When I looked at Adrik, I saw more than his scars. I saw a hero. A kind, selfless, loyal, protective, generous man. Adrik was a true rarity.
And I was in love with him. Completely. I wasn’t sure when it had happened. It had just snuck up on me somehow. It might seem too soon to love him, but honestly, Adrik was so easy to love. How could anyonenotlove him?
I didn’t know what my family might think of me falling for one of the Bratva soldiers. I didn’t even know what Adrik might think of it.
My chest tightened, emotion once again clogging my throat. Was I anything more than a job to him? What would happen when we went back home? Would he take me sailing with him?
I drew in a deep breath, slowly exhaling. Now was not the time for such questions.
I finished wrapping his wound and taped the bandage closed.
“Do you know what helped me fight back my terror when I was his prisoner?”
Adrik’s eyes flew open, his gaze latching onto mine. He gave a small shake of his head.
“You,” I admitted softly. “Thoughts of you and seeing you again. I was so scared, but then I thought of you and the fear disappeared. You gave me the courage to fight, to not give up.”
He blinked rapidly, tears swimming in his eyes. “You’re a Popov, Annika. You werebornwith courage.”
I huffed, shaking my head. “Not true. I’ve always been different from everyone else in my family. The scaredy-cat. The weirdo. You know that. But I always believed inyou. Iknewyou would come for me. And you did. You are a true hero, Adrik. In every way. One of the best people I have ever known.”
He closed his eyes. “I don’t feel like a hero. I just…” his breath hitched, “…murdered my own brother. And I don’t…know if I can live with it.”
My heart twisted.Oh, Adrik.I squeezed his hand. “You only did what you had to do.”
“Did I?” Anger swirled in his eyes. “What kindheroleaves his little brother behind?”
The back door flew open, slamming into the wall.
We both jolted as armed Bratva soldiers rushed into the house. Upon seeing us, they lowered their weapons.
Then Papa entered the cabin with Efrem and Uncle Pavel. Sacha, Lev, and Dominik all followed closely behind.
With a soft cry, Papa rushed forward, enfolding me in his arms and hugging me tightly. Then my brother was hugging me, my Uncle Pavel, and finally, my cousins. They fussed over me for several minutes, ensuring I was okay. Then they turned to Adrik, each of them shaking his hand and thanking him for saving me.
“Let’s get you home, sis.” Efrem helped me up from the couch.
I glanced back at Adrik as Lev hefted me in his thick arms and carried me toward the door. I overhead Pavel offering Adrik a higher-ranking position in the Bratva with a hefty raise.
They weren’t firing him, after all.
I smiled, happy for him. He deserved it.
Then Adrik’s response reached my ears.
“Thank you,” he answered quietly. “While I appreciate all you’ve done for me over the years, I’m going to have to refuse. It’s time I gave my notice.”
What?My heart stuttered.
He wasleaving?
My breath hitched. My chest caved in.
I wanted to shout that he couldn’t leave, that he was my person. My soulmate.
I wanted to tell him how much I loved him.
But that would be selfish, especially right now.