Page 121 of Romancing His Heart

“You don’t say,” I smirk. “My father was an intelligent man. Coupled with my mother’s worries and Claire’s particular abilities, they taught me to ghost at an early age.”

“You’re lucky, Loki. I’m glad you had that support system.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t. You’re not alone anymore, though. You know that, right?”

“I’m learning.” He grins. “Ashton is a pushy fucker.”

A chuckle escapes, and it’s a nice departure from the anxiety that’s taken residence in my neck and shoulders. “That he is, but he’s a good man, and he knows his shit.”

“I hope you’re right. The sooner we end this, the sooner we can get to our girls.”

Our girls.Never have two words sounded more right.

“Right. Are you ready for Mikhailov? I assume he’s getting sloppy because Vic is talking?”

“Yeah.” Luca stands and paces in front of my desk. “I’m afraid they’re going to get to Vic before the trial, though. Where is that going to leave us? You’re technically a fugitive until Vic signs his confession. And, if Mikhailov kills him, how will we ever have a life? It took ten years to bring down our father.”

Raising my hand, I stop him. “Antonio Black is not our father. He was a sperm donor, but never a father. John Kane was a father. Clinton Westbrook was a father. You will be a father, but let’s be clear about Antonio. He doesn’t deserve that distinction.”

Luca seems taken aback by my vehemence, but eventually nods in understanding.

“I’m going to be a father.” The awe in his voice makes me yearn for that feeling. Fatherhood was never on my radar before, but I can see my future so clearly with Sloane.

“Yes, you’re going to be, and you’ll be a damn good one, but first, we have work to do,” Ashton states with authority as he enters the room. “We move in five days. My intel shows Mikhailov is meeting Solonik in Steel Creek on Friday. Seth is running surveillance now, but it looks like this might be our only shot at them together. Solonik has a private plane booked for Friday night under a pseudonym.”

“Where the fuck is he going?” I seethe.

“There’s no flight plan listed. They’re flying out of Aero Plantation, so they don’t have to file one,” Ashton tells us while dumping a heap of files onto my desk. “As long as they aren’t near a controlled airspace, they can fly without one.”

“So, if we lose him on Friday, he’s gone.” Luca’s anger shows in his clenched jaw.

“He’ll never make it to Aero Plantation, Luca. We’re going to make sure of it.” I’m firm in my vow. “We have no option but to succeed.”

“Done. Tell me what you need me to do.”

“We have a shitload of intel to cover, but with Mikhailov getting restless, I don’t feel comfortable bringing anyone else in. That means we’ll have to rotate shifts on surveillance and intel.”

“What are we looking for?”

Ash raises his gaze to meet mine. “Everything.”

Clapping him on the back, I laugh. “Way to narrow it down for us there, buddy.”

“I do what I can.” He smirks, handing us each a stack of files.

Moving to different corners of the room, we set up shop. Raising my fist, I say, “Welcome to the chaos.”

Ashton and Luca repeat it, and I realize our brotherhood of friends and family has just gained another member.

* * *

“We’re a day out;you feeling okay about all this?” Ashton asks as he enters my office.

“There’s no other choice. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this mission succeed.”

“I know. But, you have more on the line than you’ve had before. I just want to make sure your head is on straight.”

I swallow painfully before answering. “Her team said she went to the grocery store a few days ago.” I can’t say her name. It hurts too much.