Page 96 of The Hermit

“Your father can learn a thing or two from you,” Santiago mutters before pointing at the SUVs. “Let’s get out of here.”

I keep hold of Dominik as we walk to the SUV and help him climb into the backseat before joining him.

Evinka gets into the front passanger side while Alan slides behind the steering wheel.

When we all form a convoy behind Santiago’s truck and follow him away from Puerto De Lomas, I keep staring at my husband. I’m so relieved he doesn’t seem to be seriously injured that I can’t think of a single thing to say.

His eyes flick to me, and we stare at each other for what feels like an eternity, then he whispers, “I’m really fine. Just banged up.”

I lean forward and gingerly press a kiss to his mouth, but before I can pull back, his hand grips hold of the side of my neck, and he keeps me in place as he kisses the everloving hell out of me.

I lift my hands to his jaw, and by the time he frees my mouth, I feel a lot better and less emotional.

“I needed that,” he says, his expression soft as he looks at me. “I’m sorry you had such a fright,moja láska..”

Seeing the exhaustion creeping into his eyes, I tug at him so he’ll lean into me. “Just rest until we get to Santiago’s house.”

Evinka signs something, then Dominik says, “I know how a concussion works. It’s not my first one.”

We’re quiet for a moment, then I ask, “What happened when you got to the factory?”

Dominik sounds drowsy as he answers, “A lot of shooting. Bombs going off. People died.” He clears his throat. “Regular shit.”

I shake my head and mutter, “Only you would call all of that regular.”

When we follow Santiago through a heavily armed entrance, I glance around at the huge property that looks more like a resort that has its own little village around it.

“This is Santiago’s home?” I mutter. “It’s insane.”

“Just like the owner,” Dominik chuckles. “But there’s way too many people for my liking.”

“We’ll only stay until a doctor says it’s safe for you to travel,” I tell him.

We all stop near the main entrance to the mansion, for lack of a better word, and when we get out, Santiago smiles wide and says, “Welcome to my humble abode.”

“Humble, my ass,” Enzo mutters. “You don’t believe in keeping a low profile, do you?”

“No.” A vicious look creeps over his usually playful expression. “You don’t rule this place by hiding in the shadows.” The next second, the brutal expression vanishes and he smiles. “Come, let's all have something to eat and drink while I send for the doctor.”

When we step into Santiago’s home, it’s the complete opposite of our home in the mountains. Every room is bathed in luxuries, showing off his wealth.

“Like I said, humble my ass,” Enzo mumbles behind us.

“When are we attacking Rodion Nikitin?” Ilias barks.

Dominik’s head snaps toward the old man. “Seriously. You want to take out the head of the bratva?”

“Yes! The fucker sent his men to attack us.”

“Are you fucking insane, old man?” Leo snaps. “Nikitin is in Russia.”

“So?” Ilias gives Leo a threatening look. “As the head of the alliance, I demand we take the war to him.”

Dominik steps right up to Ilias, forcing the old man to tip his head back. His voice is nothing but a ruthless growl as he says, “You’re nothing but a member of an alliance I formed. Unless you want to challenge me for the seat at the head of the table, I suggest you learn how to shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.”

Ilias stares for a moment too long, and the next second, Dominik’s fist connects with the old man’s jaw, dropping him to the floor.

“Good. With Ilias out cold, we can proceed,” Santiago says. “It’s a lovely day. Let’s sit outside on the veranda.”

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