Page 22 of A Silent Reckoning

Shaun’s mouth went dry. “You’re that confident he would win?”

Karl didn’t hesitate. “There’s no doubt, and Krystoff knows this. It’s why the family is remaining amicable.”

“Amicable,” She repeated, her mind on her conversation with Saskia, the speculation over who’d tried to kill Shaun.

“I believe Krystoff intends to hire Jozef’s team for jobs, like a broker I suppose.”

“And do you think Jozef will go for that?”

Karl shrugged. “Probably. He has no reason not to.”

Shaun was deep in thought when a shuddering bang hit the wall, making her jump. She gawked as Karl leapt to his feet so fast, he looked like a blur. She looked down the hall and saw Jozef striding rapidly toward them. He must’ve banged his fist against the wall to get their attention. Jozef was signing furiously.

What are you doing?His question was directed at Karl.

“My apologies, Mr. Koba, I was answering Dr. Patterson’s inquiries.”

On the floor?Jozef demanded coming to a stop in front of them.

Shaun rolled her eyes and, standing, wrapped an arm around Jozef’s. “I asked him to sit with me. I was bored and wanted to know what’s been going on. Or am I supposed to stay inside the apartment and not talk to anyone? If there are rules, I need to know them.”

Jozef growled, letting his displeasure be known. He opened the apartment door and pushed her inside, then turned back to Karl, signing,you don’t need to get friendly with my wife to do your job.

Shaun didn’t hear a reply and Jozef slammed the door shut.

She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Your wife?”

He walked slowly toward her, stalking like a predator eyeing its favourite prey. Though she was no longer afraid of Jozef, he still made heart beat faster. His fierce looks, the tattoos, the sharp cheekbones and hard eyes. When she was with him it was too easy to forget that he was a mobster, born and bred. She craved the life he was offering; she craved his heart. But it was wrong and they both knew it.

You will become my wife. It’s as good as done.

“I won’t be bullied into marriage, Jozef,” she said crisply, backing away from him. “Not this time.”

He backed her against the wall of windows and reached for her, but he only caressed her cheek, before letting his hands fall.

There will be a marriage.

“Not without my permission.” Her voice was more breathless than she’d intended. His nearness was driving a heated awareness through her. “Not like this.”

He nodded.I can wait.

“What if you have to wait forever?” she asked. “What if I never settle down?”

His eyes pierced hers and he allowed his guard to drop, for just a moment. She saw the longing there, the pain, the loss.I live for you. I will wait.

“If you live for me, then why won’t you let me live the life of my choosing?” she whispered. “Why do you keep taking me away from everything that I love?”

She could tell that she’d scored a hint and nearly called her words back.

His eyes became hard once more, and he stepped away from her.You will grow used to this life and you will learn to love me again.

He turned and walked away.

She wanted to call out to him. To tell him that loving him was never the problem, but she didn’t. There was no point in having the same conversation over and over. Nothing would change until Jozef was ready to make a change.

Chapter Eleven

When Jozef still hadn’t come back by 10:00 PM, Shaun went to bed without him. It felt strange being with him in Prague once more. It was the same as it had been a year before, but also not. Something was different this time; something besides the apartment and their year apart.

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