Above All Else: A Bad Boy Military Romance (Easy Team Book 2) (17 page)

Chapter
Seventeen
Sofia

              It was like déjà vu.

              I groaned as I woke up. I sat up in bed. I wore the same nightie and even had my robe on still.

              My head spun as I sat up. My vision cleared slowly as I blinked, squinting around the unfamiliar room.

              Or at least, it had looked unfamiliar.

              Until I caught sight of the delicate vanity that sat across from the bed. The long, slender legs of the table were carved in a whorled fashion and painted a soft pink. The mirror was ornately framed and mounted above the table.

              How many times had I cried over that table? How many times had I inspected my bruises and swollen eyes through that mirror?

              I looked up and saw the familiar canopy that covered the large four poster bed that I had grown up in. This had been all the sanctuary I had had in the palace. I leaned towards the end of the bed and carefully touched the bottom left poster.

              There were scratches in the gleaming wood, with dull patches around the base. That was from the countless times I had been tied to the post to either receive a beating or to prevent myself from climbing out the window to scavenge for any kind of food to sustain me.

              Being surrounded by the large four walls of my old palatial room made me feel quite small again. I hadn’t been in this room for over a decade. The last time I had been here, I had weighed twenty pounds less and had been covered in black and blue bruises from my neck down to my ankles.

              Even after all the work I had done to build myself up and to educate my mind, it all disappeared the moment I awoke in my childhood bedroom of torture and torment.

              How did I end up back here? How could I possibly be back here?

              Slowly, my brain cleared away the fuzz. I remembered the “meeting” at the embassy. The man in black who drugged me. I must’ve been dragged out of the embassy and smuggled back to Loranza.

              And not just anywhere in Loranza. I had been taken to the palace. And not to just any part of the palace. I had been brought to my old room.

              It was all calculated, every move. And I shivered, seeing just how devious and skilled Pryto was in tormenting a person. There were only tearful and terrible memories in this room. Not one night did I sleep in this bed without red and swollen eyes from crying.

              I got up from the bed, carefully retying my robe tightly around me. I felt like I needed whatever I could to use as armor. Slowly, I walked around the room. It was surreal to be back again after so many years.

              How many times had I wondered when I might ever return to the palace? And what I would do once there? I had sometimes dared to dream about a future where my name would be restored and I could return to Loranza without fear of danger or hatred.

              But now, after what Pryto had done, I wasn’t so sure there would ever be a day. He had rallied so much anger and so much hate, I couldn’t foresee a way to backtrack from that.

              And then Uncle Gregory….

              My heart clenched at the memory. Somehow, thinking about Uncle Gregory in my old room in the palace made the memory a hundred times worse. It just seemed to reinforce the fact that no matter how hard I had tried or how much I had deluded myself, I had never truly been free of Pryto’s clutches.

              Even when I had been abroad and far away, Pryto still knew just how to bring me to my knees.

              And poor Uncle Gregory had been used like a pawn in his schemes.

              I carefully approached the window. My windows faced the east side of the grounds and away from the main gates. But I was still careful in approaching the glass in case there was a mob by the east side gardens. It’d be difficult but not impossible for someone to throw or shoot something from there to my window.

              I edged close and peeked out from the side. I saw the same large willow trees that lined the garden walls, nearly obscuring the tall wrought iron fence. There was the same rock fountain right below my window. It was shaped into a natural rock pool with a small waterfall directly below me. But now the water had stopped running.

              In fact, most of the grounds looked quite shabby. The trees were shaggy and unordered, the grass patchy and yellow and long. The empty basins in the rock pool were covered in dead leaves and dirt.

              With how poorly the country was doing, it would be hard for Pryto to find funds to maintain the extensive palace grounds. Looking at the shabbiness of the gardens, I could tell no one had laid a hand on the grounds in many years.

              But despite how different the grounds looked, the feeling that was ignited looking out was the same. Loneliness, desperation, fear, sadness.

              Actually, maybe this time was worse.

              Because now my life was very much on the line. I wasn’t just about to be beaten or starved.

              I could be killed.

              I touched the cold windowpane and felt my heart flutter as I quickly wondered how worried Xander must be.

              Wherever he had gone in the morning, he definitely was not expecting to return to an empty Ambassador’s suite. And I was quite sure that the aide who had led me into this trap was long gone by now.

              Would he be able to figure out what had happened? What could he do? Even if he asked for information, he wasn’t a government official, a representative of Loranza, or in any way a political figure. No one would want to give someone like that any sensitive information even if they had any.

              Perhaps…Perhaps this was for the best.

              Without Easy Team, without weapons, without a plan, Xander was in just as much danger as I was. Perhaps now that I was separated from him, he would at least be less of a target.

              A hot tear rolled down my face.

              I loved him with such fierceness that sometimes it was hard to breathe. And that kind of love was worth protecting. Xander was strong and capable and fiercely protective but that didn’t matter when he was up against an entire nation. As Crown Princess, only I could face off with Loranza. Xander would only get caught in the crossfire.

              Yes, I could imagine his frantic worry as he searched for me at the embassy, miles away. I could imagine him grabbing people by their collars and demanding they turn me over or to give him information on where I had gone. Maybe he’d even manage to speak to a French official somehow.

              But nobody would be able to help him.

              I was as good as lost now.

              My life didn’t matter at this point. Only what I could do with its remaining days did.

              And that was to save Loranza. I had to use my life to bargain for the best possible future for my country.

              That was my duty and responsibility.

              I closed my eyes, letting the remaining tears fall silently down my cheeks. I had to be grateful for the days I did have with Xander. Never did I think I would ever learn the truth of romantic love. Never did I think I would experience the sensation of a fluttering heart and a heated body.

              And yet I had had all that and more with Xander. I would always remember those soft warm evenings together where he held me in his arms out in the open plains of Devil’s Horn, our hearts beating together as one. I had never felt safer or more loved than in those moments.

              And isn’t that all anyone wanted from life? To have someone love and want you? To feel your heart completed in another’s?

              I had had that. It was brief but beautiful.

              I opened my eyes, looking out at the overgrown and dreary gardens.

              The image of Xander still angrily searching through the embassy was burned into my mind. As tears stung my eyes, I hoped that he would be able to move on quickly and find someone who could love him without such dangerous baggage.

             
I love you,
I thought with a sincerity that rang through my bones.
I hope you understand what I must do.

Chapter
Eighteen
Xander

              “Got sights on the east side,” Tennessee reported. “She’s on the second floor. Third window to the right.”

              “We’re clear on street level,” Dozer added. “Seems like most of the people are mobbed out around the gates. I don’t think they’re aware yet that she’s here.”

              “Copy that,” Hawk confirmed. “We’ll signal when we’re ready to move.”

              Hawk looked over at me as we stood against some trees, striking a casual pose. We were in a small park that faced the side of the Loranzian royal palace. Dressed in civilian clothes, we leaned against a tree, facing each other as if we were just casually chatting.

              “Do you want me to go?” Hawk asked.

              I pressed my lips tightly, considering. I knew why he was asking. I was too involved. I might lose control. I had to keep a clear mind and he knew with Sofia being in danger, I might just let my anger loose, making me reckless.

              But I couldn’t not be the one who found her first. I couldn’t
not
be the one who confirmed her safety with my own two eyes. I had to be the one to do it.

              “No, I got this,” I said.

              Hawk nodded, clapping my shoulder. “Alright then,” he said. He put a finger to his ear, pressing his comm. “We’re moving.”

              “Roger.”

              “Roger.”

              “Roger.”

              All the men called in, confirming they had eyes on me and were ready to for my move.

              I took in a deep breath and my muscles flexed, ready for action.

              And my heart grew icy for the man who dared to touch my woman.

***

              “There’s a bar down the street from the embassy. We can make first contact there,” I said.

              “Sounds good,” Hawk said. “We’ll be there in an hour or so.”

              I hung up the phone, looking up and down the street before exiting the phone booth. Who knew phone booths still existed? But when I saw one during our drive into the embassy, I knew it’d be the perfect place to make a quick, anonymous call.

              The commander had told us this was an international public matter and that that meant Easy Team couldn’t be officially involved. No government wanted to be publically associated with a band of mercenaries.

              But Commander Wolffe had made no formal restrictions on us and that had not been lost on me. He had just let it be known that the foreign bodies involved didn’t want us to be seen working with them.

              That was fine with me.

              We were a covert ops team anyway. We worked better in the shadows.

              And there was no reason why I couldn’t call my friends and ask them to “visit” Europe. They could theoretically come on a traveler’s visa. And if they were to come, it’d be best they landed in England first where we had several contacts that could help us get our hands on some weapons and equipment. Then, it’d be a simple matter of me calling them over to France where we could then come up with a plan to help protect Sofia.

              Theoretically.

              And, practically.

              Because that was exactly what I did. There was no fucking way I was going to let Sofia walk into a war without an army of her own. I would do everything and anything to keep her safe but against so many people, I could only do so much. That’s where my brothers came in.

              And without question or hesitation, they all hopped on a plane and flew to England. Before Sofia and I even landed in France, they were already in the UK, awaiting my call.

              As well trained as Sofia was in keeping a diplomatic face, she was clearly frightened and nervous about going to France. I didn’t want to tell her anything that could risk her giving us away. The best chance for Easy Team to keep an eye on her was to do it from secrecy. She wouldn’t know it, but she would have a half dozen or so of the most elite soldiers guarding her once she made her move with Loranza and Pryto.

              I had slipped away early in the morning to call the men. I had left Sofia sleeping in bed, her face finally smooth and peaceful. She had looked so fretful and anxious even going to bed that I didn't want to wake her up now, even to just kiss her goodbye. She needed her rest and I was sure with all the chaos that had been going on, she’d be sleeping for hours more yet.

              The bar was just down the street from the embassy. I didn’t want to stray too far from it. It was a tense situation and I wanted to stay nearby.

              I met my brothers at the bar. They had already been en route when I had called. And after so many days of heartbreak and tension, it felt good to see the men of Easy Team again.

              We found a secluded corner of the bar and immediately broke down strategy.

              “Making sure we pick the right negotiation location is key,” Hawk said, his face straight and serious. “We need a place where we can set up a good perimeter around you and the princess.”

              I nodded. “I know,” I said. “I’m told we’d be meeting with some of the officials today to discuss negotiations and terms. There’s been talk of having the negotiations near Loranzian borders.” I frowned, showing my clear displeasure with the idea.

              Hawk shook his head, also matching my look of grim displeasure. “That’s a serious hot spot and would be hard to cover if the shit hit the fan,” he said. “Even with the equipment we got.”

              The other men nodded in agreement.

              There was a pause in the conversation before Hawk looked over at me. He wore a look of frank skepticism.

              “Bear,” he started, “this is a tough spot to be in. With how much press this is getting and how large and violent the crowds are in Loranza, this is a mission with no guarantees.”

              I looked at my brother in arms. He was right. We worked in very covert, specific missions. We were used to having guns pointed at us, knives thrown at us, and men ready to kill us. But these scenarios usually took place in hidden corners of the world where no cameras were ever pointed. These scenarios usually never allowed the time to notice the body count.

              We had control over how the mission would be accomplished, regardless of blood or bullet count.

              But this was different. Our arms were tied down by news crews, government officials, civilian mobs, and crowns. It was nearly impossible to do anything covertly. And given the fact that we weren’t just trying to take out a drug kingpin or a warlord but a headlining dictator in the making while also protecting an internationally known princess, we were in a tight corner with no guarantees of success.

              In fact, the odds were stacked almost totally against us.

              But I was damn sure still willing to try.

              “And that’s why this is the time to step out if you need to,” I said with total honesty. I was fighting for the love of my life. But the rest of Easy Team hardly knew her. Only Hawk had actually laid eyes on Sofia. I knew the sacrifice was different. “I’d understand completely and would have no judgment or grudge.”

              The men sat in silence, staring at me, before Tennessee broke into a sardonic smile.

              “You’ve only been in Europe for a day and already, you’re spouting off nonsense,” he said. “What next? Try to sell us on some snails as a pre-game snack?”

              The entire group snorted as they ribbed me ruefully. These were my brothers. We never abandoned a brother. And my chest tightened to feel once again that tight bond that only years of blood, sweat, and tears can make.

              We left the bar with plans to meet again later tonight. I had been away from the embassy for several hours already, longer than I had anticipated, and I needed to head back.

              But as we stepped out onto the street, a small mob of men dressed in black suits rushed down the street toward the embassy.

              I took one look at them and ran down after them. I heard Easy Team scatter behind me to presumably take up an impromptu perimeter around the embassy to back me up however they could.

              The men in suits were security and security never ran unless there was an emergency. That was universal.

              I burst into the embassy and ran up the stairs. There were maids and security guards running up and down the stairs frantically. Once I reached the second floor, I saw the doors to the Ambassador’s suites thrown open as people gathered around the room, looking pale and worried.

              “Where is she?” I demanded, immediately catching on to the situation. My heart pounded and I could feel the blood rushing into my muscles, pumping me up for action.

              One of the maids looked up at me and squeaked, clearly taken aback by my size.

              “The princess,” she said in a panicked whisper. “The princess was found missing!”

              I pressed my lips together, trying not to roar in anger and punch the walls. “What do you mean? When was she last seen?”

              The maid shook her head, unsure and too scared to give a verbal response. I gave up on her and pushed passed the small crowd into the room. Nothing looked disturbed. The sitting room was still immaculate and the bedroom was relatively neat. The bedding had been pushed back, indicating Sofia had gotten out of bed. But the sheets were still orderly and none of the furniture was overturned, which told me she had gotten out of bed on her own with no force.

              There were two security guards inside the bedroom, inspecting it.

              “No one saw the princess leave her rooms?” I asked.

              One of the security guards said, “The gardener saw a woman taken into a black van from the back of the embassy. He didn’t get a look at the woman but the van had driven off quickly and suspiciously. He thought it best to report the van to someone inside. We’re assuming the woman was the princess.”

              I fisted my hands then flexed them, choking down the urge to grab the man by his collar and shake him. “You’re telling me,” I said slowly, my voice lethally quiet, “that nobody in this entire embassy was watching the most wanted and chased princess in the western world except a goddamn gardener?”

              The two security officers had the decency to look a little sheepish but then one of the men jutted out his chin at me, challengingly.

              “What about you?” he demanded. “Aren’t you supposed to be her bodyguard? Where were you this morning?”

              I glared at him and the man immediately shut his mouth, even taking a step back. But as angry as I was, I couldn’t help but blame myself as well. I should’ve woken her up, taken her with me.

              But not only did I want her to rest but I also wanted to keep her as removed from public gaze as possible. There was no saying how many Loranzian agents were in France at the moment and I didn’t want to expose her unnecessarily. I had assumed she would be safer in the embassy.

             
And you know what they say about people who assume,
I chastised myself mentally.
You fucking moron.

              I turned on my heel and immediately walked out of the room, leaving a stunned crowd in my wake. I heard them chattering and whispering about what to do now.

              Let them sit there and titter on uselessly.

              I needed to take action.

              As soon as I hit the street, Hawk walked up to me. The rest where nowhere to be seen but I was sure they had eyes on us.

              “She’s gone,” I said, my voice sounding hollow to my own ears. I swallowed and tightened my jaw, not letting my imagination wonder what kind of dangers she was facing at the moment. I needed to focus to take action.

              Hawk nodded, probably having expected the worst. “So now we go from defense to offense,” he said.

              I nodded. “I’ll bet you anything she was taken to Loranza.”

              Hawk shook his head. “But we don’t know where in Loranza. She could’ve been taken anywhere in that country.”

              I was about to reply when I saw a familiar face looking up and down the street before slinking down an alley. I made eyes with Hawk and he followed me as I followed this familiar face.

              “Where did she go?” I asked in a calm with solid voice once I entered the alley.

              The man jerked around in surprise. It was the embassy aide from last night. The one who had guided us to our rooms.

              He looked up at me, his eyes shifting nervously.

              “W-Who?” he asked evasively.

              With a quick snatch, I grabbed him by the front of his shirt, swinging him around so that he was sandwiched between Hawk and myself in the dark alley. He gave a little cry as I shoved him free. He stumbled back into Hawk, who glared down at him.