Page 64 of Savior

“It’s not up for discussion.”

Right… his past is a touchy subject. I guess I should be pleased we have something in common, but what he tries to hide only leaves me more unsettled.

“What about the others? I doubt my brother became a SEAL while I was here. What training does he have? Does he have experience with this type of thing? Is he used to killing people, too?”

His expression remains impassive, neither confirming nor denying. “What Decker does and doesn’t have experience with is something you should discuss with him. I’m not getting between the two of you again.”

My pulse increases as I picture Sebastian as a murderer. I see visions of him killing people. Fighting for his life. Gunning down strangers. The aggression doesn’t fit what I know of the man from my past. It doesn’t mesh at all.

“I want to know if he’s going to be able to look after himself.” The question grazes my throat, the hint of a plea layered in my tone. “He’s different from the man I grew up with. He’s a stranger now.”

“Then get to know him.” He jerks his chin at Sebastian, standing beside Hunter at the steering wheel. “I’m sure he’d appreciate you attempting to talk to him.” He pushes to his feet, distancing me from necessary answers.

“Please.” I reach out to stop his escape, my fingers an inch from contact before I retract at the last second. “Just tell me if he’s capable of going through with this. Is he able to kill someone in cold blood?”

He glances down at my hand as my arm retreats, then slowly raises his gaze to mine. “He’s capable.”

Another part of me dies.

After everything I’ve been through, I wouldn’t have thought it possible. But there it goes, the sinking feeling in my stomach expanding to take over my chest.

Despite our plan already being in motion, a part of me had hoped for Luca’s uncertainty. That he didn’t know if Sebastian was one ofthem. The bad guys. The brutal.

Not only did his words confirm it, his pity-filled gaze cements the walls of the hollowness carved out inside me.

Sebastian isn’t Sebastian anymore.

“Hunter is more than capable, too,” Luca adds. “So you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

I scoff out a derisive laugh, hoping the effort will dislodge my vulnerability. “I wasn’t overly concerned about him. The vibe he gives off is threatening enough.”

A grin tweaks Luca’s lips, the sly expression slightly endearing in the glow of the moon. “He may look scary, but he’s got a soft side. If his woman asked him to put on a dress and perform a ballet recital, I’m pretty sure he’d comply without skipping a beat.”

I raise my brows, not buying his bullshit. Not caring enough to voice it either. I’m already in mourning for my brother. I can’t believe the gentle protector is gone. That he’s now working for the enemy.

“You’ll understand once you meet Sarah.” Luca continues. “She’s not the kind of woman you deny.”

“Pretty?” I assume.

“Deadly.” His humor fades. “Don’t get me wrong—she’s attractive, but she’s the type of woman who could slit a throat with a smile on her face. It’s like catnip to the big guy.”

I bristle at the mental image of this woman. Lethal beauty. Black heart.

I’m out of my depth here. Surrounded by psychopaths. Then there’s Luca, with his harsh promises and penetrating stare. Why does everyone else scare me, yet he’s become some strange source of stability?

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, shorty.” He takes a step back, preparing to walk away. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

And then there’s that nickname.Shorty.The one word which is far preferable to the things I’ve been called during the last years. There’s the slightest hint of an endearment to it. A lingering compliment of sorts.

But I’m not short. In comparison to him, maybe. Far from it, in relation to other women.

It’s just one of the many thoughts plaguing me as I’m left alone for the rest of the ride into the Naxos port.

Even once we arrive, Hunter and Sebastian disembark without a glance in my direction. They know the drill as they each carry a duffel onto the pier, the bags stocked with guns, ammo, and communication devices.

It’s Luca who attempts to help me from the boat, his arm outstretched, waiting for me to take his offering.

“I can’t.” I keep my expression blank in case anyone in the distance is paying us attention. “You’re not allowed to touch me.”

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