by Grady, D. R.
“Where do you want to end?”
Beau’s voice was quiet, his manner still and soothing.
It helped to cut through the disorganized thoughts. “I want to be with Vlad.” She frowned. “I think.”
“Explain that last thought.”
“I want to be with him,” she repeated. “But I’m not actually sure who he is.”
Beau joined her in frowning. “Dig a little deeper.”
“I know I want him. But how can you want someone you don’t even know?”
“People do it all the time.”
“Yes, they do. But I’m looking to spend the rest of my life with a man who might not want to spend the rest of his life with me. I have no idea because he doesn’t talk to me,” she all but wailed.
“He seems as into you as you are to him. What’s missing?”
“I did ask him about his favorite color, foods, music, you know, that necessary sort of information.”
“Vlad gave you the answers to those questions?”
“Yes.” Such as his answers were. Like he himself didn’t even know.
“Then what’s bothering you?”
“I have no idea what he does. I don’t know what he enjoys doing in his spare time. I don’t know how he’d react in certain situations.”
“What situations?”
She thought for a moment. “What if I got sick? What if he does?”
Beau shrugged. “That’s part of a relationship.”
“How a person reacts in certain situations is important.” She blew out a disheartened breath. “There are times lately where I realize I don’t know him.”
“He’s probably feeling the same way about you.” Beau shrugged. “Give the relationship time.”
But that was hard. She had been faithful to a man she didn’t know. One who she still didn’t know. Even in the midst of a relationship with him.
It was hard to admit that she might never truly know Vlad. Perhaps that’s where her true fears lay. That she might never know him. No matter how long they were together. It was a scary, heartrending thought.
***
“Are you certain?” Vlad asked as he gazed over Beaumont’s shoulder at the computer screen.
“All evidence points toward the Freedom Fighter interests lying in other countries at the moment.”
The SEAL tapped more keys, and as the screen scrolled he read the evidence for himself. “Why don’t I believe this?”
“Because you’re cynical,” Ben answered from Beaumont’s other shoulder.
“You believe it?”
Ben shook his head. “Not at all.”
More keys tapped as Beaumont stared at the screen. “It’s too convenient.”
Shively glanced up from the computer he was busy working at. “They’re trying to avert our attention.”
Beaumont’s smile could have cut glass. “They won’t.”
“We’re on to them now.” Shively tapped a few keys. “They can hide…”
He nodded. “But their expiration date is close.”
“Too bad for them.” Ben returned to his own desk.
“They’re going to rue the day they hurt even one woman.” The fact that the hard, menacing voice came from Shively raised goosebumps on his arms.
“We’ve got work to do, boys.” Ben started gathering up some things strewn across the desk. “Better go see the prince first.”
It was about to get busy, even before telling Helena he couldn’t see her tonight. He still suspected that hadn’t gone over well. Since their kiss and the exchange in the storage closet something was wrong. Only he couldn’t figure out what or why.
In fact, he wondered if Helena knew. Yet he was certain it had to do with him. She had made it pretty plain that things weren’t going according to plan. But what was the plan?
Right now he had terrorists to fight. Fighting with Helena, if that’s what he was doing, wasn’t what he wanted. But he had to keep her safe more than he had to figure out what was going on with her at the moment.
One crisis at a time…
They entered the hallway through a hidden door and made their way to Prince Aleksi’s office. He was waiting for them in the well-lit space. On the table in the corner sat a fresh pot of coffee and a tray with various pastries and some cheeses. They sat and passed around the coffee and food before getting down to serious discussion.
Ben started the conversation, asking Alesksi, “How many people know the layout of this palace?”
The prince took a long sip of coffee before he answered. “The family of course, and staff.”
“How often do you get visitors?” Beaumont asked.
“Frequently. But we’re careful to keep them in the public areas only. That includes the entire guest wing.”
That was new and wise. “So their lodging is confined to the east wing?”
“Yes. We keep the doors locked that lead to the private wings. Security also tightens the further in you go.” Meaning there were armed, specialty trained guards manning those doors.
“How easy is it to find the layout of this palace?” Tigger held a pen poised above a notepad.
Aleksi’s eyes gleamed. “There are no blueprints.”
“Excellent news.” Ben checked something off on his own notepad. “How is palace staff chosen?”
He smiled as some information he’d forgotten roared back. “They have to have been born to other members who work here.”
All three SEALs started. “What?” Ben drew a line through some text.
“If you’re not born to a current staff member, you will be unable to procure a position here in the palace. You must have family who already works here. Blood relation, by the way.”
Tigger’s lips pursed in a silent whistle. “Okay, that’s a great counter-terrorism procedure.”
“There are exceptions.” He held up a hand.
Aleksi nodded. “The laboratory staff are part of those exceptions.”
“Explain that, please,” Ben requested.
“Helena, Tia, and Jorge don’t have blood relations who work here but the lab is located in the public area so it’s not as important. Technically Maria isn’t blood related either, but Maks is her son and he is blood related to me.”
“So long as there is a blood relationship, they can work in the restricted areas? Especially if they’re related to you?” Beaumont sought to clarify.
Aleksi rested an ankle on the opposite thigh. “Those higher up on the chain are related to me. But all the maids, maintenance staff, housekeepers, chefs and assistants, groundskeepers, and so forth all are probably at least eight generations of the same families doing so.”
“I can’t even imagine that.” Tigger shook his head.
“He said probably at least eight generations. It probably extends much further back than that.” He glanced at Aleski.
Who smiled. “We take pride in our traditions here in Rurikstan. And not everyone who works here has family who only work here. Several of our staff have sons and daughters who have gone on to become engineers, doctors, and teachers.”
“Or warriors,” Ben stated, with a glance in his direction.
Another smile from Aleksi. “Or warriors.”
Beaumont blinked, like he was processing data. “What about terrorists bribing your people for a layout or entry inside?”
The smile faded as Aleksi turned to him. “Each and every staff member, including the lab personnel, as well as every citizen of this nation, take seminars where they learn not to provide that type of information.”
“We’ve remained this neutral because people aren’t willing to talk to strangers about our national secrets.”
Aleksi immediately agreed. “We’re so small we can encourage everyone here to keep that type of information to themselves.”
“Immediately someone starts asking questions of that nature, the citizen tells us.”
“What about this traitor?” Tigger asked.
“That’s a definite weak
spot. If the traitor is as highly placed as we suspect, he is a problem.” Aleksi drank more coffee, his expression bleak.
“A high ranking military official would be able to provide the layout of the palace?” Ben’s voice was sharp.
“Not the palace. But the other government buildings, yes. We do have blueprints for some of those.”
“Are they more important than this palace?” Beaumont leaned forward as though he intended to yank the answer out of Aleksi.
“If someone wished to overthrow Rurikstan, they would need to infiltrate into the heart of the palace.” Aleksi’s gaze turned dark, but then a twinge of amusement sparked. “What they’ll find are three U.S. Navy SEALs and Vlad.”
That sent a chuckle through the meeting.
“Okay, there is that.” Tigger sobered quickly. “Do the top military leaders understand the palace is the place to conquer?”
“They didn’t get to the top by being stupid.” That sense of betrayal tried to rear up. He tamped it down. “This palace is where the country’s secrets and wealth are kept.”
“All of your wealth is stored here?”
“Not all of it, no, but much of it.” Aleksi met Ben’s astonished eyes with a direct gaze. That was the de Leos way. He was rather proud to share bloodlines with this man.
“Where?” Tigger was blinking rapidly.
Aleksi’s smile returned, although it was faint. “You haven’t found it in all your searches?”
“No,” all three SEALs murmured and glanced at each other.
“Then it’s safe. If Navy SEALs can’t find it, we’re guessing a bunch of terrorists can’t either. That’s why we store the treasures here.”
“What if you’re bombed?” Ben asked outright.
“My grandfather worried about that exact same thing. He took measures to preserve our secrets and treasures back in his day. My father updated his efforts and I’ve made some improvements as well.”
He leaned back in his chair after pouring more coffee and helping himself to another pastry. A small piece of where the treasures were hidden had been entrusted to him but like any others who knew, he kept that knowledge to himself. If anything happened to Aleksi and his mother, then the remaining individuals could piece their fragments together to figure out where the treasures were located.
He suspected in addition to himself, his dad, Maks and both of his sisters all carried a piece. As well as Emerson and blood relatives on that side. That way not one person knew, but several of the royal line, could locate their national treasures if need be.
“These treasures are part of your nation’s wealth?” Ben clarified.
Aleksi tucked a hand into his pocket. “You can think of them as the national treasury. We mine precious and semi-precious gems here, as well as several rare minerals. We possess a few gold and silver mines that are still producing and our engineers are constantly researching new ways for us to spread our profit into new areas.”
“We seek ways to keep the country profitable far beyond our generation.”
“Our forefathers,” Aleksi indicated him, “were concerned that we continue to remain profitable throughout future generations. Because of their foresight, we are still as wealthy a nation now as we were then.”
“A terrorist would do well to take the palace then.” Beaumont spun his mug in circles, and he gazed down into the depths like he expected it to spout answers.
“Yes.” Prince Aleksi didn’t quibble.
“However, they can take the palace, but she probably won’t give up her secrets.”
Their forefathers had been beyond wise. Back in their day, it was much easier to take a stronghold as all you needed was a bigger, better trained army. Their ancestors decided to “hide” their treasures so that if the palace was taken, they had a better chance of recovering their wealth at a later date.
Another excellent move they made was to not flaunt their great wealth. The palace they currently sat in had been added to over the years, and while quite beautiful, it didn’t compare to some that were lavish beyond belief. Their de Leos ancestors had kept their wealth well hidden.
“The measures we’ve taken through the years to conceal our goods have proven most excellent. We work tirelessly to improve upon them.”
“Has this palace ever been taken?” Beaumont asked.
“Yes, several times through history.” Aleksi pointed to some artwork on the far wall that provided a reminder that it was possible.
He stirred. “But the de Leos family always took it back soon after.”
“There are secrets here that you boys haven’t had time to discover.” Aleksi leaned back in his chair with the easy assurance of a man who knew he held the winning hand. That hand had been hard won and fought for through the centuries.
“We’re very happy to be defending a place that is perfectly capable of defending herself,” Tigger finally decided. He bit into a pastry and some of the filling gushed out. The SEAL caught it long before the pudding ever hit the table.
It was something others like them took for granted. But Aleksi’s eyes first widened, and then narrowed as a brand new, predatory smile lit his face.
“I think we’re in good hands.” He stared at Derek Shively who sucked the filling off his finger and continued eating with the grace of a man who is at peace with his abilities. He didn’t need to flex his impressive muscles but was fully capable of doing so when necessary.
Chapter 25
“I still don’t think this is a good time for me to leave,” Tia stated again. She glanced around Aleksi’s office and realized anew this was the last thing she wanted.
Aleksi turned to stare at her. “This is the perfect time.” His voice made it very obvious he had no intention of altering her schedule.
“Aleksi, things are heating up right now. I should be here, not in Hershey.”
“Your cousin is leaving today, and so are you.”
She glowered at him, but it ricocheted right off her obstinate fiancé. “And people tell me I’m stubborn.”
“You are.” He softened that blow by curling an arm around her and tugging her against his lean, muscular frame.
Before she could formulate a counter argument, he joined their lips. Any protests died as Aleksi’s lips worked their magic. She was certain she had more but they all fled.
She kissed him back with everything she had, because she needed him to miss her. Miss her so much he couldn’t live without her. Because if he managed to live without her, her world would implode.
With that thought circulating through her brain, she pressed closer, desperate to imprint herself on him.
His kiss was every bit as desperate. “I’m not certain how I’m going to live without you.” He sounded resigned and a little unhappy.
That made her heart soar before she realized she had to live without him too. Her heart immediately crashed and burned. With a long sigh, she trailed a hand over his cheek.
“I don’t want to return to Hershey.”
Aleksi’s arms tightened. “I know, sweetheart. I know all too well.” There was something else there, though. Something she couldn’t put a finger on, that despite his words to the contrary, he was relieved she was leaving.
She took a step back to stare into those dark eyes she loved so much. They gave nothing away other than the fact that he loved her and would miss her. Yet something secret churned behind those amazing eyes.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re relieved I’m leaving,” she accused.
Again, his arms tightened around her. “I hate that you’re leaving. But I am happy you’re doing what you must so you can return home and be with me permanently.”
That all resonated with truth: it wasn’t a lie. But it also wasn’t quite true, either. Some other reason buzzed around in his brain, something he didn’t want her to know.
“I don’t want to go.” She settled tighter against him and pouted.
He traced the bottom curve of her lip. “I know. But the sooner you go the sooner you’ll be home.”
It was odd that she had lived most of her life in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but now it wasn’t home. Rurikstan, with Aleksi, was home. “I wish this was already finished.” Her lips turned down.
“Am I interrupting?” Ben asked from the doorway.
“Yes,” both she and Aleksi answered. They grinned at each other.
“Too bad.” He strolled into Aleksi’s office with easy grace. “Mark is almost ready to go.” Ben glanced at Tia. “Have you even started packing?”
Her cheeks suffused with red. “No. I don’t want to leave.”
“You know The Packers will help you pack up the condo. In fact, they’ll do it for you.”
“That’s right. I forgot all about The Packers again. They’re professionals.”
“Just drop a bug in my mom’s ear and you’ll have them all on your doorstep by six a.m.”
She chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I don’t want them there by six.”
“They bring treats,” Ben coaxed.
She brightened. “That’s true. KC said they brought cinnamon rolls and cookies.”
Aleksi’s nod was slow. “So you’re hoping they come, bring treats, and help you pack?”
She darted an amused smile at Ben.
“No, she’s hoping they do all her packing. Lazy girl.” There was no missing the affection in Ben’s voice.
She chortled. “Like I could do even half as good a job as them.”
Ben considered that. “True. My mom mentioned that Julie is looking for a new place. You might want to take her to see your condo again.”
“Julie’s condo is really small.”
“Who is Julie?”
They both turned to Aleksi. “One of my sisters.” Ben looked like he considered ignoring that question.
“One of them? How many do you have?”
Since Ben looked pained, she answered for him. “Four.”
Aleksi, in the act of leaning over to scoop up his coffee mug, paused. “Four?” He turned wide eyes on Ben. “Four?”
