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There are not enough words in all the languages to describe the feeling of knowing her love is mine. Even if she didn’t say the words. I felt it.

I felt it down to the marrow of my bones. She loves me.

This entire morning has felt like a turning point for us.

Sarah and I are wrapped in each other as we tread the water in lazy, relaxed circles. Her aquamarine eyes are unbelievably bright. The warmth and joy reflected in them sends my heart soaring to unbelievable heights.

I’m already dreading when I need to leave to work for Declan. We’ve been hunting those who managed to slip through our fingers when we raided Vladimir’s – the Bratva Pakhan – mansion but it’s proving to be annoyingly more difficult than we anticipated.

If you know the right people, which these people do, then you can disappear or pay off whoever you need to in order to ensure your secrets remain secrets.

“Thank you,” Sarah whispers, brushing a wet strand of hair from my forehead.

“What for?”

Her eyes scan the scenery that surrounds us. “For this. I really needed this.”

“Of course, mo réalta. ”

Our comfortable silence is broken by the sound of my phone ringing. Sarah’s shoulders slump and she gives me a sad smile. “I guess our time is up, huh?”

I grimace and nod.

We hurriedly swim to shore. “Yeah?” I grunt when I lift the phone to my ear.

“Get your ass to the estate. There’s word the Cartel is holding an auction soon.”

“They planning to take over what the Bratva started?”

“It would seem so,” Declan growls.

Scoffing, I tell him I’m on my way, then hang up.

When I turn around, Sarah is standing fulling clothed, watching me. Small lines appear between her brows. I pocket my phone and stride over. Pulling her into my arms, I gently stroke the space between her brows, smoothing the lines.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. I don’t want to go.

A question swirling in her eyes. Then it quickly changes to determination. “Take me with you.”

Stepping back, I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. She’s been set on helping with our searches, but after what happened when we actually found some of them, I’m worried it’ll be too much for her.

“Don’t tell me no. I want to go. I need to go.” Her eyes seem double in size. Damn puppy-dog eyes. How the fuck do I say no to that?

* * *

I couldn’t tell her no.

Declan sits behind his desk, Liam in one of the seats facing him. I’m on the other. After fighting to be in this meeting, Sarah relented after Declan got involved and went with Paige and Emily upstairs. But not before making me promise not to leave if we end up taking off for a mission.

I didn’t give her the specifics. Just that we are pinpointing the location of our next target. Considering Paige was taken to Mexico, I was nervous about her knowing it’s possible we go there before confirming.

“We weren’t able to determine the exact location, but we know the auction is going to be happening in 2 weeks.” Liam’s eyes bounce between me and Declan.

Declan has his elbows resting on his desktop, his hands clasped together, his forefingers pressed against his lips. He doesn’t say anything for a moment and his eyes absentmindedly scan the wood surface.

“Dec?” I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees.

He stands and moves to stare out the window. “How long do you think it will take to find out?”

Liam grimaces before replying. “According to what we could find, no one will know until 2 days before. But, Boss, it’s supposed to be a pretty big auction.”

Declan’s frame tenses.

“Word is the Herrera’s captured the girls Vladimir was stashing in Russia.”

I curse, my head falling between my shoulders.

First the Russians and now the Cartel. And these fuckers are a lot stealthier than the Bratva. They move fast and effectively. They don’t broadcast their movements or make a big show of wealth. That’s what makes them so dangerous.

“Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the announcement,” Declan says to Liam, then turns to face me. “Rhys, I need to you draw up a plan for how we’re going to beat these fuckers.”

I nod, my mind already racing to come up with an idea.

The next few hours are spent working on our own operations. Business is good. Our weapons inventory is stocked, and we have been striking multiple deals across the world.

My phone chimes. When I unlock it, I read a text from Sarah.

Chuckling under my breath, I type out my reply.

“Paige wants to go out. You down to go?” Declan says.

“So does Em,” Liam replies.

“I guess the women decided we’re going out.” I laugh, pocketing my phone.

“Let’s wrap this up.”

After our meeting, we separate to get ready for dinner with the plan to meet at the restaurant.

I fill Sarah in on as much as I can. Naturally, she made me swear to take her with us once we know where we’re headed.

The ensuite door opens. Sarah steps out wearing a black wraparound dress. My cock instantly hardens in appreciation.

“Nu uh.” She shakes her head, stepping toward the walk-in closet. “Not until I’ve had some food in my system. I’m starving.”

A laugh bursts out of me. The fact this woman loves to eat is refreshing. She is not afraid to enjoy her meals around me, unlike many women I’ve been with. She doesn’t care if she takes a big ass bite of food, ending up with sauce or crumbs on her lips and cheeks.

“Let’s go get you fed. Then tonight, it’s my turn to eat.” I shoot her a wink. Redness rises up her neck, making her cheeks and ears flush.

Once ready, we head out and meet everyone at the restaurant.