Chapter 28
ALEXEI
After stopping in Italy, we fly to Damien and Winter’s island.
Stepping off the plane, I glance around, and then I hold my hand out to Isabella. Her fingers interlink with mine, and I tug her right to my side.
Looking at Ana, I say, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Ana nods as she takes in the island, partially covered by a forest.
When Demitri and Ariana join us with the other women, I say, “Can you take the women inside?”
He nods. “Sure.”
I watch as Carson and Lucian’s women follow Demitri to the house, and I pray I’ll be able to return their men to them.
I turn to Ana. “Will you be okay here?”
She takes a deep breath before answering, “Yes.” Then she glances at the house, and her chin begins to quiver.
Ana’s still a child in so many ways, and it makes me feel protective of her. I let go of Isabella’s hand and crouch down in front of Ana. “Hey, no tears, little one.”
She tries to reign in her emotions but fails, and a tear rolls down her cheek. “Bring Isabella safely back to me.”
“I’ll make sure she returns to you,” I say.
Then Ana adds, “And you.”
Our eyes lock, and I tilt my head as Ana creeps into my heart. This time I only nod.
“Promise,” she demands, her silent tears falling faster.
“I promise.” I’ll do my best, little Ana.
She wipes the tears from her cheeks then lifts her chin. “I’ll be okay here.”
Just then, Cillian and MJ walk toward us, and I stand up, turning to Isabella. “You two go ahead.”
Isabella places her hand against my chest, right over my heart, and presses a kiss to my mouth, and then she walks away with Ana.
When Cillian and MJ reach me, Cillian nods at me. “Alexei.”
I glance between the two people who’ll guard the women. “Ana’s sensitive. She’ll need her own space.” They nod, then I add, “Let MJ deal with her.”
“Okay,” Cillian agrees.
I take a deep breath and then order, “Shoot down any unauthorized aircraft or watercraft. No one sets foot on this island.”
“Of course,” Cillian replies.
I take another deep breath. Christ. “If we don’t make it back, I’ve made arrangements with Demitri and Damien’s uncle. He’ll be in touch.”
Cillian’s features tighten because that includes him losing Winter, who’s like a daughter to him.
Patting him on the shoulder, I say, “I’ll do my best to bring everyone back in one piece.”
Cillian nods, then gestures to the group of men he managed to gather for me. “I trained them myself.”
“And they can be trusted to do the job?” My eyes stop on each man, knowing most of them won’t make it out alive.
“Yes. They know their families will be well compensated,” Cillian answers.
“Good.”
I turn my attention to MJ, the custodian Carson got to guard Hailey. “I know Hailey’s your first priority, but I need you to protect Ana.”
MJ nods. “I’ll guard them both with my life.”
I hold MJ’s stare for a moment. “The payment will be made no matter what happens to me.”
MJ nods again.
Placing my hand on Cillian’s shoulder, I say, “Tell the men to board the plane. I’ll send out Winter for you.”
I walk to the house, and when I step inside, Damien’s waiting for me. “Ready?”
“I just need a moment.”
He nods and gestures to the living room, where everyone’s gathered. When I walk inside, I place a hand on Winter’s back and lean into her. “Cillian’s waiting outside for you.”
When she leaves, I turn to the women and make eye contact with each of them, and then I stop on Ana. “Come with me.”
I go to the dining room, and then I turn to face Ana.
She begins to shake her head. “You already promised.”
I step closer to her and then catch myself before I place a hand on her shoulder. Crouching, I look up at her. “Just in case I can’t keep my promise, I’ve made arrangements for you with Ariana. There are funds so you can study or start something of your own. Until you’re twenty-five, Ariana will help you with the trust fund that will be set up.”
“Don’t say that,” Ana bites out, her face a second away from crumbling.
I take a deep breath, and meeting her shimmering eyes, I say, “I’m sorry for what happened to you. We’re not all monsters.”
“Then come back and prove it to me yourself,” Ana demands.
I nod, praying I’ll get the chance.
Standing up, I let out a heavy breath, and then I go back to the living room and hug Ariana. “Take care of Ana.”
She nods against my chest.
I press a kiss to Ariana’s forehead, then pull away and walk out of the house.