Page 85 of The Hermit

“You have to learn about the business,” he mutters. “If something happens to me and Evinka, I want you in a position where you can take over.”

“Nothing will happen to you,” I grumble.

“Not anytime soon,” he says as we reach the vehicle.

I climb into the passenger side while he puts the luggage and weapons in the trunk.

When he gets in behind the steering wheel, I place my hand on his thigh and say, “You’ll get your factory back.”

“The fuckers messed with the wrong person.” He starts the engine, and making a U-turn, he steers the Hummer down the dirt road. “Worst mistake they could’ve made.”

The danger in his tone has my heart beating faster, and I’m so glad he loves me and I’m not his enemy.

We’re flying directly to Peru, totally skipping a layover.

There’s no sign of my loving husband as he talks to Evinka. “They’ll have access to missiles and grenades.”

She signs something, to which he replies, “You’re staying with Grace.”

She shakes her head hard, and her hands move fast.

“The alliance will be there in time to back me up,” he snaps angrily. “I’m not leaving Grace alone while we’re fighting a fucking war.”

Evinka signs something again, anger tightening her features.

“No, I’m not leaving her with the guards. You’re the only person I trust with her,” Dominik mutters.

“Can’t I stay with you?” I ask, not liking the sound of being separated from him.

“Not when we attack the factory. There’s a chance the place might blow up with all the missiles and grenades being produced there.”

“Then, at least take Evinka with you. You need her more than I do.”

“Jebat, Grace! Enough!” he shouts, making me startle in my seat.

The moment Dominik raises his voice at me, remorse tightens his features. In a heartbeat, he stalks to me and kneels down on one knee in front of my seat. Grabbing my hands in his, he’s much calmer when he says, “I’m sorry,moja láska. Forgive me.”

He presses a kiss to the back of my hand giving me a pleading look.

Pulling my hands free from his, I frame his jaw and give him a soft kiss on his mouth before saying, “I understand that you’re under a lot of pressure. Just don’t do it again.”

He lets out a heavy breath, and it sounds as if it’s dragged from his soul.

I need him to take a break so he can recharge a little, and knowing the only way he won’t argue, I murmur, “Sit with me for a while. I need you to hold me.”

Dominik moves to his seat beside mine, and placing his arm around my shoulders, he pulls me to his chest. I quickly wrap my arm around his waist, squeezing him tightly while pressing kisses to his neck.

Suddenly, he unclasps my seat belt and shifts me onto his lap. Wrapping me in a tight embrace, his body curves around mine and he cradles me as if I’m the most precious thing to him.

His breath shudders from his chest, and I wrap my arms around his neck. Knowing he loves it, I lightly drag my fingers through his hair.

I feel how he relaxes, and I hold him for as long as he allows me.

When the pilots announce that we’re starting our descent, I pull away from Dominik and move back to my own seat.

While I put on my seat belt again, he tells Evinka, “Please stay with Grace. There’s no one else I trust.”

I watch as Evinka lets out a sigh before nodding.

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