Page 174 of Stolen Empire

He's showing me he respects me now.

I proved myself today, not just as Lyovik's daughter, but as someone who could stand with them.

Someone who could fight alongside them.

I lean against Dimitri, feeling exhaustion settling over me.

The adrenaline is wearing off, leaving behind only pain and a bone-deep weariness.

This part is over for now, and I have no way of knowing if the war will continue, but I'm praying that's the last time I have to step into this much danger ever again.

"We need to move," Dimitri says quietly.

"The Radich family will hear about this within the hour. They'll want to retaliate."

I'm too numb to argue, and even if I had energy to do so, I wouldn't.

The only thing I want right now is to take off this vest and soak in a hot bath.

Dimitri says goodbye to Artemy, thanks him again, and then loads me into his SUV while his men begin cleaning the scene.

"Where are we going now?"

I ask him as he buckles me in and fawns over me.

His hands caress my cheeks, and he seems to be unable to pull away from me for even a second.

"To the Morozov cabin. The men want to regroup and plan the next move, and I want you to have a safe place to wash up and rest. You did so well today, Katya. I'm proud of you."

When his lips touch my forehead it's magic.

The sensation seems to worm its way all the way through my body to every spot that hurts and it feels like home.

Dimitri feels like home.

And as soon as we get a spare second I'm going to tell him that.

28

DIMITRI

Artemy receives us at his country home, and the first thing I notice is that he doesn't treat us as subordinates.

He stands at the head of a long wooden table that's seen better days, worn but sturdy, and he nods to Rolan and me with the same respect he'd give to men of equal standing.

It's a deep honor and token of respect I know means our alliance will be a strong one.

"The vans are being inventoried now," he says, gesturing toward the courtyard where his men are already unloading the cargo found in the Radich vehicles after the firefight.

"It was a tough battle, but we won."

Rolan steps forward but his posture is relaxed.

It's time to really hash out what the future of this alliance is going to be.

"We're not here to hand over spoils and walk away. We want terms. A temporary joint command to unwind what's left of theRadich networks. They're wounded, but they're not dead yet. We need to finish this together, or they'll come back stronger."

Artemy considers this, his fingers drumming on the table.