But he was also a lover.

  Once I’d called him a monster. Now I called him… mine.

  For several beautiful minutes he refused to stop but I knew he was losing control, beads of sweat dripping down both sides of his face. When I was able to tell he was at a place of no return, I clamped my muscles, bucking hard against him.

  While he did his best to curtail his ragged sounds, the roar he issued wasn’t just primal.

  It was one of ownership.

  And for those precious seconds, I’d never felt so happy. As he erupted deep inside, another shudder drifted into me, a forceful wave of fear that would keep me awake.

  Someone was out there.

  And that someone would attempt to kill us.

  As I nuzzled next to him in his arms, enjoying the way he stroked my arm, several questions raced through my mind. Somehow, I didn’t want to learn the answers and ruin the moment. I never expected he’d be the type to linger in bed, holding me so closely. The man continued to surprise me almost all the time.

  I finally closed my eyes, the heat we continued to share ready to lull me to sleep. We both tensed when there was a knock on the door. I jerked my head up, pressing my finger against my lips. There wasn’t a single part of me ready to rock Grady’s world yet another time.

  “Yes?” I asked, fully expecting to hear Grady’s voice.

  “I hate to bother you, Dominik. But I need to talk to you.” Jerry’s voice held a sense of urgency.

  Sighing, Dominik kissed my forehead before throwing back the covers, immediately swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

  “Stay here. I’ll be right back,” Dominik instructed.

  “Is there something wrong?”

  He grabbed his jeans, sliding into them before answering. “That’s what I need to find out.” After yanking his shirt from the floor, he moved toward the door, giving me a glance then a smile. “And I will be back.”

  After he closed the door, I thought about doing nothing more than pulling the covers more tightly around me, enjoying the way his scent covered almost every inch of the bed. But I couldn’t. I had a sick feeling that refused to be denied. I’d seen the look on his face. Whatever Jerry had found was already troubling him.

  I quickly eased out of bed, tugging on my tee shirt then quietly opening the door. Unable to hear anything, I crept into the hallway, walking toward the living room, remaining in the shadows.

  “What did you find?” Dominik asked.

  Jerry huffed. “I was right. They used a tracking system on your phone.”

  “Who did?”

  “We could only figure that out if I had specialized equipment. Every tracking device has some kind of signature.”

  I hugged the wall, my breath already skipping. They’d found us. Oh, God. Oh…

  “What the fuck? How the hell could they have placed a tracker?” Dominik hissed, obviously trying to keep his voice down.

  “From what little I can tell from what I brought with me, while the technique they used is sophisticated as hell, it appears to be an older version.”

  “Don’t talk in riddles, Jerry. If we’re being tracked, then we likely have few options left.”

  “Listen to me, Dominik. This is the kind of equipment only used by the military, and few governments have tested its capabilities,” Jerry said more quickly. “What I’m telling you is that with this particular one, the person would have to be within very close proximity to you in order for the beam they used to work. The new versions allow for a greater distance. Whoever planted this couldn’t have been more than six to twelve inches away from you.”

  “That rules out my visits with Ivanov,” Dominik insisted.

  “Not necessarily. Think about who you’ve talked to personally in the last few weeks. One of them has ties to Ivanov while pretending to be your friend.”

  I rubbed my eyes, barely able to breathe. They were still coming for us. I jumped when I heard something being crushed, doing everything I could to hold back a whimper. Dominik was right. We would never be free from the assholes trying to kill us. Never.

  Dominik grumbled in Russian and I was able to tell his anger had increased. “Fuck. Angelo.”

  “I don’t know who that is and I ain’t gonna ask, but the moment you drove onto the driveway, this location was compromised,” Jerry said, sighing.

  “Then we’re leaving. Get the shit together.”

  I heard Dominik’s voice getting closer and rushed back to the room, only able to sit down on the bed before the door was swung open.

  Beep. Beep.

  Dominik snarled and instead of rushing back out, he took long strides in my direction, hunkering down and grabbing my arms. “I need you to listen to me because I don’t have any time to say this twice. There’s someone here. They’ve already managed to break through two of the security systems I installed, which means they aren’t far from the house. You need get dressed and grab Grady and Jessie. We’re leaving in three minutes.”

  I didn’t ask questions, nor did I hesitate, moving to grab my jeans and shoes as he fled the room, his weapon in his hand. Every part of me was shaking, enough so I dropped my things before I was able to calm down enough to put them on. A part of me wanted to break down in tears, but the majority was pissed off that my little boy had to go through something else horrible.

  As soon as I rushed into the hallway, I heard Dominik issuing another round of instructions. “Make certain the perimeter is clear.”

  “Will do,” Jerry answered.

  As I flew into Grady’s room, my heart hammering against my chest, I tried to force a smile on my face, but it was almost impossible. I couldn’t seem to stop shaking, the terror continuing to build. I knelt down, brushing my fingers across his face. “Honey, it’s time to wake up.”

  Jessie thumped her tail, her eyes opening. I could tell she immediately sensed my fear, jerking her head up then jumping off the bed. As she started to whine, I continued to try to rouse my boy, my nerves already to the very edge.

  “Come on, baby. You need to wake up.” My tone held even more urgency. When he barely opened his eyes then rolled over, I took gasping breaths. As Jessie began to bark, my instincts told me that we were in immediate danger. Before I was able to gather Grady into my arms, I heard the sound of two gunshots. Although they were in the distance, they were close enough to force a moan from my throat.

  Grady immediately jerked in my arms, his small scream breaking my heart.

  “Mommy!”

  “Shush, baby. It’s going to be all right.”

  Jessie continued to bark, refusing to leave my side as I moved quickly toward the door. The explosion of shattering glass behind me forced a scream from my mouth. It was as if time had shifted into slow motion, my feet unable to move. “Dominik!” I felt a presence behind me and within seconds, I was yanked back.

  Jessie went nuts, snarling as she lunged toward the attacker. The brave dog managed to buy me enough time to lower Grady toward the floor, pushing him. “Run, baby. Run!” Thank God Grady immediately responded, racing out of the room.

  When the pup was pitched aside, her yelp indicating she’d been injured, I swung around, able to issue a hard punch before the asshole managed to grab me again.

  “No!” My scream was cut off, the attacker’s arm now wrapped around my neck, squeezing with enough pressure I was immediately lightheaded.

  Dominik rushed into the room, holding the weapon in both hands. He took careful steps closer, cocking his head as he studied the man sent to kill us. “I suggest you let her go.”

  “The great fall of Dominik Nikitin. This will be the greatest honor of my life.”

  I was shocked at the words, the attacker issuing them with glee.

  When Dominik shifted to the right, the assassin immediately pressed the barrel of his weapon against my temple.

  “I suggest you do exactly as I say, Nikitin, if you want this woman to stay alive.”

  Dominik snickered. “You and I both know you’re never going to allow that to happen. That’s your job. Right? Until it’s done.”

  “Something you failed at miserably. All because of a weakness. Tsk. Tsk.”

  I refused to take my eyes off Dominik, trying to figure out what he was going to do. When he shifted his gaze toward the window, I was surprised.

  The assassin noticed, laughing softly. “If you’re looking for your buddy, I handled him first.”

  Dominik laughed with him for a few seconds, a huge smile on his face. What in the hell was he trying to do? “Well, you might want to think twice about that.”

  As Jessie struggled to get to her feet, the assassin pointed his gun directly at the pup.

  “No!” I managed to slam my elbow into the man, startling him just as Jessie lunged for him.

  Everything happened so quickly, but within seconds I was yanked into Dominik’s arms and dragged to the floor, his body covering mine.

  Pop! Pop!

  I heard nothing after the two close range shots with the exception of a thudding sound. Struggling, I managed to turn my head, able to catch sight of Jerry just before he kicked the asshole several times. Then he leaned down, checking the man’s pulse.

  “The bastard is dead,” Jerry huffed, shoving the assassin’s weapon into his pocket. “Just like the other two fuckers.”

  Dominik eased back, carefully gathering me into his arms. “Are you all right?” He tried to smile, his eyes still filled with rage.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Grady. Where is my son?” I managed.

  “Don’t worry. He’s okay,” Dominik said as he helped me to my feet. “Come on. Let’s get out of this room.”

  “Jessie is hurt,” I whispered, trying to push my way out of his arms.

  “I’ll take care of her. Go with Dominik,” Jerry instructed.

  I was numb as he walked me into the hallway, immediately opening the bathroom door. Grady’s little face was white as a sheet, tears streaming down his cheeks. As he raced toward me, I gave Dominik a silent thank you, barely able to keep standing.

  Dominik nodded, immediately sliding his weapon out of sight. Only then did he walk closer, hunkering down by our sides. “Are you all right, little buddy?”

  Grady sniffed several times then did something I would never have expected. He flung himself into Dominik’s arms, wrapping his arms around his neck tightly. “You’re Superman. I knew it.”

  Dominik looked up into my eyes, holding my gaze. There was no need for words. I pressed my hand over my mouth, doing everything I could to choke back a sob. Was it possible this was over?

  As soon as I saw Jerry heading into the room with Jessie, I let out a sigh of relief. “Is she okay?”

  “As far as I can tell,” Jerry said with a slight smile on his face. “I think she’s the hero today.”

  “You’re bleeding.” I rushed toward him, afraid to touch his shirt. Enough blood had already seeped through that I was fearful the injury was severe. Jessie bumped her head against my leg, her whimper no longer one of pain. I rubbed her head, still trying to catch my breath.

  “Just a flesh wound. Don’t worry about me. Everybody here all right?” His smile remained as he peered down at Dominik.

  “We’re fine.” Dominik’s voice boomed in the room. “Only three?”

  Jerry nodded, a grin crossing his face. “Yeah, and two of them weren’t too bright either.”

  Dominik picked Grady up into his arms, holding him lovingly as he pulled me close. I pressed my hand against his face, allowing tears to fall. “You are… so awesome.”

  “Don’t keep telling him that. Superman will start to get a big head,” Jerry huffed.

  “Superman!” Grady giggled.

  Jerry grumbled as he walked past. “Geez.”

  “What now?” I dared to ask.

  “We’re still getting out of here. Don’t worry, Hope. No one will ever be able to get to us again.”

  Two weeks later

  Dominik

  The two weeks had been enjoyable, although I’d still remained on edge for the first few days. I’d increased security at the farm, even hiring a surveillance firm to watch out over the place. That had at least allowed everyone to begin the healing process as well as forget our troubles for a while. In my mind, the period of time had been a respite from the dangerous life I’d allowed myself to live.

  Watching Grady being a kid had been more important to me than almost anything had but getting closer to Hope in simple ways had been priceless.

  Cooking dinners.

  Teaching her how to ride a horse.

  Enjoying a glass of wine on the deck.

  And passion.

  Our connection had blossomed into something spectacular.

  Still, there remained a sadness in both of us, a foreboding that was never discussed but always felt. I wanted so much more for her little family. And I would do everything in my power to make that happen.

  There had been nothing worse than the look on Grady’s face when I’d told him that Jessie had to be returned home. While he’d tried to be a big boy, the way he’d grabbed the dog, holding her tight had been gut wrenching.

  Leaving Hope had been even worse. Although I was certain she would be safe for the couple of days I was gone, the angst would never leave me. At least I’d already put some plans into motion. That allowed me a smile. From what I’d been able to learn, there were no other hits ordered, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t come in the future. It was time to clean up loose ends. Maybe then I’d start to feel a certain amount of peace.

  “Are you ready, girl?” I asked as I pulled into the driveway.

  Jessie issued a single bark, her tail thumping against the seat. As soon as she recognized the place, she started singing as only dogs could do. All I could do was smile. The moment I parked, Jessie scratched at the door, her eagerness to get back home something I would always remember. Even before I was able to get the pup out of the car, the front door had opened, both Tom and Lola moving outside.

  Jessie took off sprinting, happy to be reunited with her parents. I took my time, leaning against the car as I watched the beautiful moment. At least both my sister and her husband seemed to be on the mend. I took a deep breath before walking closer, giving Tom a nod. I was shocked when Lola wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly.

  “I was so worried about you,” Lola breathed.

  “You know me. I’m always fine,” I laughed as I eased her away. “How are things?”

  “They’re okay. We’re doing well. Still going to take a little time, but we’re fine. How’s Grady?” Tom asked.

  “He’s doing as well as can be expected. Kids are resilient.” My thoughts drifted to Hope, envisioning her face.

  “And Hope?” Lola asked, a sly grin on her face.

  I laughed again. “She is doing just fine.”

  “Is it over, Dominik?”

  My sister’s question was just another reminder of the bad choices I’d made. “As far as I can tell.”

  “What are you going to do from here?” Tom lifted his eyebrows, a grin remaining on his face.

  “I’m not sure yet. But I’m thinking a change might be in order.”

  Lola clapped her hands. “I knew it. I could tell by the way you looked at her. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Now, don’t go issuing the wedding announcement just yet. I still have some loose ends to clean up.” I laughed from seeing the delight on her face.

  “Does that mean you’re going?”

  I squeezed her arm. “I have to, but maybe I can visit sometime. I know Grady is already missing Jessie.” I bent down, studying the pup on her terms. “You were such an amazing girl. I will never forget what you did.”

  Woof!

  Jessie pawed the ground then came closer, snuggling in my arms.

  “I want what makes you happy, Sacha. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Lola’s tone was entirely different than from before. “You’re my brother and I love you.”

  “I know you do. I’m sorry for everything.” Hearing my nickname again could only give me a smile.

  “Just take care of yourself. Now I know why Lola talked about you nonstop.” Tom’s admittance was followed by Lola poking him in the ribs.

  “Interesting.” I smiled. “I’ll keep in touch.”

  “You better.” Lola’s voice held a quiver. “Wait. Dominik.” She raced after me, moving closely in front. “I have something to say to you.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve been a fool to push you out of my life. Our lives. You risked so much to bring me here and allowed me the opportunity to have so much more. I love Tom. I love my job. I adore this house. I couldn’t have had any of these things without the sacrifices you made. Please, never forget that you are my family and I want you to visit as often as you can. I’ve been thinking about you as a bad man, but you’re so much more. You’re amazing.”

  Amazing. The same adjective that Hope had used more than once. I suddenly felt hollow inside. Sighing, I rubbed my knuckle across her cheek. “No, you weren’t wrong, but I’m trying to change, and I would love to return and see how you are doing. I want to give you something and you need to just let me do this.” As I pulled an envelope from my pocket, she tried to back away. I refused, placing it in her hand. I’d hesitated before anticipating how it would make her feel. Now there was nothing more I wanted to do than to make their life more comfortable. “Don’t fight me on this.”

  “We’re fine,” she insisted.

  I gave her a look and she finally laughed, grasping the envelope. “See, you are amazing,” she whispered.

  It was difficult to back away, but there were things that needed to be finalized. When I turned around, I muttered to myself, “I am a bad man.”

  As I walked toward the car, I realized just how important it was to have a family.

  While there were no official rules for becoming an assassin, there seemed to be a few basics for being able to handle the profession.

  You had to be coldhearted.

  You had to have no emotions regarding the mark.

  And a revenge kill would always take away the edge, placing you in excessive danger.