Page 37 of Innocent Salvation

Sebastian’s jaw went rock hard at the name and confirmation of who was behind the attacks. The desire to rain hellfire down on the evil man who’d destroyed his family flowed through his veins. He tamped all that down to concentrate on the immediate fact that Snow was going somewhere. “Go?”

Sebastian turned to Reaper, who was watching them, hands in the pockets of his jeans, his posture relaxed like a predator ready to pounce and an intently controlled expression on his face that Sebastian couldn’t read. “Snow isn’t going anywhere without me.”

He’d had no idea he was about to make the forward and telling declaration, but it was out, and he realised he meant every word. Instead of taking up the bait though, Reaper smiled wide.

“Good because you and Fleur are coming too.” With that Reaper walked away yelling, “Five minutes and we’re out the door, baby girl.”

One thing was for sure, much more time with him and Reaper in a controlled space and the fireworks wouldn’t be the only thing flying, it would be fists and blood.

Chapter 15

“I know it seems strange, but the blindfold is for your own protection.” Snow had been expecting an argument from Sebastian regarding their retreat to Shadow’s headquarters, but he’d been surprisingly amenable. That he loved Fleur so much, along with the heart breaking revelations about his sister, had changed her view of the man completely. Not changing exactly, rather confirming her growing hypothesis that he was indeed a good person with a complex past.

“It’s fine, let’s just get this done.”

Snow leaned in and slid the bag over Sebastian’s head so he was unable to see. Fleur was out cold so there was no need to do the same to her. Plus, it would scare her, and Snow drew the line at that.

All the Shadow Elite operatives lived in the underground bunker that was nestled under the earth and rock of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains. It was the perfect location and, with the cover of being the mountain rescue team, which they did indeed do on occasion, it gave them freedom and a reason to be there.

The village was small, but the locals had accepted them into the small close-knit community with kindness, most of which could be attributed to the fact the local landlord was ex-SAS and good friends with Jack Granger, the man who’d put this team together and in one way or another saved each and every one of them.

Bein took Fleur in his arms as the vehicle stopped outside the Mountain Rescue Centre, which led to the bunker, although ‘bunker’ was the wrong description. It was more like an underground luxury complex. None of the team wanted for anything in the apartments in which they lived.

Snow took Sebastian’s arm and gently steered him into the building, nodding at Lotus who was manning the desk, and to the back where the lift was situated. When the four of them were inside, Reaper hit the button to send them down. She was mildly miffed with her friend for continuing to wind Sebastian up when it was unnecessary and immature, but she knew her getting involved and fighting Sebastian’s battles wouldn’t go down well.

The doors to the lower level opened and she stepped into the space, the sense of coming home she usually got wasn’t as strong as it had been in previous times.

“You can take the hood off now.”

Sebastian reached up and pulled the hood off his head and blinked twice, his eyes adjusting to the bright light, his hair a sexy mess, which made her want to run her hands through it and see if it was as soft as she’d previously thought.

Bás, who she hadn’t seen until that second, stepped forward, his hand outstretched in welcome. “Judge Alexander, a pleasure to meet you.”

Sebastian shook it, his eyes moving around the space taking it all in and making his assessments. “You too, I think.”

Bás chuckled, a deep melodic sound that hinted at the Irish from his childhood. “I’m sure this is all a lot to process. Snow will show you to your quarters and help you get settled and then we can eat and talk.”

Sebastian nodded and reached for Fleur, who was waking up and rubbing her eyes. The little girl had been a champ throughout this entire thing but now she was getting justifiably irritable. She curled into her uncle and Snow thought her ovaries might explode from the adorable sight.

As Bás, Reaper, and Bein moved towards Bás’ office, Snow led Sebastian and Fleur the other way to the living quarters. The rooms next to her own were free so Valentina, who’d taken on the role of logistics as well as dog whisperer, had said they were all set up ready.

“This is you. There’s a keypad alarm on the door so you have complete privacy.”

“Does anyone other than me have access?”

“Watchdog and Bás but they won’t impinge on your privacy. There are cameras in all the main hallways and communal areas. A gym and living space with a full kitchen are in that direction. Just follow the noise. Any doors that are locked are that way for a reason so please understand that. If you want to go out at any point, ask anyone you see and they’ll help you.”

Snow knew she was babbling, which was unlike her, so she stepped inside, mentally zipping her mouth. Sebastian was a large, dominant presence behind her as she showed him the two bedrooms, one for him and one for Fleur, which she noted Valentina had put pink unicorn bedding on and added a few toys and games. Snow wanted to kiss the woman for her thoughtfulness and determined she’d make her some of the chilli jam she loved as soon as she got the chance.

“Uncy Seb, it’s a unicorn!” Fleur wriggled to get free, and Sebastian set her down as she rushed toward the bed and jumped, hugging the soft toy as she landed.

Sebastian glanced at her with a twitch of his sexy mouth, showing her the dimple in his almost bearded cheek that made her weak in the knees.

“I see that, munchkin.”

As Fleur raced around the room looking at the different toys, Snow led the way back out to show Sebastian his room. It was comfortable with a big king-sized bed, thick quilt, nightstands, drawers for his clothes, and a wall with a life-sized waterfall mural on it.

“I know it’s probably not what you like, but it’s not forever.”