Pocketful of Diamonds

by Pierce, Nicolette

  “Dammit, Manni!” Ian shifted the monkey off of his head and onto Gerard’s lap. “Tell him I don’t have fleas.”

  Gerard raised a brow. “Have you smelled yourself lately? You probably do.”

  David laughed and took Gerard’s seat as he left to find Manni a different diversion.

  “Seriously, how are you feeling?” David asked. “Do your wounds feel hot at all?”

  “I’m fine.” Ian tried to scoot up into a sitting position but couldn’t without help. David stood and assisted. “Thank you. For everything. I didn’t mean for you to have to come back to Sierra Leone. In fact, I thought Mya made you promise never to leave her side.”

  “She amended the promise.”

  “What is it now?”

  “To come and get you home safely or so help her she’d march over here herself, big belly and all. She said ‘big belly,’ not me.”

  “She’s a keeper.”

  “Yes, which is why I’ll be leaving tonight. I have Duvine and the girls waiting for the next flight out.”

  “How are the girls?”

  “Confused and disoriented.”

  “How will you manage all of them and Duvine?”

  “Not to worry. I called in favors and we have an aircraft coming for us, filled with soldiers on their way home. Duvine will receive an escort to jail as soon as we land.”

  “Why was he at the rebel base?”

  “He had them on his payroll and thought it would be a good place to dump the girls. He was furious when he found out they took you as well as the girls.”

  “Thank you for coming for us.”

  He shrugged. “What are big brothers for?”

  “Saving my butt apparently.”

  “You never did learn. Always tried to be different. You’re still doing it.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You were shot in the legs. Greyson and I were both shot in the shoulders.”

  “What? When did this happen?”

  “You’ve been gone too long.” David pulled off his shirt to show off his twin scars. One on each shoulder.

  “How did that happen?”

  “Long story that involved Remy.”

  Ian remembered Remy quite well. He was Greyson’s bodyguard, an American version of Boma.

  “How did Greyson get shot?” Ian questioned, hoping it didn’t involve Remy, or Ian might have second thoughts of meeting Gwen in Las Vegas where they all resided. Lie. He would meet Gwen in Vegas even if it meant facing a firing squad.

  “Do you remember his crazy assistant that wouldn’t let you see him?”

  Ian nodded.

  “She shot him with a nail gun several times in the shoulder. But you? Nope.”

  “Next time I get shot, I’ll request the shoulders,” Ian stated sarcastically.

  “That’s all I ask.”

  * * *

  Ian could finally stand, and just in time too. While he couldn’t dance around the fire like the rest of the dancers, he still wanted to be part of the action. Tonight was for celebrating. It was confirmed that Duvine was in jail, Gwen was still safe, Njamba residents were back in their homes, and—the best part of the evening—Gerard and Saba were getting married.

  He wasn’t sure when it had all happened. Ian had thought maybe there was a small bit of attraction between the two before, but he didn’t think Gerard would actually take the plunge, not when he was dealing with demons of his own.

  But for whatever reason, something had shifted between the two, and Ian noticed the difference in Gerard right away. This past week he didn’t drink. Not a single drop. Even tonight, he didn’t have anything. And the light that blazed in his eyes when he saw Saba dressed in a white ceremonial wrap was probably as dopy looking as when Ian had seen Gwen.

  However it happened, Ian couldn’t be happier for the two. They looked good together, and neither could stop smiling. Ian couldn’t stop smiling either. Not only was his friend happy, it meant Gerard was staying in Njamba. Sure, he had always said that, but Ian never truly believed it. And Ian never wanted to leave Njamba all alone. The villagers would survive with or without him, but it was also like home. He wanted it to stay safe. Gerard would be there to make sure. And Ian, while not abandoning Njamba, could at least leave without feeling guilty.

  And he was going to leave, at least for a little while. He had his wife to meet in Vegas, after all.

  Later that night, as the celebration wound down, Saba left her husband’s side to sit next to Ian.

  “I am thankful you are here with us,” she said.

  “I am too. You look beautiful.”

  She dipped her head. “Thank you.”

  “Keep him in line for me.”

  She smiled. “He will be happy.”

  “I know he will. How could he not be with you as his wife?”

  Her smile dimmed. “Ian, I have a confession.”

  “What?”

  “It’s about those pictures. I didn’t know—”

  Ian had nearly forgotten about the leaked photos. He did not want to know who had taken them, especially if it was Saba.

  “Whatever happened in the past, Saba, let it remain there. No one could have known, not even me.”

  “But I should have never—”

  “There are many things I should have never done, and yet I did. We are full of mistakes. It’s best just to move on and learn from them. I’ll always think of you as my sister. Nothing will change that.” He touched her chin, lifting her eyes to him. “Nothing.”

  She hugged him until Gerard caught notice and dragged her away. “I’m starting to feel left out.”

  She transferred the hug to Gerard. “He’s not mad,” she said tearfully into his shoulder.

  “I told you he wouldn’t be,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Why doesn’t anyone ever believe me?”

  “Probably because you’re full of BS half the time,” Ian said.

  Gerard smiled over Saba’s shoulder and then whisked her away down the path to their newly built hut.

  Ian hobbled to his, hoping the night would be quick so he could see Gwen that much sooner. He had many things to do before he saw her.

  Chapter 28

  Gwen dashed off the airplane as fast as she could. She couldn’t wait to see Ian. It had felt like forever, traveling all over to return items anonymously. The man Boma had sent with her was nice and had helped her throughout the long journey, but all she could think about was how it’d be better if Ian was with her.

  David had called her a few times since Ian was sometimes unreachable. He gave her updates on Duvine and the girls. Each woman had recovered memories and was ready to testify against Duvine, even the one who wore black. Gwen surmised the woman in black had two choices: be a victim just like the other girls or become cell mates with Duvine, who was in jail without bond.

  While Gwen wasn’t sure if he’d keep his mouth shut about her involvement, she did consult an attorney who was all too happy to snatch up her case should it arise. David had given her the number through Greyson’s recommendation.

  It was odd having this family take extra steps to make sure she was okay while Ian healed back in Njamba. She had stolen from them, betrayed them, and yet they offered their support freely and without hesitation. It made her love them all the more.

  Gwen tore through the airport and down to baggage claim where Ian had said he would wait for her. But when she got there, she couldn’t find him. She scanned the large area back and forth and on tiptoes. Where was he? Was he late?

  And then she saw him, surrounded by family. She recognized almost everyone. She still hadn’t met Greyson or his fiancée. From the large gathering, she assumed he was there in the mix. She dove into the fray, wrapping her arms around her husband.

  He laughed and pulled her up tight against him. “You didn’t miss me, did you?”

  “I might have.”

  He kissed her, smiling. “I missed you too.”

  She could
have stood there all day with him, but then she remembered his family was standing there watching, plus Ian was on his feet. “Shouldn’t you be sitting?”

  “And miss you running into my arms?”

  She tucked her head down and peeked out at the Millers, who stood quietly around them. Actually, there were a few more people. Friends of the family she had met before. Frankie and his boyfriend, Mark, were standing alongside.

  Gwen turned to greet them all, stopping her sights on a tall man with gray eyes just like Ian’s and David’s. “You must be Greyson.”

  He nodded. “Welcome to the family.”

  Mya squealed, and David, who had been holding onto her, let her go. A bundle of energy with a protruding baby belly came running to Gwen. Mya threw her arms around her, hugging her. “I knew you weren’t a bad person. I just knew it.” Mya bounced in place, taking Gwen and the baby for a ride. “I’m so happy I could just burst. First Greyson gets engaged, and now you and Ian are married!”

  “Actually, we want to have another wedding,” Ian said. “One that has vows. I need to know exactly what I have to obey.”

  “Everything she says, silly,” Mya said.

  David nodded.

  Gwen turned to Frankie and Mark, who were animatedly speaking to each other. Belatedly she remembered they owned a wedding chapel and were now most likely plotting to take over wedding plans.

  Mya’s eyes lit up as she bounded toward them, inserting herself into their whispers.

  “Should I be worried?” Gwen asked.

  Greyson nodded. “Be very worried.”

  “And then give in,” David said. “If you don’t, you’ll only give yourself a headache. Nothing you do will sway those three once they have an idea in their heads. You should see the baby’s room after they decorated it.”

  Gwen looked to Ian. He smiled. “Mya’s tastes mellow out Frankie’s and Mark’s. She’ll make sure we have a special day.” He leaned in to whisper, “Plus, I plan to keep you all to myself for a long time. You’ll have no time for wedding planning.”

  She laughed. “And here I was going to keep you all to myself.”

  “Good thing we’re married.”

  “Good thing. I don’t suppose you have a home here that you can take me to?”

  He handed her keys. “Recently purchased. If you don’t like the place, we can find another.”

  She raised a brow. “How did you get the money?”

  “I sold my other house,” he said. “Plus, David seems to have sticky fingers as well. He found the bag of diamonds and brought them home. I told him where he could sell them, and he wired the money into my account. I already placed some aside for Njamba. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Mind? I think it’s wonderful. But now my present seems insignificant.”

  “Your present?”

  She nodded, opening her collar just enough for him to see a necklace. His necklace. “I’m returning everything to their rightful owners. You are the last on my list.”

  His finger edged her neckline. “I like this on you. Perhaps I don’t want it back.”

  “Then what would you like?”

  “You, on our bed, with nothing on but this necklace.” His low whisper tickled her senses.

  She smiled and jingled the keys in front of him. “Then I suggest we say our goodbyes.”

  “As long as it’s not to you.”

  She shook her head. “You’d find me anyway.”

  “A promise is a promise.”

  She smiled and whispered a promise into his ear that had him coughing and bustling her away with quick farewells to his family.

  “But what about her suitcase?” someone asked as Ian hurried her out the door, whisked her into a car and stepped full on the gas until they reached a cottage-style house that had a beautiful fenced-in yard. It would be perfect for a dog.

  “For Fritz?” she teased.

  He winked at her. “Come and see.”

  Intrigued, she followed him inside the house that still needed furniture but was so pretty, she could hardly believe her eyes. It was such a simple house, yet it had something whimsical about it. The circular stained-glass windows and charming hearth had her believing that fairies could live here.

  And then she saw him. A little brown and white puppy came bounding toward her, his overly large ears flopping every which way as he clambered to a stop at her feet.

  “Fritz?” she asked him.

  “If you want him to be,” Ian said.

  “Oh, I do!” she picked up the puppy, nuzzling him.

  “And those are the words I want to hear.”

  “At the wedding?”

  “No, in bed. Now.” He took the puppy from her hands and settled him on top of a fluffy dog bed with a toy and a treat.

  “But—”

  “Not another word except ‘yes,’ or ‘I will,’ or ‘I do,’” he said, scooting her to the stairs.

  “You’re becoming a very bossy husband.”

  “You made a very naughty promise to me at the airport. I stole you away like a lovesick buffoon. My brothers will tease me relentlessly for years. I think you owe me.” He ushered her into a bedroom that still needed a few touches, but a soft, inviting bed was there, calling to her.

  She sat down, smiling up at him. “You don’t look like a lovesick buffoon.”

  “But I am.”

  “Lovesick?”

  “Ever since I met you I’ve been lovesick,” he said, pulling her shirt over her head, marveling at the necklace that sat heavy against her. His fingers lightly touched the diamonds. “I thought I would hate them after all this. But on you, they’re perfect.”

  “Well, get your fill of them tonight, because tomorrow we’re selling them.”

  “We are?”

  “I was hoping to start another account. One for the girls. They’ll need help and a new start.” She looked at him. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  He smiled down at her. “When I don’t think I could love you any more, you go and prove me a liar.”

  “Do you intend to talk all day and forget the promise I made at the airport?”

  He yanked off his clothes and joined her in bed, the soft bedding enveloping them. “A promise is a promise, after all.” He kissed her, threatening to dash all thought from her head.

  Yet there were so many promises what whirled around in her mind, but one stood out among the rest. One that she would never forget no matter how many times he kissed her.

  She would always love Ian.

  Somewhere in the Las Vegas airport . . .

  Nadia ran from the plane and into the woman’s restroom. She had been queasy since the plane had taken off, but the landing was what clinched it for her. She was most definitely pregnant. She wretched into the toilet, feeling as though even her toes were purging.

  After a moment, making sure she wouldn’t lose a second stomach’s worth of food, she stood and hurried to a sink. Nadia rinsed out her mouth and splashed water on her face, cursing when she realized there were no paper towels, only a hand dryer.

  With a sigh, she mopped her face with the hem of her shirt and walked back out to find Caleb waiting for her. His brow was etched with worry.

  “Are you okay, kitten?”

  “I’ve been better.”

  “The flight must have upset your stomach,” he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Let’s get the luggage and go home.”

  It wasn’t really home. Nadia no longer had a home in Las Vegas. It had been blown up along with all of her stuff. So they were going to Caleb’s condo, which was his home, but she didn’t think it’d ever feel like hers. However, it was temporary. Their house was under construction, and so it was only a matter of time.

  She feared returning to Vegas. Nothing good ever happened in Vegas. Her life there was a series of mishaps, blunders, and life-threatening fiascos. The only exception being Caleb, who had wanted to marry her, but only after she’d left. So, Vegas couldn’t even claim that.

/>   Caleb looked at her with a creased brow. “You’re still worried, aren’t you?”

  “Of course I am.”

  “I didn’t think you were superstitious.”

  “I wasn’t. Vegas made me this way. Bad luck happens here. As soon as I left, I started winning at the tables.”

  “That’s because you stole my luck.”

  “And now that we’re home, you will steal it back.” She was sure of it.

  “You’ll feel better once we’re at home. Your nerves will relax after a couple of days without incident.”

  “A couple of days?” When had she ever lasted that long? “Try a few hours.”

  He smiled. “That’ll be even easier. All we’re doing is going to get the luggage and then driving home.”

  Caleb said it was easy, but Nadia knew not to get her hopes up. She knew something lurked around the corner.

  “Nadia?” Frankie clutched his hand to his heart. “You’re back!”

  Holy cow! It happened sooner than expected. She didn’t really believe bad luck lurked around the literal corner, but there they all were. Her friends of misfortune come to plague her in the airport.

  “Nadia!” Mya bubbled and flung herself and her baby belly into Nadia’s arms. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home? I would have thrown a surprise party.”

  “That’s probably the reason I didn’t tell you.”

  Mya straightened and swatted her arm. “You are such a poop. But I’m so glad you are back.”

  With wary eyes, Nadia scanned the entire group assembled at baggage claim.

  “Why are you all here?” she asked, backing into Caleb. She could almost understand running into Frankie, Mark, Mya, and David. But Greyson and his fiancée? At least Nadia assumed the pretty young woman was his fiancée. They had never been introduced.

  “Ian and his wife came home,” Mya said. “You just missed them.”

  “Wife? How long was I gone for?” Wasn’t it just a few months ago that she signed the annulment papers with Ian?

  Well, a lot could happen in a few months. The little baby that decided to take up residence in her belly could attest to that.