“I don’t know what to say. ‘Thank you’ isn’t hardly enough for putting your lives on the line for someone you don’t even know.” She fights the emotion building in her voice. That small action reveals more than she knows. It tells me she doesn’t know what it’s like to have a family who supports her regardless of the circumstances.
“We have Silas’s back no matter what, darlin’. If he believes in you enough to stick his neck out like this, the rest of us damn sure won’t let him do it alone.” Shadow glances at us in the rearview mirror as he speaks.
“You know, that’s almost enough to make me forgive you for the last time you cheated me out of the ‘favorite uncle’ title.”
“I won that title again fair and square, and you know that’s the truth. It wasn’t my fault you fell for that old trick.”
“What old trick was that?” Kira looks at me, barely able to contain her amusement.
When I’m silent for two seconds too long, Shadow is more than willing to tell the story. “Whoever plays the funniest prank wins. It’s as simple as that. He probably told you about the cakes, right?”
“Yes, he did, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Just the picture of that scene in my mind was hilarious.”
“It really was great. But this one was even better. When we all crash at Noah and Brianna’s house, the kids like to help make breakfast for everyone. So we made a special breakfast for Uncle Silas. We poured the cereal in his favorite bowl and covered it with milk…then we put it in the freezer overnight. The next morning, we put just a splash of milk on top to hide the frozen mixture below, then laughed our asses off when he grabbed a spoon and tried to dig in.”
“Yeah, that was really hilarious.” I rub the corner of my eye, purposely using my middle finger while staring directly into his eyes.
“The kids voted—they said I’m the fun uncle.” Shadow shrugs, not giving a shit that he isn’t actually related to them.
“Those are awesome pranks. How do you come up with this stuff?” Kira looks at me and laughs. Again.
“I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’m saving my best jokes for when they’re older and won’t tell their mother what I’ve taught them.”
“You’re more afraid of Brianna than Silas?”
“Absolutely!” Shadow and I answer at the same time.
“I hope I get to meet her one day.” Kira’s smile beams until she realizes time may not be on our side. The somber thought hits us at the same time, changing the mood in the vehicle in a split second.
In a feeble attempt to regain the lighthearted banter, I wrap my arm around her and pull her against me. “Be careful what you wish for, Kira. You just may get it.”
“Starting tomorrow, we have a plan to execute. I’ve done a little recon of my own while you two danced the night away. Something big is going down in the next few weeks. I don’t have all the important details yet, but I’ve squeezed a few of my old contacts to get as much preliminary information as I could.”
“What’d they tell you?”
“Only that they’ve been put on alert to move precious cargo at a moment’s notice once it arrives. They’re not keeping these new people around to service local customers this time. Sounds like they’re getting the buyers lined up and moving the girls out of the area as soon as they sell. My gut tells me they’ve been spooked by something—maybe even by your noticeable disappearance. But we’ll be here waiting for them, regardless.”
“How hot is the heat on us right now?” Although I don’t want the honest answer, I need to know. “Will we put their capture at risk by being there?”
“The longer you hide, the hotter it’ll get, my friend. You know that. I had a chat with the deputy director earlier today and convinced him he’s worrying over nothing. We all go dark when we’re eyeball-deep in a case. With everything at stake in this one, you needed some time off the grid. He agreed to cool his jets, but we both know that’ll only last for so long. If we can keep you both from looking anything like yourselves, maybe we can pull off this mad caper without a hitch.”
Maybe. Exactly.
Chapter 15
Kira
When we pull into the driveway, the number of cars parked there is a dead giveaway that the entire team is here. That does give me some peace, though, knowing we have plenty of backup to help us get through this nightmare. The massive show of support by mobilizing at the first sign of a friend in distress from a group of people is largely unheard of these days. It makes me wonder if Silas has any idea how fortunate he is to have all of them by his side. Even knowing the potential consequences, Shadow still stuck his neck out for us in more than one way.
The front door swings open when the truck comes to a full stop, and one of the most beautiful women in the world walks toward us with a determined stride. When I recognize her, even through the beer goggles I’m still wearing, my jaw drops open.
“Is that…Elle Sinclair?” I can’t believe my eyes. The famous actress-slash-model is marching straight toward us.
“Elle Kane now, but yes, that’s her,” Shadow replies before releasing a heavy sigh. “Silas, this is all your fault.”
Elle jerks the driver’s door open then folds her arms over her body. “Devon, where have you been all night? In what world is it okay for you not to call and tell me you’re safe?”
“There is no such world, I know, babe. Trust me. This is actually all on Silas. Since he’s gone rogue, I couldn’t use my phone and give away our location. I had to wait outside the Copa Room all night while he drank, danced, watched cabaret shows, and had a great time. He closed down the bar. You know I’d much rather have been here with you.” Shadow pulls her into his arms and places sweet kisses all over her face until she finally relents and smiles.
“Silas, is that true?” She cocks one eyebrow at him and waits.
“Yes, that’s all true. Shadow is covering my ass in so many ways right now that I’ll never be able to repay him for all the favors I owe him.”
“Then I can’t feel sorry for you over what’s about to happen.” The smile that covers her face is pure evil, and I can’t help but laugh out loud in spite of it.
“What’s about to happen?” The confused expression on his face instantly changes when another voice calls out his name.
“Well, well, well, as I live and breathe. If it isn’t Silas Steele, in the flesh…and in the country. You told me you were in a remote village in Africa, guarding a king against an uprising, so you couldn’t make it to my birthday party. Silas, you look me in the eye right now. Did you lie to me about that? Did you skip my birthday party by lying to me?”
Silas drops his chin to his chest and shakes his head from side to side. “Shadow,” he mutters under his breath. “I’m so going to kick your ass for this.”
Shadow tries to contain his laughter, but it gets the better of him anyway. He tries to cover it up with a fake cough. “You know what happens if you lie to Liz.”
“Liz, you know I would’ve been at your party if I had any other choice. But I was extremely busy with work and couldn’t get away. This is Kira, and I’ve been protecting her from all kinds of threats. I couldn’t tell you about her, and I couldn’t leave her with no defense either.”
Her eyes narrow, crinkling at the corners, and her hands are curled into fists on her hips. She’s not completely buying his story. “You should’ve called me. I’m a super-spy now, you know. All those tricks and tips you withheld from me have been unlocked and are part of my arsenal at last. I can keep her safe much better than you can. No one would dare mess with me.”
“There’s no doubt about that, Liz. It’s just that I’m trying to save you from that pesky little law regarding impersonating a federal officer. They really don’t play around with that one.”
Another beautiful woman with long blond hair and the sweetest smile joins us. “All right, everyone, you know I love a family reunion more than anyone, but we need to wrap this up. It’s either really late or really early,
depending on how you look at it. Either way, we only have a few hours to grab some sleep before all the fun starts. Last one up after the kids wake will be sorry.”
“You’re lucky Brianna saved your ass, Silas. Don’t think for one second this is over, though.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, Liz.” The group chuckles at Silas’s expense, but it’s all done in love and playfulness. Silas envelops the sweet blond lady in a bear hug and kisses the side of her head. “Thank you for saving me. You’re my favorite sister-in-law.”
“I’m your only sister-in-law, but you’re welcome. It’s good to have you home again.”
Silas turns to me, keeping one arm loosely slung around her shoulders. “Brianna, this is Kira Petrova. Kira, this is Brianna Steele, my brother’s wife and the best damn sister-in-law in the world.”
I extend my hand to shake hers, but she bats it away. “Sweetie, we hug in this family. You’ll just have to get used to it.” Then she wraps her arms around me and squeezes me with a gentle rocking motion before releasing me.
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you—all good, I promise. In fact, I just told Shadow and Silas on the way here that I hoped to meet you one day.”
“It’s great to meet you. Come on in and get some rest while you can. This house will be crazy tomorrow.” She hooks her arm through mine and escorts me inside as if we’re long-lost sisters. “You look awesome in that dress. It fits you much better than it does me.”
Inside is mostly dark and quiet, probably because the children are asleep, and the parents want them to stay that way for a few more hours at least. We tiptoe up the stairs, and she leaves me alone in the guest bedroom I’d chosen earlier. I close the door behind me to get ready for bed, for what little time I have left to sleep. Once I’m changed and comfortably resting in the bed, I feel a large, warm body slide into the bed behind me before an arm snakes over my waist.
“I didn’t even hear you come in,” I whisper into the darkness.
“I thought you may already be asleep and didn’t want to wake you. But I also didn’t want to sleep without you tonight. Hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Good, because I’m comfortable now and I’m not getting up.”
We chuckle in the darkness, feeling more relaxed with each other than we did even just earlier today. Sleep quickly takes over, wrapping around me like a warm blanket and pulling me under its irresistible spell. The next time I stir, it’s morning and we’re still in the exact position we passed out in. Silas’s body is so warm. It’s as if he has a furnace burning on high inside him. That also makes it impossible to get out of bed—I’ve never had a more restful night of sleep before.
“I smell bacon,” I whisper.
“I smell coffee.” His morning voice is a deep and raspy murmur near my ear and sends goose bumps fanning out down my arm. “But it doesn’t tempt me enough to get out of bed yet. Go back to sleep.”
“Won’t they be mad we missed breakfast?”
“Nope. My sister is here, and she’s cooking. She got plenty of sleep last night. We didn’t. Back to sleep now.” He curls his arm tighter around me, not really giving me a choice but to relax against him and indulge in extra sleep.
Just as my thoughts settle and I begin to drift back to sleep, the sound of several little feet rushing toward us jars me awake again. Before I have time to lift my head, small bodies pounce on us from every direction, followed by uncontainable and infectious giggling. I roll over onto my back and watch the three little kids, two girls and one boy, climb all over Silas while he pretends to be asleep.
“Uncle Silas, Daddy said it’s time for you to get up.” The smallest girl draws out his name, only she says it more like “uncky” in her innocent voice. She crawls up to his face and uses her little fingers to pry one of his eyes open, then leans her eye down close to his. “Are you awake yet?”
He remains completely still until the other two join her at his head, totally surrounding him now. When they’re still for more than two seconds, his eyes fly open and he roars loudly as he lifts his head off the pillow. Their shrill shrieks fill the bedroom before they flop onto the bed in laughter. Silas raises up, using his arm as a prop, and tickles them with his free hand.
“Who do you think you are, ambushing me in my sleep like that? When I’m weak and defenseless, even.” He grabs one of the girls and blows raspberries on her belly, making her laugh and scream at the same time.
The other two lift their shirts, each taunting him. “You can’t do that to me.”
“Me either! You can’t catch me!”
Of course, he does catch them both with no effort at all and buries his face in their bellies to tickle them. With all three given equal attention, he sits up and pulls them into his lap. Their little faces beam with happiness, making my heart pinch in my chest.
“Amelia, Emery, and Gray, this is Kira. Kira, these are my nieces and nephew. Amelia is the oldest, and as you can see, Emery and Gray are twins. Say hello to Kira, guys.”
“Hi, Kira,” they say in unison, though the sound of the R is more of a W. They’re too adorable for words.
“Hi, Amelia, Emery, and Gray. It’s very nice to meet all of you. Seems to me you guys love your uncle Silas a lot, huh?”
“Yeah, we do.” Gray nods his head. “But Shadow says not to tell him he’s our favorite.”
“What? Shadow told you not to tell me that?” Silas asks, clarifying what he heard.
“Yep. Uncle Shadow gives us a dollar every time.” Gray’s eyes open wide at the mention of the bribe payment.
“Shadows pays you a dollar so you’ll say he’s your favorite uncle? All three of you?”
“Yeah. We’re gonna be rich.” Gray smiles and nods.
“Is Silas really your favorite uncle?” I lift my eyes to meet Silas’s, waiting for the kids to confirm what I can already see.
“Yes,” they all three reply and lean against his chest. He wraps his arms around them, pretending to squeeze them extra hard while their giggles fill the room with so much love, it’s impossible to ignore.
“I’ve lost all three of my kids. Has anyone up here seen them?” Brianna calls from the hallway, her tone betraying her question, though. “They’re supposed to be eating breakfast, but they all disappeared at the same time.”
“Hurry! Hide!” Silas whispers a little too loudly to be serious. But the kids comply, pulling the comforter over their heads. While they still sit upright in his lap.
Brianna stops in the doorway, smirking at Silas. “Oh my, whatever will I do? I can’t find my children anywhere. I guess they’re lost forever.”
The comforter giggles.
Silas smiles and shrugs. “I’m afraid we can’t help you, Bri. As you can see, there are no children in here.”
She arches one eyebrow at him, though she can’t hide her smile. “I wouldn’t go that far, Silas. I think there’s at least one big kid in here.”
“Don’t talk about Kira like that, Brianna. You just met her.”
Brianna throws her head back in laughter. “Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Silas. If you happen to see my kids, tell them I said to get their little butts downstairs and eat, or all four of you will be in big trouble.”
“I’ll make sure they get the message if I see them.”
When we hear Brianna’s footsteps on the stairs, Silas pulls the comforter off the top of their heads. “She’s gone now. The coast is clear.”
Emery, the younger girl, turns around and puts her tiny hands on his cheeks. “I love you, Uncle Silas.”
And here I thought my heart already had melted. I was so wrong—that is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
“I love you too, sweet girl. Now give me a big hug and kiss then go eat before we all get in trouble.”
I am pleasantly surprised when all three share their hugs and kisses with me once they’ve finished with Silas. They’re gone just as quickly as they appeared, all
rushing out the door and down the stairs. When I glance over at Silas, he’s still staring at the doorway with a smile on his face.
“They really do love you. Anyone can see that.”
“They’re the best. My sister Chaise’s kids are too. I can’t imagine not being in their lives. There was a long time when I didn’t see my brother or my sister. My brother was stationed overseas in hostile territory, and I was undercover God knows where, plus I didn’t get along with my dad. But now, you couldn’t pay me enough to make me stay away from any of them.”
A sobering thought hits me like a two-ton sledgehammer right in the chest. The risks he’s taking by simply being associated with me right now will take him away from his family. After years of being apart, not seeing his siblings grow up or his parents grow older, he finally has them back again. The pure delight on his face when they crawled over him as if he was their human jungle gym was nothing compared to confirming he is their favorite. When little Emery told him she loved him, I saw the first sign of vulnerability in him. He’s always kept himself well guarded around me.
Those kids have him wrapped around their little fingers, right where he wants to be.
I can’t let him put his entire life at risk for me, especially now that I’ve seen firsthand that his work isn’t his whole life the way mine has been.
He won’t like what I have to say, because even though he blurs the lines as a CIA officer, honor and duty still guide his every step. But there’s no way around it…no way around what I have to do now.
I pause, knowing what I’m about to say won’t be received well. It’s just not in his nature—and I can’t be the cause of his downfall. “Silas, I need to say something.”
“Shoot.”
“You have to get out of this investigation. You, your family, and your friends all need to leave. There are way too many people involved, and that means too many people have their necks on the chopping block for me. No matter what anyone does to me, I’ll never reveal any names or anything about who has helped me. But I have to get far away from you—to protect you. I need to do this. I’ll see it through to the end from here.”
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