by Cara Carnes
“Those years we spent together got me through after you left. I never would’ve made it out of there whole if you hadn’t been there.”
An ache resided in his stomach. “I hated not being able to return there and get you out.”
Addy grabbed him by the waist and shifted him to face her. She stroked his jaw. “Don’t ever blame yourself for not coming back. You’re lucky you survived at all.”
“That’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay to Maksim.”
“We’ll figure out a way to repay him.” Addy smiled. “You’d best feed me before I haul you back to bed.”
Kristof chuckled. She was an insatiable lover and he looked forward to exploring every fantasy and desire they had.
Kristof closed the back door and headed into the darkened back yard of the safe house. Returning to Olaf and the world Kristof had temporarily left behind had been more difficult than he expected. The two days he’d shared with Addy at his cabin were spectacular.
He’d been surprised when she’d called her team and said her goodbyes to them via cellphone rather than return to see them off. While Kristof was glad they’d had the added time together, he hoped that her decision didn’t cause problems for her later on.
No. Her team and everyone at The Arsenal cared for Addy. They’d understand.
Maksim sat on the ground with his legs crossed. He sat before his friend.
“You look well. Relaxed.” Maksim settled his hands on his legs. “And Addy?”
“She’s amazing.” Kristof grinned, unable to hide the happiness filling him. “How is Olaf?”
“He’s asleep. He was nervous without you around at first, but he’s adjusted well and is doing much better than he was.”
“Good. I was hoping that was the case when you didn’t phone me.” Kristof looked around. “This place feels empty without all of Addy’s associates here. Have they contacted you?”
“Edge and Jesse helped me assess the Sidorav assets today.” Maksim locked gazes with him. “I shared our initial plan. They made a few suggestions based on what they found via HERA. The new plan will maintain everyone’s territories and power positions. It will be as though the Sidorav syndicate never existed. No ripple effect through the other organizations.”
“I’m surprised The Arsenal would help with this.”
Maksim shrugged. “Their help now will likely prevent their involvement later. They’re also privy to more intel than any government authorities in the world. They understand why we must divide the syndicate operations rather than simply let everyone fight for them.”
“And Gavriil?”
“He seized the monetary assets and the human trafficking. He’ll disband the latter and secure the regions Kostya preyed on to prevent anyone else from targeting them. The Arsenal has offered to help with that endeavor.” Maksim shifted positions, stretching his left leg out. “He’s suggested we give the weapons trade to Fatima and her father. They’re far less radical than most of the other options.”
Fatima’s father had been rescued by The Arsenal and was healing better than expected. Kristof needed to speak with them both and discuss increasing their security measures to prevent future attacks, but it’d wait until they’d both sufficiently recovered from their ordeals.
“Agreed.” Kristof rubbed his aching shoulder. “I never expected to see this day.”
“Nor did I.”
“We never spoke about what your plans were for once this was over,” Kristof said. “Will you come with me?”
“You’re staying there. That doesn’t surprise me, though I suspect it will be an uphill battle to prove yourself to that crew.”
“She’s worth it.”
“That she is.” Maksim’s face softened. “She’s a remarkable woman. I see now why you love her so deeply.”
Kristof tightened. Love. The foreign sentiment weighed heavily on him. He was equal parts terrified and euphoric over the fact he’d fallen for Addy so quickly. “We aren’t ready for that and won’t be until I’ve proven myself worthy of her. There’s still much to be done to right some of the wrongs I’ve committed.”
“You’ve kept the scales more balanced than you realize. Perhaps in time you will forgive yourself enough to see the good you’ve accomplished amidst the bad.” Maksim’s gaze wandered to the house behind Kristof. “Zoey wishes to acquire our residential properties and any hidden ones Kostya owned.”
“She can have all of mine but everything he owned will be destroyed.” Kristof was determined to leave nothing of his father’s empire standing—most especially the mansions and properties he’d valued more than his family.
“She has a plan—a smart one. You should listen to what she has to say before saying no.”
Kristof nodded. “I suppose I owe her that much. Are you going to answer my question?”
“It’s complicated. I’m too old to be of any use to The Arsenal,” Maksim said.
“That’s not true.” Kristof laughed. “You’re what? Forty-five? Your martial arts and weapons knowledge alone would be a huge asset to their teams.” Then again, his friend deserved a quiet life, a tranquil one with no fighting or missions. Is that what he wanted? “Whatever you want, Maksim. Wherever. I will make it happen.”
“You owe me nothing.”
“I owe you everything.”
“We will see where fate guides me next. For now, I will finalize our mission. Once that’s done, if The Arsenal agrees, I will join you there until I know you are settled.”
“You’ve been at my side long enough, comrade. It’s time you enjoy your own life without putting me first,” Kristof said. “We’ve both been buried so deep in destroying my father that we haven’t truly lived.”
“I chose this life long before you were in my path. Don’t blame yourself for my choices. I would’ve likely died long ago if I hadn’t chosen to remain at your side rather than kill you.”
“We’re free,” Kristof whispered. “We’re finally free to do whatever we want. It’s almost too overwhelming to contemplate.”
The wealth Kristof had accumulated would’ve afforded him anything he’d wanted the past twenty years but indulging in grandiose debauchery hadn’t ever appealed to him. Mama had taught him to appreciate the small things in life.
What would his life have been like if she hadn’t been murdered? She’d never enjoyed the mansions and the yachts and the expensive jewelry and servants.
“She would’ve been proud of you,” Maksim said. “She and your uncle would’ve both been proud of what you’ve accomplished. But it’s time to live for yourself instead of them.”
“I wish I could’ve found where…” Emotion choked out the rest of the words. He’d never allowed himself to think about it over the years. The grief had been too overwhelming. “I wish I could’ve found where he buried them.”
It’d been so long since that night. Was there a chance he could find their burial site and give them the eternal rest they deserved? “All he ever said was he buried them like the animals they were.”
“We will find them. Perhaps The Arsenal would have equipment to help.”
“They’ve done more than we could’ve ever hoped,” Kristof said. “Their mission isn’t over.”
“There’s no shame in asking for help. Not everything in life is a transaction. You can ask for help without giving something in return.”
“We’ll see.” Kristof stood. “Think about what path you want to take after this. I’m not the only one who needs to start living life for himself instead of someone else.”
25
Home.
Addy gripped her seat as the plane landed at The Arsenal’s private airstrip. The small strip of land that’d once been pasture was now paved—an improvement from what it’d been when she first arrived. Midmorning sunshine splayed across the area. Exhaustion plagued her even though the day had barely begun. The stops along the way had made their return home a long, tiring ordeal.
Kristof sat near the back of
the plane beside Olaf, who’d slept since they’d boarded the plane in North Carolina. Levi had met them at the small airstrip near the military base. The quiet operative had greeted Kristof and Olaf as though they were part of The Arsenal family. Addy couldn’t have been prouder of how her crew had treated the two men so far.
She’d spoken with her team via video conference before they’d left Russia. No one gave her grief for spending time with Kristof. They’d accepted her decision, as had Zoey and Mary and Jesse.
Addy suspected she had Gage to thank for that. He’d come up with the idea in the first place. Yeah, she definitely owed him for what he’d done.
Relaxed.
She’d never felt so rested and…
Happy.
But coming home for her was a new harrowing path for Olaf. Concern filled her when she watched him. Wariness filled his wide eyes as the plane came to a rapid halt. “The runway is shorter than most so Levi has to stop really fast. You’re safe.”
She said the words as she signed them.
Addy knew very little about Levi. He’d always been the quiet shadow at Jesse’s side. She admired him for everything he’d done since rescuing Jesse.
The taxiing to the hangar didn’t take long since the landing strip was so small. Levi exited the cockpit and offered a warm smile as his gaze swept from her to Kristof and Olaf. “I think the entire compound is outside the hangar.”
Great. Just what poor Olaf needed. Addy undid her seatbelt and stood. Kristof’s warm gaze swept over her as he unbuckled his belt. “We’re here, Olaf. Let’s get your bag.”
The backpack she’d given his cousin in Germany had a couple changes of clothes and some toiletries—nothing worth much, but Olaf had clutched it like a lifeline. Olaf swayed when he stood but kept both arms wrapped tightly around the bag.
Addy’s gut tightened. He was in for a long road. That was the bitch about captivity. Everyone thought the worst was over when the person was freed when, in truth, the real hell had just begun.
Kristof squeezed her hand and wrapped an arm around her. “What’s wrong?”
His hot breath trailed along her ear. A shiver rolled through her as he caressed her back. “We’ll talk later.” He needed to be warned the next few weeks wouldn’t be pleasant ones for Olaf. Hell, it’d likely take years for him to fully recover from whatever he’d endured in Kostya’s camp.
A cluster of people awaited them nearby. Mary, Vi, Bree, Rhea, Riley, and Kamren were toward the right of the large crowd. The Masons conglomerated around toward the front with Gage, Jud, and Fallon.
Her team stood to the side. Grins spread across their faces when she spotted them. They all waved, but none moved forward, as if sensing that Olaf needed space.
Raul and Dom stood between them and the women, as if unsure where they fit in. She hadn’t spent much time with the two brothers, but knew Dallas admired them both. Good enough for her.
A golf cart pulled up near the huddle. Doctor Sinclair and Doctor Logan exited and approached. Relief filled Addy when she saw the two. Doctor Sinclair offered a smile, then looked at Jesse and nodded.
Dallas and Nolan thumped him on the back as he separated from the group and approached Addy, Kristof and Olaf, who shrank deeper into the space between her and his cousin. She widened her stance and took a half-step to place herself fully between her approaching friends and Olaf.
Jesse froze first. He reached out and snagged both of the doctors by the arm and shook his head. Concern reflected in his eyes. “Sorry about the crowd. I tried to keep everyone away, but that’s like herding wet cats.”
Caution reflected in his voice as he took another step forward, his attention on a point behind Addy’s shoulder. Tension coiled within her when she heard Olaf’s garbled sounds and Kristof’s quiet assurance.
“You’re safe, cousin,” he whispered. “These are Addy’s friends. My friends.”
“Thinking some of you should get gone,” Addy said, raising her voice.
“It’s okay,” Sinclair said. She took a couple steps forward and stopped beside Jesse. “Olaf, my name is Amanda Sinclair. Everyone calls me Sinclair, but you can call me Amanda if you want to. Jesse and I wanted to welcome you to The Arsenal. I know it’s a scary place with lots of strangers, but you’re safe. Kristof can stay with you, if that makes you feel better.”
Olaf gripped the back of Addy’s shirt and dragged her closer to him and Kristof. Okay, what the hell was she supposed to do now? He was scared. He’d been hauled to a new country with a bunch of strangers.
No.
Her team had chatted with him a lot since the rescue. Shep had played chess with him.
Addy whistled. Beast approached. Her entire team moved forward. She lifted her chin. They fanned out around her.
Around Olaf.
Approval resonated within Jesse’s gaze when it settled on her. “Welcome home.”
She took two steps forward and hugged Jesse. “It’s good to be back. Thanks. For everything.”
Then she remembered that he’d been lead on Olaf’s rescue. Had it brought back too many painful memories? Her gaze swept the area. The only one not there was Ellie.
“Where’s your better half?” Addy asked.
“Baking enough cookies for an entire country,” Jesse said with a smile. “She’s putting a few final touches on Olaf’s cottage.”
“Are you okay?” Addy kept her voice low.
“I’m good.”
“I told Olaf a bit about you. No details, just that you kind of know what he’s going through. I hope that’s okay.”
“I’m glad you did.” Jesse squeezed her hand. “Why don’t you introduce us? Logan would like to run a few tests before we get him settled into his cottage. I’m sure you’re all tired and hungry. Mom and Ellie and Riley cooked a huge welcome home dinner.”
Addy’s stomach rumbled at the thought. It’d been a long time since they’d had Momma Mason’s cooking. Her team relaxed their stances when Olaf released the back of her shirt.
What had calmed him?
Russian.
She and Jesse had started talking Russian. He hadn’t understood what Sinclair said earlier because it’d been English. Damn.
“I’m sorry, Olaf,” Addy said. She turned and took his hand. “I’m sorry we were speaking English earlier. That was rude. I want you to meet a few of my friends. You remember Jesse? I mentioned him before.”
Olaf’s eyes widened as his gaze moved to where Jesse stood. “That’s him? The one that was…”
He fisted his hands and shrank closer to Kristof.
“It’s okay,” Kristof whispered. “They’re friends.”
Olaf nodded and stood fully. His lean frame was draped in baggy clothing. He stepped toward Jesse, but he looked over at Addy. “Does he sign?”
“I’m afraid I’m not very good at it, but we’re all learning,” Jesse said in Russian. He turned and motioned.
Bree approached and held out an electronic tablet. She spoke in English. “Hi, Olaf. I’m Bree. I don’t know Russian or sign language, but I made this for you. It’ll translate everything we say and show it in sign language and in written Russian. I hope you like it. And me.”
She smiled and held the device out.
Olaf looked at Addy.
“Go ahead, take it. It’s for you,” Addy said. Pride filled her. Of course Bree had thought ahead and done something to help him feel safe. “This is my friend Bree. She’s really smart.”
Olaf offered a half-toothed smile and took the tablet. His hand trembled as he looked at it, then up at Addy. Addy looked down at it and hit the green button at the bottom.
A computerized voice spoke in Russian as the screen flashed a signed interpretation of what her friend had said. Olaf’s eyes widened.
“If you push the green button it will translate everything we say,” Bree said. “We all have the same app on our phones. Whenever you want to talk to us, hold up a fist and we’ll know to turn the app on. It’ll translate yo
ur sign language so we know what you’re saying. That way you can talk with us, even if Kristof or Addy aren’t with you. Okay?”
Addy translated what her friend had said. Olaf pushed the green button and smiled again as the device did exactly what Bree had explained. He held up a fist.
Bree grinned and pulled out her phone. She nodded as she pointed the device toward him. He signed. “Thank you. I am Olaf. You did this for me? Why?”
“Because you’re family. That’s what we do. I wanted you to feel safe and fully included. There are a lot of people here, and it’s really overwhelming sometimes. I figured this might help you.”
Olaf tapped the green button, then nodded vigorously afterward.
How had Bree finished it so quickly? Surely it took more than a few days to complete something that intensive. Addy studied her friend. Dark circles beneath her eyes.
She hadn’t slept.
Damn.
Bree and Rhea always got caught up in their work. They’d spend days in their basement-level labs without leaving if allowed to do so. Addy spent half her time at The Arsenal dragging to two out and forcing them to interact with other humans.
But that was before Fallon had fallen in love with Rhea. Had he looked out for Bree?
The man stood nearby with his arms crossed. His gaze narrowed when it met hers. Okay, yeah. He wasn’t happy, which meant Bree had likely ignored his interventions. She was stubborn.
“Hi, Olaf. I’m Doctor Logan. I’d like to run a few tests and make sure you’re feeling okay. Then we’ll get you and Kristof settled into your cottage so you can rest.”
“After we eat,” Shep added. “Food comes before the cottage.”
“Of course,” Logan said. His gaze swept to Kristof. “I’m going to take a look at your cousin, too.”
“We can stay together?” Olaf signed.
“Yes.” Logan smiled and motioned toward the golf cart. “Let’s get this part over with. Jesse’s mom and sister made a welcome home meal for everyone. Trust me, they’re great cooks.”