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I wanted to remind him that Louisa was on it. She’d just joined the IT staff to assist, but I had faith in her. In all of them.

Finished with the stakeout and the pursuit that hadn’t ended successfully—without killing or capturing Kirill Konstantin’s favored assassin who was too damn elusive for my liking—I wrapped up the night and returned to my house.

Every mile that brought me closer felt too damn long. I missed Louisa. I missed Brady. Yet, after I parked and entered the house, that stupid doubt crept back into my mind.

What if they’d be better off away from all this danger?

From me?

I’d never be able to just be at home. Despite how well I delegated my responsibilities and served as more of a manager and supervisor, I would never be able to stop going on important cases like what tonight was supposed to be. I didn’t have a nine-to-five schedule, and it ate away at me when I saw Brady frowning that I’d need to leave.

That boy needed stability.

Louisa deserved a constant show of love and support.

What if they are perfect for me, but I’ll never measure up to be perfect for them?

I didn’t delay going to my room. Desperate to see Louisa. Eager to hold her.

Finding her on my bed, in a satiny nightgown, was the most accurate vision I could ever want to look forward to.

As soon as I opened and closed the door, she was up, on her feet and crossing the room.

“How did it… go?” She winced, already looking me over. From head to toe, she inventoried me as if she feared I would be wounded and bleeding out.

I shook my head, picking her up and carrying her to bed. “He got away.” ‘

She sighed as I sat, bringing her down on my lap. Straddling me like this, she let the warmth of her pussy make me hard. Sitting here with her curling up to hold on to me, her hand on my face as she cupped it and stared at me, her other arm draped around my shoulders, she fit with me perfectly.

“It was a wasted night, then?” she asked.

“Yes and no.” I lifted my gaze to her, treasuring this chance to be so close. So intimate. Entrusted to make her happy. “Vladimir got away. That’s not ideal.”

“We’ll find him again.” She kissed me softly.

“But I also realized something.” I stroked her lower lip, marveling at her beauty and feeling like an asshole to think I could deserve her. “I realized that all this time, I’ve been ignoring my doubt.”

She furrowed her brow. “Your doubt that we’ll find those who hide Gregori? Or that you doubt you’ll get him?”

I smirked. “You say it so well now.”

“What?” She scrunched her face.

“We. Are you aware of how easily it falls from these lips now?” I kissed her, too selfish not to.

She smiled shyly. “Because it fits. It’s true. We, Nik. I’m with you and your Bratva.” She laughed lightly as I nuzzled her neck. “Are you doubting… me? Because I worked on finding Vladimir but he got away?”

“No. I’m doubting that you can be happy and safe with me and in this life. I’m doubting that I’m the kind of man who can give you the stability you and Brady deserve.”

She gripped my chin and kissed me hard. “I already am.” She kissed me again, longer and with more of that drugging heat I couldn’t resist. “I already am happy.”

Without giving me a chance to reply, she reached down to peel off her nightgown. Her breasts thrust out at me as she tossed it over her head with her arms up.

“Fuck.” I lowered to suck one nipple in past my lips.

She ground on my lap as she hugged my head close. But not for long. She urged me to face her, and she kissed me while she climbed off my thighs.

“I am happy with you. More than I ever could’ve imagined.” She stood, hurrying to undo my pants while I tugged at my shirt between kisses. “I am safe,” she insisted.