Sin of Silence (Sinner's Empire #1) - Nikita Slater Page 0,101
and she felt well enough to stand again. She handed the burner phone to the younger woman. “I don’t know how to thank you for this. If there’s anything I can ever do for you, I don’t want you to hesitate. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Saskia nodded; her head tilted to the side thoughtfully. Then she handed the phone back to Shaun. “It can’t be traced back to me. You keep it… in case your mom tries to call back.”
Shaun took the phone and held it to her chest. It meant a lot to her that Saskia was willing to make such a sacrifice. Saskia had to know that by giving the phone to Shaun, she was risking her entire family. Shaun could walk out of her suite and immediately call the police, bringing hell down on the Kobas.
“Thank you,” Shaun said with heartfelt gratitude.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Jozef was in their suite when Shaun quietly opened the door and let herself inside. At first, he didn’t see her. He was sitting on the sofa, the TV blaring a music video. The lyrics for Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" filling the apartment as Jozef tapped on his phone, texting someone. Shaun was surprised he enjoyed retro music. Based on the club, she would’ve pegged him as more of a DJ kind of guy.
Shaun wasn’t ready for a confrontation with her intense captor, so she quietly closed the door and moved noiselessly toward the bedroom. It was a mistake. Something must’ve alerted Jozef to her presence because he was on his feet instantly with his gun in hand pointing it at her. Shaun made a terrified squeak and jumped away, bringing her arms up to protect herself, as if they could stop bullets.
Once Jozef recognized her he put his gun back in the holster strapped to his chest.
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were here, he signed, remorse bright in his eyes. I promised I wouldn’t point my gun at you and already I’ve broken this promise.
Shaun believed he was truly regretful.
It’s fine, you only startled me. She approached him slowly. The man looked incredibly good in casual clothes; a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with his leather jacket. I suppose you don’t like people creeping around behind you.
He dipped his head in a nod, his lip quirking. Anyone trying to sneak up on me is usually trying to kill me.
Shaun took another step closer to Jozef. Has that happened before?
Yes.
Jozef took the final steps between them, standing closer than a casual acquaintance would, but still not touching her. His gaze caressed her face, then dropped down her body. It wasn’t a particularly lascivious look, but the air around them began to feel heated and Shaun’s heart picked up in anticipation.
Jozef lifted his hand slowly, as if trying not to startle her again. He brushed the backs of his fingers down her cheek. You’ve been crying.
Shaun’s eyes widened. In her haste to get a little alone time after her call with her mother, she’d forgotten what a mess she must look like. She scrubbed her hands over her cheeks to erase the tear tracks. Jozef took her hands in his and gently lowered them.
Why? he asked.
Shaun glanced away, her gaze landing on the TV, which was now playing the music video for Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”. Despite the upbeat track, the atmosphere surrounding them had a distinctly intimate feel. When they communicated without speaking, it wrapped them in a silent bubble, one where they were the only two people in the world. Shaun felt as though she couldn’t lie to Jozef. She wasn’t sure why. After everything he’d put her through, she didn’t owe him her loyalty.
Still, she wanted him to know. I miss my mom.
Pain darkened his eyes and she realized he actually cared. He didn’t want her to feel the anguish of missing her mother. He shook his head as though he didn’t know what to say. Then he looked at her, his eyes blazing as though he’d made a decision.
I will find a way for you to speak with her, at least send a message.
Shaun was speechless. He was going back on his decision not to allow her a phone call. The moment was deeply significant. It felt like he was taking a major step toward trust. She knew it was stupid, but she wanted to trust him back. She felt like she had to tell him the truth.
I already called her. She watched his face carefully as she told him.