Stormy Peril

by Victoria Pinder

  The door handle to her room twisted, and Kimberly rubbed her arms. A lightness flew through her as she thought it was Raphael, but then her shoulders collapsed inward as she saw that is was Mica. Michaela bounded into the room. "The coast guard arrived. My parents sent them to rescue me. Kimberly, we can go home."

  Kimberly shook her head. "Where's Raphael?"

  Michaela tried to take Kimberly's hand. "He's downstairs."

  Kimberly lowered her arms and almost accepted Michaela's offered hands. "Is he coming?"

  Michaela shook her head. "No. He's staying here."

  Kimberly smoothed her t-shirt instead. Would he come say goodbye? Her heart whispered no. He'd likely stay away. She had said she'd never trust him. "Where is he now? I have to talk to him."

  Michaela shrugged. "I'm sure he'll see us off. Do you need my help packing?"

  Kimberly needed to sit down. She should leave. It was the right thing to do, but her heart dropped into her stomach and her body felt weak. "What happened to Roger and Harry?"

  Michaela rubbed her shoulder. "Are you okay?"

  "Just tell me."

  "Raphael already met the captain with the bodies." Michaela then stepped back and pulled out a chair from the side. "You should sit. You don't look well."

  "I'm fine." Kimberly tried to smile, but she knew the mask was fake. "Harry was alive last night. How did he die?"

  "I don't know. Does it matter?"

  Kimberly's head told her that all lives mattered, even the ones who were out to kill her. There were so many questions left. She paced around the room. "What about Ali and Eileen's bodies?"

  Michaela's hand went to her hip. "Raphael dug them up and also gave the bodies to the coast guard. What's going on with you?"

  Kimberly wished she were alone. Then she'd be able to think. "Do the police have questions?"

  Michaela's head tilted. "Who cares? We didn't do anything wrong and we have lawyers."

  Kimberly rubbed her neck. "I don't."

  Michaela smiled and dropped her hands. "Yeah, you do. Raphael already ensured you'd be left alone."

  Kimberly swallowed. So much had changed fast. "How long was I sleeping?"

  Michaela walked closer. "Fourteen hours."

  Kimberly froze. "What?"

  Michaela nodded. "I came and checked every hour since they arrived."

  Sweet. But she wasn't her brother. Kimberly’s heart begged for him. She lowered her eyelashes. "When did the ship come?"

  "Six hours ago."

  Hmm. Kimberly dared to meet his sister's stare. "Did Raphael come up to see me?"

  Michaela pressed her lips together. "No. He told me he'd not wake you."

  Kimberly's heart whispered she couldn't go. She had to see Raphael. She loved him more than she'd loved anyone ever.

  She froze. She was in love with Raphael Murphy. Trusting him was something that was ingrained in her now, and she’d never stop. How could she sneak off without seeing him again?

  She opened her mouth, but then his sister continued, "He already sent your bag, but if you want more, I'll get you another."

  Kimberly clutched the medallion around her neck. She must have slept with it on. If the legend about this castle was correct, then Raphael would one day accept her. Her heart begged for him to love her, but Kimberly's head argued not to get too far ahead of herself.

  Kimberly strode to the door. "First, I need to talk to Raphael."

  "Wear shoes. This place gets so cold."

  Kimberly stopped, glanced over at the chair with her clothes neatly pressed, and nodded. "Okay. Let me get dressed."

  Michaela walked around her to the door, and Kimberly backed away. Michaela called out, "I'll wait for you in the dining room until it's time to board."

  Raphael had needed her. She coughed and rushed to the bathroom.

  Tomorrow she could be home with her sister and mother, but Kimberly's fingers trembled. She'd rather be with Raphael.

  A few seconds later, she ran out of the room. Her sneakers beat against the wood floors and she turned toward the library. Her heart hammered in her chest. She'd have to find Raphael. She'd run to his room next, but luckily the library door was ajar. She pushed the doors open. "Raphael?"

  The fire in the room crackled at the same time Raphael's voice boomed, "Kimberly."

  His voice came from the other end. She ran into the room and her sneakers skidded to a stop as she turned the corner. "We have to talk."

  He nodded, but didn't meet her gaze. He ripped a check out of his wallet and placed it on the table. "I owe you money."

  "Huh?"

  He crossed his arms. "I promised to pay you while you stayed for cooking."

  "That's not why—"

  He picked up the check and interrupted her. He walked forward and handed her the paper. "I wrote a check out for $10,000."

  Her gaze flew down to the check in her hand and she stared at the exorbitant amount. "What?"

  He stepped back and turned away to stare out the mist-filled window. "Take it."

  She dropped the check on the table. "No."

  He looked out the window and not at her. "You need this to build your life with your mother and sister."

  "Raphael, you and I—"

  Again he spoke fast and interrupted her. "Were a mistake. I apologize."

  "Stop it."

  He shook his head and walked past her. "I have to go."

  He hadn't even once met her gaze. Her heart begged for his touch, not this coldness. "No. Wait."

  He strode out the door like he was chased. She picked up the check from the table and glanced down. Her bank account never had this many zeros. Then she shook her head and tore the check up. The ripping sounded emboldened her. She'd not take a dime of Raphael's money. She loved him. She raced out to the hall to find him.

  He was nowhere to be seen.

  Who knew what secret passage he'd taken to run from her?

  Michaela stepped out of the dining room and into the hall. "Come on, Kimberly, walk me to the ship."

  Kimberly turned toward Raphael's sister. Michaela would want to protect her brother, so why did she pace now? "You're anxious to go."

  "My son is waiting for me."

  Kimberly smiled and walked closer. "At least you have something out of all the pain."

  Michaela shrugged again. "I always felt bad for my brothers. I thought Tiffany and then later Eileen were horrible choices. Until Erica and now you, I was worried about them. Raphael told me that Erica's your sister. She's amazing with Gabriel. I love her like a sister already."

  Kimberly sighed. "I'll walk you to the ship."

  Michaela carried her bag and Kimberly picked up hers. Every cell in her body begged her not to go anywhere. They walked out the front door in silence. The door loudly clicked locked behind them. They walked next to each other through a forested area that headed toward the beach. Once they cleared the first set of trees, Michaela said, "I thought you liked my brother."

  Kimberly's hands clenched around the handle of her suitcase. "I love him."

  Kimberly waited, but Michaela said nothing. Kimberly met her eyes, and then Michaela nodded and asked, "But?"

  Kimberly sniffled. "No but. He has to love me for a relationship to work."

  Michaela elbowed her and smiled. "Your sister locked herself away with Gabriel until he opened up his heart."

  Kimberly's face wrinkled. "What are you saying?"

  Michaela did her infamous shrug again. "Raphael's heart has been through a few blenders."

  "That's a strong visual."

  "I like you, Kimberly. If you can get my brother to open up, then who knows? There might be hope for the rest of us."

  Kimberly stepped onto the beach and no flashes of the crash flew through her mind. Instead she visualized how Raphael's lips made her body burn. Kimberly walked closer and stood near the small ship that would take them to the larger vessel. Two sailors tied knots. Kimberly widened her stance and stopped. "Here we are."

>   Michaela clutched her bag close. "So what are you going to do?"

  "I'm staying."

  "Want me to tell your sister anything?"

  She nodded. "Tell her I love her and I'm sorry I missed the wedding."

  Michaela tilted her head. "That's it?"

  Kimberly's entire body begged her to run back to the castle. She held still. "I'll look her up in the spring."

  "Deal." Michaela nodded. "Thank you for everything. You saved my life."

  Kimberly placed her hands in circles as she stood. Peace now enveloped her. She loved Raphael and he was a good man. She should go back, but she waited until the small rowboat took Michaela to the larger ship and Kimberly could no longer see her. A few moments later, she turned to walk back in the forest alone.

  With every step she took into the forest, Kimberly's heart told her to hold steady.

  The castle grew larger and larger now as the mist darkened. It would rain soon, but then it always rained here. Now that their troubles were over, Raphael had time to get to know her.

  She crossed her fingers as she pushed the door. Then she stopped. The door was locked. She knocked. "I'm not going anywhere."

  The wind whipped past her face. She swallowed and clenched her jaw. Then she banged harder on the door.

  The lock clicked. Kimberly's stomach hardened, but she gripped her suitcase. The room was icy cold. She hoped for Raphael's green eyes to gaze at, but instead she stared into Meg's green eyes. "Did you forget something, mistress?"

  Kimberly lifted her chin. She'd argue if she had to. "Raphael is going to need dinner tonight."

  She opened the door wider. "He will."

  Kimberly breathed a sigh of relief. "Where is he?"

  "I don't know, but he'll turn up."

  "Then I better get dinner started."

  "I'll take your bag to your room, Miss Kimberly."

  No one ever said ghosts were helpful to have around. "Thank you for everything."

  "Get going."

  Kimberly handed her bag to Meg and glanced around the castle. Perhaps it was best to stay in the kitchen until the ship left. Raphael would have no other options but to see her every day for the next few months.

  The ship should leave in an hour. Then nothing he could say would change anything. She'd tell him how she loved him and leave it as fact. On the steps leading down to the kitchen she rolled up her sleeves. Perhaps she could take a book from the library and read while she waited him out.

  She turned around and walked down the hall toward the library. Raphael had to know she loved him. She'd never loved anyone like this, and it was time to gather her courage. Love was harder than she thought, but she'd stay the course.

  CHAPTER 28

  The rain poured faster than usual. Kimberly dropped her book on the table and smiled. For once it sounded more like the rain in the South Pacific or even Florida than the cold North Atlantic rain. A small laugh escaped her lips, and Kimberly took it as a sign. Now she'd find Raphael and face any storms that might gather.

  She checked the slow cooker. Tonight there would be sweet potatoes and sesame chicken. She walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. She'd start in his bedroom. At some point, he'd show up there to sleep. She bit her lower lip and walked up the stairs and across the castle.

  The drafts no longer mattered, and she didn't need a candelabrum for this trip. She knew her way.

  She reached the tower and then ascended the stairs. No more secrets lay between them except that she was knee deep in love. With time, he might love her back.

  Kimberly unlocked his bedroom door and slipped inside.

  Raphael walked out of his bedroom wearing only a towel. His eyes widened as he gazed at her. "What are you doing here?"

  She closed the door behind her and refused to gawk at his hard, muscular body. "I came up to talk to you."

  He crossed his arms. "Why aren't you on the ship?"

  She lifted her chin and met his stare. He seemed cold or perhaps defensive. Her fingers ached to touch him, but she held back. "You need me."

  His eyes sparked with whatever ran through his mind. She swallowed and hoped the warmth that grew in her head didn't interfere. She took a step toward him, but he stepped back. "Don't."

  "Raphael, we have to talk."

  "Kimberly, there is nothing left to say."

  Her lips parted. There was so much to say, but an argument now was the opposite of what she'd hoped. Her heart shifted in her chest, and she refused to rush. "Can you please sit? There is something I need to say."

  She took a seat on the bed and gazed at him. He paced the room. "Did the ship leave already? I don't know if I can stop it."

  She refused to react. She was going to say what she came to say. "I'm not going, so it doesn't matter."

  He stopped his trip across his floor and turned. "What?"

  She stayed calm. "I'm not going."

  He crossed his arms again and shook his head. "Why?"

  She lifted her chin and pressed her hands into her lap. "Because I love you."

  He took a step backward, like she'd sent a shock right through him. "No you don't."

  Her mouth fell open. "Huh?"

  "You don't love me."

  She stood up and gazed into his eyes. Then she nodded. "I do. I love you."

  He ran his hand through his hair and then checked to ensure that the towel stayed around him. "You told me you never wanted to see me again."

  She shrugged. "I don't think I said that, and even if I did, I was upset. I'm over it now."

  He shook his head. "You should be off to see your mother."

  She crossed her arms but then dropped them. She didn't mean this to be a fight. "I should be here."

  "Kimberly."

  One word, but her name sounded good from his lips. She stroked her arms, though she wished to stroke him. "Raphael, I love you. You saved my life. You took care of me. And my place is here, with you."

  He stepped closer to her, and again every cell in her body wished to touch him. She held still as he told her, "I can't love you back. Not the way you deserve."

  She hugged her stomach. One day he might love her. She had to hold on to that hope. "What do I deserve?"

  "A man who has his whole heart and soul."

  She shook her head. This conversation wasn't how it played out in her head. He was supposed to have her on the bed already. "That prince among men never showed up. Even if the Prince Charming fairytale guy showed up in my life, he's far too late. I love you."

  He rubbed his newly shaved chin. "Why? You deserve the best."

  She shrugged. There was only one answer: "You're the one in my heart."

  He froze again. "Kimberly, I can't."

  She swallowed. What else could she do? She lowered her eyelashes. "Can't or won't?"

  "Don't try to convince me."

  She shook her head and walked to the door. This conversation had gone all wrong. Perhaps she should have waited. She'd regroup and try again. "Fine. Dinner will be ready in a few hours. I'll be in my room."

  His hand brushed against hers as she passed. She stilled as he told her, "Wait."

  She turned back to him, but her head shook. He didn't love her. "Why?"

  "I love you."

  Her mouth fell open and her heartbeat sped up. She shook her head. "Was that difficult?"

  His Adam's apple bounced as he swallowed, and his grip on her hand sent heat throughout her body. "No, but you shouldn't love me back."

  She turned to him and placed her other hand on their hand-holding. "Why not?"

  His eyelashes drooped over his eyes and he didn't look at her. "I don't deserve you."

  Her nerves tingled near him, but she tugged her hands free. She needed to be alone and sort out the mess in her heart at the moment. She was so confused. "So I deserve to be with someone I don't love?"

  He curled his hands into fists at his sides. She had approached this conversation all wrong. He then told her, "You're making this difficult. Y
ou were supposed to be gone."

  Perhaps she should have gone on the ship, but it was far too late now. She turned and headed to the door. "I'm right here."

  "Come here."

  She stopped and turned around. This time, he strode over to her and his hands wrapped around her hips. A smile grew on her face, and finally, his lips met hers and the fire inside her flared. His kiss was firm and delicious and she swore he branded her.

  The hair rose on her arms, and she brushed her hands around his waist. His towel loosened and she reached lower to squeeze his butt.

  He took a step forward and led her backward. She stayed in his embrace as he lifted her shirt above her head.

  She helped and unhooked her bra.

  At the edge of the bed, she went onto her tiptoes and kissed him again. He threw her clothes across the room and reached down to unhook her jeans.

  His lips left hers, and she stepped out of her jeans. "I love you, Raphael Murphy."

  "I love you too, Kimberly."

  His hands then lowered her underwear and the only thing left on her naked body was the medallion.

  She ran her hands through his hair and then raked them down his back as he lowered her on the bed.

  Her entire body was alive because of his every touch. His lips traveled lower to the nipples of her breasts, and her body ached with need.

  His tender ministrations on her breasts were heavenly, and she threw her head back.

  His fingers traveled lower on her body and played with the apex of her body.

  Somewhere in the back of her head, she controlled her hands as they went to play with his manhood. "Don't go slow, my love."

  "You deserve to be treated as a goddess."

  "No, I just need you with me, beside me, within me."

  His lips met hers again and his hands traced her entire body. Then he lifted his body above hers, and pushed into her.

  Warmth rushed through her. Raphael was all she needed. She loved him. Then she lost all thoughts. She was his.

  CHAPTER 29

  "Are you ready?" Raphael fixed his tie one more time. "My parents can be super religious."