Page 101 of Unbroken

The stillness is deceptive.Even I know by now not to trust it.

A part of me longs for peace, for predictability, for a future that’s clear and dependable. And a part of me wantsaction.I want to fight. I want todefend.I want to use my energy and whatever I have to offer to bring a fucking end to the pain and tragedy that’s descended on this family. To Luka. To Vadka.

Outside the estate, the sun hangs low where the session’s been planned. We’ve been practicing all day long. Not a real ambush—yet—but close enough. Vadka and Rafail made sure of that.

The men don’t just need drills. They need to be ready. Ready like I’ll have to be.

He stands near the back exit, already in tactical black, sleeves rolled, neck taut. Watching.

Mmm. I need a little wallet-size print of him to slide into my pocket, looking just likethat.

Always watching.

The vest smells like him, leather and a hint of something spicy and woodsy. Too big across my shoulders, but I try to tighten it anyway. My fingers work the buckles too fast, too rough. I don’t care.

I need the armor. Maybe could use another damn layer.

Sigh.

Outside, I can hear boots shifting in gravel, voices low and clipped. Controlled tension. Everyone knows what this is.

My own pulse is too loud in my ears.

I sense him before I hear him.

“Five minutes,” he says from the doorway. His voice gentles when his eyes lock with mine. “You look adorable.”

Adorable? Really?

I finish the last strap and force my body to stillness.

I wink at him. “You’re not so bad yourself.” His black outfit is outfitted with weapons. Scary sexy. I can’t control the flutter in my heart or the need to step closer to him. To feel him.

“I’m ready.”

He steps toward me, slow and deliberate. His presence fills the space like smoke—thick, suffocating, impossible to ignore, his eyes on mine unwavering. And I know rightthen, dressed in protective gear, on the cusp of practicing actual fucking combat, I’ve… never been happier.

Happy. He makes me happy.

And I realize that it’s the first time I’ve felt more happiness than grief since my sister left this world. I blink so he doesn’t see my shimmering eyes.

“You look like you don’t want to do this.”

I clear my throat and laugh it off. “Would rather be maybe on a beach in Maui, but this is fine. It’ll do.”

He smiles. Barely. “Good,” he says. “Because it’s time.” He leans in closer. “And when this is all over, Ruthie? When we’re at peace and safe again. I won’t hold back.”

Why does that make my pulse spike?

I shove past him, shoulder bumping his—hard. A challenge. “Didn’t ask you to.”

His gaze drags down my spine, and I know it—can feel it like heat at my back. It makes my skin prickle and my breath catch, even as I hate it. Hate him for making me feel anything but fear.

He follows. Of course he does.

Outside, everyone’s assembling. Practice, they say. But is it really? Not with the way Vadka sets the tempo. Not with the threat breathing down our necks.

I reach for a pair of gloves, but he’s already there. Close behind.Tooclose.