by K. S. Ruff
“Would you like to see it on my hand?” Jase inquired hesitantly.
“Sure.” I handed him the ring. “How does it feel?”
Jase slid the ring into place. “Solid and comfortable.” He clenched his hand and twisted the ring around his finger. “I really like the way it feels.”
I placed my hand over Jase’s hand. “It looks good with my engagement ring. Can you see Rafael wearing this?”
“Absolutely,” Brady agreed.
Jase slid the ring off his finger and placed it in my hand. “I think this ring is perfect.”
I handed the ring to the jeweler before digging out my credit card. “I’d like this ring in a size eleven. Platinum, please.”
He nodded his approval. “You’ve chosen a very handsome ring. Would you like to have it engraved?”
“Yes, please.” I followed him to the register where he handed me a slip of paper. I carefully printed the two words I’d been considering ever since Rafael proposed and whisked me off to Portugal.
The jeweler read the inscription he would later engrave. His eyes glistened when they returned to mine. “I’m so happy you found one another.”
“Me too,” I answered sincerely.
* * * * *
“Rafael!” I sprinted around the corner and ran smack dab into Jase’s chest.
He tried not to laugh. “Let me make sure it’s him.” He strode past the center island just as Rafael opened the door into the kitchen.
I darted past Jase and jumped into Rafael’s arms. “You’re four hours early!”
“I was trying to surprise you.” His hands speared my hair and clenched my waist as he pressed his lips to mine. He forced my lips open. The kiss grew possessive and there was an underlying current that made me tremble with anticipation. “I’ve missed you,” Rafael admitted while his lips still blanketed mine.
“I missed you too.” I buried my face in his neck and hugged him again. God, how I loved this man.
“We’re going to head out,” Jase announced, as if we might not notice.
Rafael tucked me under his arm.
“Are you going to see Emma?” I pried curiously.
“Maybe.” He very nearly blushed.
I peered at Brady. “Are you seeing Heidi?” Both men were fairly tightlipped about their girlfriends, but they’d been loosening up over the past month.
“Heck yeah.” Brady patted Rafael on the back. “I’ll see you Sunday.”
“Have fun.” Rafael locked the door behind them.
I linked my fingers with Rafael’s and led him into the family room. “I cannot imagine how they’re maintaining those relationships when they’re watching over me day and night. The only break they get is when Kadyn comes to visit, and even then, they take turns leaving. They take their responsibilities here very seriously.”
Rafael sank onto the couch. “As well they should.”
I plopped down next to him. “Can someone else cover for them every once in a while? This job shouldn’t cost them their personal lives.”
He pulled me close. “I hate to ask Ethan, since he’s married, but I can ask Brogan, Aidan, or Chance to spend the night a couple times a week so they can have more time off. Do you have a preference in whom I ask?”
“I’ve spent more time with Chance, but Brogan and Aidan would be fine too. I should get to know them better since they’ll be joining us in Sierra Leone.” I burrowed beneath his arm.
“I’ll see what I can do.” A contented smile settled on his face. “We caught another one.”
My eyes widened. “You did? How?”
“One of the staff members at the Casa Pia Orphanage reached out to me. A movie producer from Spain became enamored with one of the boys after seeing him on the playground. He wanted to use the child as an extra in a scene he was filming in Lisbon. He requested medical records to ensure the child was healthy and asked that he be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. When she refused, he tried to bribe her. He said he might be willing to adopt the boy if they spent time together on the set. He came to the orphanage multiple times, so we fit her with a wire. When she reiterated their children could not be filmed or used for commercial purposes and could only be released for personal relations, he revealed his true interest.”
My jaw dropped. “He admitted his intentions?”
Rafael’s eyes darkened. “He had heard the orphanage released children for sexual purposes. He went on and on about how important sexual intimacy is and how he could help this child reach his full potential.”
I shook my head, thoroughly disgusted. “Is that recording admissible in court? I thought both parties had to consent to a recorded conversation in order for it to be admissible.”
He shook his head. “Only one party has to consent to the recording in Portugal, and what she said was carefully worded so it cannot be viewed as entrapment.”
“Good.” Frankly, I was relieved. “I’m happy to hear you’re making progress on the case.”
Rafael smiled. “We should go out and celebrate.”
I studied his face. “Aren’t you tired from the flight?”
He shrugged. “Not really. I’d like to take my fiancé out for dinner.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “Anywhere in particular?”
“Old Ebbitt Grill?” he suggested.
I peered at the time on the microwave. “Sure. What time?”
Rafael dug his cell phone out of his pocket. “Eight o’clock?”
I didn’t doubt he could pull it off. “I’m going to change, then.”
He snagged my arm when I rose from the couch. “Hold on. I’d like to help you with that.” He made the reservation and tossed his phone on the couch.
“We’ve got two hours,” I giggled. He was already removing my shirt.
* * * * *
“So how many people do you think will mistake this time, five-thirty in the morning, for five-thirty in the evening?” I wondered aloud. Rafael and I were sprawled on top of the ivory rug in front of the fireplace in my formal living room addressing invitations for our wedding.
“About half.” Rafael chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll schedule a wake-up call for the whole lot of them once they check in at the hotel.” He assembled another invitation.
“Did you find a hotel large enough to accommodate all of our guests?” I checked another name off the list.
“I’ve reserved forty rooms at the Penha Longa Resort for May 19th through the 22nd,” Rafael confirmed.
I looked up from my envelope. “Is forty rooms enough? We have fifty-eight guests.”
“Most of those guests are couples, so forty should be enough.” He finished addressing his envelope.
I checked another invitation off the list. “I need to call Eva to see if she knows anyone who’d be willing to do makeup and hair at two o’clock in the morning.” Since sunrise was at five forty-five, the wedding party had to be at the palace no later than four-thirty in the morning.
Firelight danced in his eyes. “I’ve already taken care of that. The Penha Longa Resort has a world renowned spa. I scheduled massages, manicures, and pedicures for ten o’clock in the morning on the twentieth and hair and makeup for two o’clock in the morning on the twenty-first for you, your mother, and our bridesmaids. I also hired a limousine service to drive everyone to the palace.”
I shook my head while a smile tugged at my lips. “You’re always one step ahead of me.”
He laughed. “Eva has been helping me.”
I assembled another invitation. “What are we going to do about the rehearsal?” A practice run at the palace would give the view away before the wedding.
“I don’t think we need one. The wedding party will be at the palace an hour early. The chairs, the runner, and the luminaries will already be set up, so it will be obvious where everyone walks. We can show them where to stand when we arrive. We can still do a rehearsal dinner if you’d like, either in the courtyard or by the pool at the Penha Longa Resort. I have a numb
er of pictures on my cell phone, if you want to see what the resort looks like.” He opened his photo gallery and handed me the phone.
I stared at the picture, confused. “What building is this?”
He glanced at the phone. “That’s the Penha Longa Resort.”
I gaped at him. “This isn’t a hotel. It’s… It’s…”
“It’s a nineteenth century palace built on monastery ruins.” Rafael chuckled. “Don’t worry. This isn’t like Obidos Castle.”
I sifted through the pictures. The rooms, the lobby, the restaurants, and spa were truly luxurious. They offered a surprisingly contemporary décor and modern day amenities while drawing on the natural beauty of the palace and the surrounding forest. “This place is unbelievable. The courtyard is beautiful, but I think the patio surrounding the pool might be better for the rehearsal dinner.”
Rafael leaned closer so he could take a look. “I like the pool. That picture doesn’t do it justice, but the view is spectacular. The resort is located inside a national park. That side of the hotel overlooks the mountains and the ocean. There are a number of restaurants and a catering service on site. Their menus are on the website.”
I handed him the phone. “Why don’t we schedule the rehearsal dinner for sunset on the twentieth since the pool overlooks the ocean?”
He reached for another envelope. “I’ll find out when the sun sets in May and schedule the dinner a half hour before that time. You do realize we won’t be getting any sleep that night?”
“We’ll nap before the rehearsal dinner.” Hopefully, the jetlag would work in our favor.
Rafael propped his head on his hand as he rolled onto his side. “What do you want to do about Maxim?”
I rolled onto my side so I could read the expression on his face. “I feel conflicted about inviting him. He’s hardly predictable, often inappropriate, and he enjoys pushing buttons. I don’t want him to ruin this day for us.”
A single eyebrow crept up his forehead. “But…”
“But,” I conceded with a sigh, “Maxim saved my life. He saved Kadyn’s life, and he avenged Michael’s death. If anyone deserves to be there, it would be him.”
Rafael nodded. “I agree that it would be rude not to include him. I think it’s better to send the invitation and let him decide whether to attend.”
I added Maxim’s name to the list and made a quick mental note to ask Konstantin for his address.
Rafael snatched my pen and tossed it aside. My shoulders sank into the thick, plush rug when he rolled on top of me. A well-muscled thigh slid between my legs as he lowered his body onto mine. “If Maxim tries to kiss you…”
My hands tangled in his hair as I pulled his lips to mine. “The only man who’s kissing me is you.”
* * * * *
I shoved another waffle fry into my mouth. I wasn’t sure I liked waffle fries, but I was ravenously hungry, and Oni was in love with Chick-fil-A.
Oni popped a chicken nugget inside her mouth sans sauce. “Have you heard from USAID?”
“No. I submitted the grant application two weeks ago, and they have thirty days to decide.” I dipped my chicken strip in barbeque sauce before sinking my teeth into the juicy meat.
“How’s Maxim doing in the polls?” Shae asked around her straw. I was surprised she stopped guzzling her sweet tea long enough to join the conversation. The three of us decided to meet for dinner after class. Brady and Jase were eating at a nearby table, offering what little privacy they could.
“He’s still tied with Yulia.” Oni frowned. “The election is only a month away. We need something to happen, something that will help him gain the lead in those polls.” She eyed me thoughtfully. “Can you fly to Ukraine and pretend to be his girlfriend again?”
My jaw bounced off the table.
“Oni!” Shae bristled. “Have you lost your mind?”
“I’m sorry.” Oni’s cheeks flushed pink. “I just… I remember all the press he got when the two of you were together.”
My heart stalled as a number of disturbing images came to mind. Bare light bulbs, metal chairs, and cold cement floors. I swallowed. Hard. “I can’t go back there. Even if it were pretend, I can’t put Rafael through that again.”
“I’m sorry,” Oni repeated. “It was a stupid idea.”
Shae and I exchanged glances. I hadn’t shared any of the gruesome details about the torture we endured while held captive by the SVR. Oni knew that we had been abducted, but I wasn’t sure how much she knew beyond that. “It’s fine, Oni. You just want what’s best for your country.”
She picked through her waffle fries. “Would you go back if he were elected?”
“I don’t know.” I shifted uncomfortably.
“Speaking of dating,” Shae segued, “have you met anyone you’re interested in dating?”
“No. Not really.” Oni snuck a peek at me.
“Really?” Shae teased. “You haven’t met any intriguing men at work or at school?”
“No.” She folded three waffle fries inside her mouth.
“We need to take Oni out for a night on the town,” Shae decided.
“Not we. You. Oni’s not going to meet any men with me tagging along.” I jerked my head toward Brady and Jase. “No one would dare approach us with those two hovering over us.”
Shae looked thoughtful. “Maybe…”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’m not ditching them. I’ve grown rather fond of my security blanket.”
“Security blanket, huh? Now that paints a yummy visual.” Shae fanned herself with a napkin.
“Gagh! Don’t go there!” I slunk down in my seat when Brady and Jase narrowed their eyes at me.
“Maybe Kadyn could join us,” Oni suggested.
Shae stilled. Her eyes slid questioningly toward me.
I took a deep breath and blew it out. “Are you interested in him?”
Oni leaned forward excitedly. “Is he dating anyone?”
Shae gaped at her. She took one look at me and snapped her mouth shut.
I reached for my sweet tea. “He was seeing Brianna back in January. I don’t know if they’re still dating.”
Oni sighed. “Is there any way to find out?”
“I can ask him,” I offered reluctantly. I wasn’t sure I liked where this was heading. I tossed my empty containers on the tray. “I need to head home so I can call Rafael.” I bit my lip when I realized my mistake.
“I would have thought he’d be home by now,” Shae mused. “Is he working nights again?”
“That man works day and night,” I answered irritably. I hoped it was enough to cover my mistake. I returned my tray and gave Oni a hug.
Shae eyed me suspiciously.
I gave her a hug before I could hang myself any further.
Brady and Jase herded me out the door.
* * * * *
“I can’t believe you cooked clam linguine.” Kadyn moaned appreciatively. “You need to teach me how to cook this stuff.”
I piled a second helping onto both our plates and joined him at the center island. “Anytime, although I do enjoy cooking this for you.”
Kadyn reached for another piece of sourdough bread. “Any news on the grant application?”
“No.” I frowned. “I was really hoping to hear from them before we leave for Sierra Leone.”
Kadyn twirled the noodles around his fork. “When do you leave?”
“Next Wednesday after work, but I’m flying to Portugal to celebrate Rafael’s birthday first. We fly out from Lisbon late Saturday night so we can join Shae and the rest of my team in Sierra Leone Sunday morning.” I shoved another forkful of linguini into my mouth.
Kadyn sopped up the sauce from the linguine with his bread. “I’ve always wanted to visit West Africa.”
I chased my linguini with Sprite. “You’re welcome to tag along.”
Kadyn’s eyes widened while he chewed the bread. “Really?”
I shrugged. “As long as you have the vacation time.�
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Kadyn shook his head. “I have plenty of vacation time but not enough funds. What does a trip like that run? Five… six thousand dollars?” He gathered another forkful of linguini.
I set my napkin on the counter. “I don’t know. Seeds for Peace covers my expenses.” I studied Kadyn. He seemed genuinely interested in going. “If you flew to Portugal with Jase and me, you wouldn’t have to pay for a plane ticket. We’re using Rafael’s jet. Rafael’s flat has two guestrooms, so you and Jase would have your own rooms. You could tour Lisbon with Jase while Rafael and I meet with the priest on Thursday and join us for dinner Friday night. I’ve invited some of Rafael’s friends from Lisbon to join us for dinner since it’s his birthday, but he doesn’t know that. I’d like to keep that a surprise.”
Kadyn set his fork down. “Are you taking Rafael’s jet to Sierra Leone and back home?”
I nodded. “I’m sure Jase wouldn’t mind if you crashed with him in Sierra Leone. Brogan and Aidan are sharing a room. Jase was the odd man out because Rafael’s staying with me.” I frowned when I realized Shae was without a roommate. I made a quick mental note to request adjoining rooms.
Kadyn leaned against the high back stool.
I propped my feet on the bottom of his stool as I turned to face him. “Think about it. If you shared a room with Jase in Sierra Leone, the only expense you’d have is food.”
His eyes met mine. “You just made this trip impossible to resist. I’ll see if I can take leave during that time, but I want you to make sure Rafael and Jase are okay with this. Is there something I can help with while in Sierra Leone?”
I patted his knee before grabbing our plates. “You can help keep us safe.”
“That’s easier said than done,” he groaned in an exaggerated tone. He smirked when I shot him a dirty look.
I set our dishes in the sink. “Speaking of flights, I spoke with Kimme last night. Dan’s not coming to the wedding. He hasn’t been able to board a commercial flight since meeting us in the Bahamas. His PTSD is too bad, which is why he drives everywhere.”