Page 59 of The Hermit

“You settled any past and future debts the moment you married me,” he says as he starts walking back in the direction of the house. “As your husband, it’s my duty to protect you.”

My heart skips a beat, and it startles me so much my hand flies up and covers the spot where the organ is.

Everything about our wedding day is the total opposite of when I married Braden.

Honestly, Dominik has done more to protect me in the short time I’ve known him than my father has ever done.

When he notices I’m not behind him, he stops to look at me.

As we stare at each other, a wind chills the air and blows some strands across my face.

Dominik walks back to where I’m standing, and lifting his arms, his strong hands frame my face. He stares deep into my eyes for a moment before lowering his head.

My heart instantly starts to beat like crazy.

Instead of trying for more, he kisses my forehead, then taking my hand, he murmurs, “Come, let’s go inside. It gets cold at night on the mountain.”

I let him lead me back to the house, super conscious of his fingers wrapped around mine. The way my hand fits into his bigger one weirdly makes me feel feminine.

It isn’t something I’ve felt in a very long time, and even though it has my stomach tightening with nerves, a smile tugs at my lips.

DOMINIK

Yesterday was Ian’s funeral. I wouldn’t let Grace attend, because it’s too dangerous, and I know for a fact the bratva would be watching.

Ian’s brother took care of the service and burial, and as far as I know, Ciara also didn’t attend.

As I watch the security footage of Grace pulling weeds out of the vegetable garden, satisfaction fills my chest. She’s quickly fallen into a peaceful routine of tending to the garden, helping to keep the house clean, and cooking.

Four days of having her in my space, and not once has it felt suffocating. I actually find myself seeking out her company.

My phone beeps with an incoming message, drawing my attention away from Grace.

Evinka: Check your emails for the first draft of drawings and plans from the architect, and let me know what you want changed or added.

I click on my emails and glance over the drawings.

I like how there’s a secure tunnel where boats can dock. From there, a path leads to the area where the facility is.

Just like with my house here in the mountains, the facility will have a Zen feel to it.

I sent a quick voice message to Evinka, saying, “Everything looks good so far. We can install SM-2s on either side of the tunnel. Tell the architect to make them retractable.”

Evinka: Okay, and just a heads up, a group of Russians were spotted in Bratislava.

Dominik: Grace had her phone on her, but I’ve destroyed it. Get Grace a new phone, and when I see you for the meeting, you can give it to her. Keep an eye on the group.

Evinka: I have two men tailing them.

Dominik: Good. Any news on Devlin’s buyers?

Evinka: I’ve touched base with most of them. We’ve taken over all the open orders, and I’ll keep an eye on the rest of the buyers to make sure we don’t lose them to the bratva.

Dominik: Good. Watch your back.

Evinka: You too.

Setting my cell phone down on the desk, I check all the underground chatter and find a sale of submachine guns going for a much cheaper price than usual. The contact name shows Bastien Vlasov.

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