I laughed at something Henry Reznor said, one of the retired marines at this informal gathering. Truth was Henry was kind of a pig, but he was harmless. His jokes weren't even funny and were kind of on the lewd side, but he’d lost his wife years ago, and I knew he probably found this kind of outlet normal behavior.

I felt bad for him more than anything.

I classified him as one of those dirty old men that kind of made you feel uncomfortable but meant no real harm.

I excused myself and went to the bar for a glass of champagne. It was just to get away from Henry but also from anyone else who wanted to small talk. Cutter, a man who was like a father to me, had invited me to the party. After my own dad died, Cutter had stepped up. He'd known my father from way back in the day, and ever since then had always been a presence in my life.

He'd taken me under his wing and cared for me. He’d given me advice—hell, he'd been a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. My mother had been too wrapped up in her grief to realize what Dad’s death had done to me, so I was forever grateful Cutter had been there.

As I waited for my champagne, I sensed somebody behind me. I turned to see Brock standing there. My heart dropped to my stomach for a second before speeding up, threatening to burst through my chest.

It would be easy just to say that I cared for him, that I'd always loved him. But being so close to him always had the words freezing in my throat, refusing to leave. I’d known him for years but had been weak, scared of actually voicing how I felt, what he meant to me.

I had to crane my neck back in order to look at his face. Brock was so much bigger and taller than I was. He made me feel like a woman, feminine compared to his masculinity. I swallowed a lump in my throat, not sure what to say or how to act. I felt so out of my element around him that I knew he must think there was something seriously wrong with me.

But then I saw Cutter come up behind him, and the expression on both men’s faces told me that something was wrong. Instantly that arousal I felt for Brock was pushed to the back as worry ate at me. These men were trained, dangerous, and if they looked concerned, then I knew I needed to be too.

“Your champagne, miss,” I heard the bartender say from behind me, but I didn't look at him. I was too focused on Cutter and Brock, who still stood in front of me like statues. “What? What's wrong?” I glanced between the two of them, my heart thundering in a way that had nothing to do with my desire for Brock.

“Brock is going to take you to a secure place. He'll explain everything then.”

I stared at Cutter after he spoke. His voice was harsh, clipped. He was all business right now. I knew not to argue or question what was going on. Instead I nodded once and let Brock take my elbow as he led me out of the party.

Whatever was going on was serious, and I was scared shitless.

* * *

Lily knew the routine, or at least she was smart enough to know that something was going on and she needed to be on alert and prepared. She hadn't asked to stop at home to pick up any items. We'd just headed straight to a semi-secure that would keep her protected until I heard word from Cutter and the other team on what was going on and what the plan was.

“Someone will be bringing up supplies and clothing later,” I said, watching as she walked around the cabin. It was small, confined. But it needed to be that way in order to be safe. The security system that had been installed around the cabin would alert me if anyone came onto the property. There was always a small stash of guns and ammo.

This was the safest place to have Lily at the moment on such short notice, and I wasn't about to fuck around with that.

She turned to face me, her eyes wide, the fear and worry on her face evident. "What's going on, Brock?" Although her voice was strong and steady, I could see the way she clasped her hands together, maybe to stop them from shaking.

“Have a seat and I'll explain what I can.” I wasn't about to go into the nitty-gritty details, but she needed to know what we were up against, even if this was just a false alarm.

When she was seated on the couch, I moved closer and leaned against the wall across from her. I stared at her, hating that the circumstances had to be this way, that we were stuck together because her life was in danger.

“A year ago I took down a dangerous Russian associate of the mob. I thought I killed him, but Cutter and a few SEALs he works with informed me that he was alive.” I let that sink in for a second before I continued. “He left me a message, a very personal one, and because of that message Cutter and I believe you may be in danger.” I heard her sharp intake of breath, but she stayed still, silent. “He may just be blowing smoke up our asses, but this man is dangerous, excessively violent. I'm not about to put you at risk in hopes that he might be bluffing.”

“If you guys thought he was bluffing, you wouldn’t have me at this cabin right now.”

I closed my eyes and ran a hand over my head. She was right. When it came to Makonovich, I wasn't about to risk anything. And deep down I knew the asshole wasn't just making an idle threat. I knew he'd do whatever it took to get back at me.

“Don't worry about anything.” I opened my eyes and looked at her. “No one and nothing will hurt you. I fucking guarantee that.” I pushed off the wall and moved toward her. “Let me show you where you can sleep. Dude is supposed to be bringing over supplies and shit later on. But it's getting late so maybe you want to rest?”

I stared at her for long seconds, wanting to reach out and just hold her. I wanted to tell her again that everything would be okay, that she had nothing to worry about, that the fear on her face was unwarranted. But I couldn't say any of that because I didn't really know.

I’d protect her with my fucking life, die to make sure she was safe, but when it came to this sadistic fucker, I didn’t know what to expect.

I needed to wait to hear from Cutter and the other men on what the hell was going on. Right now I needed to stay calm and act like I had my shit together. Because letting Lily see that I was on edge wasn't going to help anything or anyone.

She was my first priority. Always.