Page 119 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“I’m happy for you.” He shifts, resting his hands on my shoulders. “I’m going to leave you to it and go see our girl.”

“Good.” I straighten. “I won’t make any decisions without you.”

“This is your dream, fuckwit.” He lightly slaps my cheek. “You already have my support.”

With a feral grin, he turns and stalks away.

Pulse racing, I find Monty and Pilip sitting at a table in a nearby room.

Within minutes, Monty dives into negotiations and financials, his expertise shining through. I focus on my vision, ensuring that every detail aligns with the story I want to tell.

I still don’t trust that Monty has my best interests in mind. But there’s one thing I know for sure.

With or without him, this is happening. Nothing will stand in my way.

25

Leonid

—

The cool night air kisses my skin as I stroll through the seaport, the stars emerging one by one, illuminating the dark Alaskan sky.

It’s been a day of ups and downs, a rollercoaster of power struggles and transitions—clashing with Monty, operating a yacht, driving a car, fending off women, touring a distillery, and watching Kody pursue his dream.

But at the end of the day, it all circles back to Frankie. She’s our binding force. The spark that freed us from Hoss. The reason we strive to be more than our scars.

I pick up my pace.

Monty’s yacht looms ahead, bigger and grander than all the others in the quiet harbor. Its sleek lines and multiple decks glisten in the moonlight, guarded by two burly men in dark suits.

Their eyes track my approach. I give them a nod as I board, adjusting to the sway beneath my feet.

I find her on the bridge deck, sitting in the shadow of the overhang with a tall, attractive man.

Dr. Rhett Howell.

Good. I wanted to meet him. Hopefully, he won’t give me a reason to smash his pretty face.

They can’t see me in the unlit cabin as I draw near, allowing me a few seconds to observe them undetected.

Scrubs cling to his athletic frame, his hair meticulously styled. His forearms flex as he talks with his hands.

Her head tips to the side as she listens, her shoulders slightly hunched. Every so often, her eyes dart left to right, clouding with a strange wariness.

What the fuck is he telling her that’s putting her on edge?

I step onto the deck.

Spotting me, she jumps up, and some of the tension lifts from her features. Until she cranes her neck and realizes I’m alone.

“I left Kody and Monty behind. Needed to check on you.” I erase the space between us and nudge up her chin, examining her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She brushes me off. “This is Dr. Rhett Howell. Rhett, this is Leo.”

“Nice to finally meet you.” He stands, offering a hand. “Frankie speaks highly of you.”

I squeeze his grip firmly, dissecting his body language, delving for artifice.

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