smile when I see the photo of Dimpo. It’s an action shot of her getting ready to shoot the ball into a hoop.
Lekgari: She made the team. She’s doing well.
Koslov, Carson: Thank you.
Walking to where Hailey’s making a cup of coffee, I place my hand on her hip and show her the photo.
“Aww…” Hailey smiles widely as her eyes drift over Dimpo. “She looks so happy.”
“She made the netball team. It’s similar to basketball,” I say, proud of Dimpo’s achievement. They’ve settled well into their new home.
I tuck the phone into my pocket and then beeping sounds up from one of the sensors being triggered.
“Shit, they’re here.” I rush down to the armory, my heart rate kicking into overdrive. Silencing the alarm, my eyes fly to the screen, and I watch as the car I sent for Hailey’s parents comes up the driveway.
Christ, here we go.
I’ve faced over a hundred ruthless men without feeling a glimmer of fear, but as I make my way to the front door, it slithers down my spine.
Haley gives me a reassuring smile. “You’re going to be fine. They’ll love you.”
I open the front door and take a deep breath as we walk toward the car. MJ sprints past us, screeching, “You’re here! Finally!”
Mrs. Welsh gets out of the car and gives MJ a hug. “Oh my gosh, you’re even smaller than I thought.” Letting go of MJ, she turns toward Hailey, and then her face crumbles as she rushes to her daughter. “Oh, sweetheart!”