Sophie stood and patted Bernadette’s shoulder, her adrenalin racing with the need to get to Emily. “Can Abby and Isi stay with you, Bernadette?”
Bernadette leaned closer and acted like she hugged Sophie, but spoke low so the girls didn’t hear her. “Do you know how to shoot a gun?”
“Guns?” Sophie choked out the word.
Bernadette kept Sophie close and whispered, “Yes. From what I understood, they were armed.”
Her hand covered her lips as Bernadette stepped back and gripped Isi’s hand.
Sophie shook her head. All of this had happened in two minutes? “Poor Emily.”
Isi then piped in and said, “Mr. Haniel is a sharp shooter. If anyone will get her before the boat leaves, it’s him.”
Oh goodness. They all must have seen. Sophie was torn. If she watched the little ones, did she abandon Emily? Her heart felt cold, but Bernadette would watch her sisters. She stepped back. “I have to help.”
Bernadette grabbed Sophie’s jacket before she went out the front door. “You’ll cause more problems if you leave.”
She was about to say something, but Isi shouted and pointed out the window. “Wait. Sophie, Emily is coming back.”
Sophie looked out the window and saw that Michael carried her sister in his arms. Was her sister hurt? Emily swung her leg as if trying to get down but Michael kept a protective hold. Sophie prayed she was okay as she said, “Michael has her. Oh thank God.”
A few painful seconds later, the door unlocked and Jack held it open while Michael carried Emily into the house and let her down.
Sophie hugged her sister. In under five minutes her sisters had all been kidnapped and returned. Emily, safe in her arms. “What happened?”
Emily snorted and ended the hug. “Michael killed the man who tried to get me on a ship. He saved me, Sophie.”
Her sister beamed at Michael in adoration.
Sophie’s stomach unknotted and she took Michael’s hand. He squeezed as she said to Emily, “I’m glad. Who were they?” How had he killed a man? Would Emily be scarred by this? She would get her sisters therapy as soon as things settled.
“Sophie.” Michael’s deep voice caught her off guard and a jolt of electricity rushed through her. “I need to talk to you alone.”
Bernadette waved for Emily to join her. “Come with us. I promised your sisters some sweets. I can get you the same or a cup of tea, whatever you want.”
Emily nodded. “I could totally go for hot chocolate right now.”
Michael led Sophie to the library. When he closed the door, the echo reverberated inside her skull. He let her hand go and she crossed her arms, her skin prickling. “Okay, who attacked my family?”
He took out a piece of paper and a picture of the four Mira sisters from a back pocket. “Was your boss named Daniel Villefort?”
Her body tensed. This family photo had been in her condo which meant the bad guys had gotten in. “Yes. Was this,” she gestured toward the door, “because of me?”
He handed her the slip of paper that had prices next to their names. “Yes. It seems our futures are entwined either way.”
Her spine felt rigid as she handed the proof of danger back. Testifying against her boss had clearly been the wrong choice. She should have quit her job and not put her faith in the FBI’s protection. If she’d understood the consequences to her sisters, she’d have made different choices. She lowered her head but Michael’s words came back to her. Their futures were entwined? How? She glanced up and asked, “Why?”
Michael rubbed her arms. “Because Daniel Villefort is the brother of Simon—the man I have unfinished business with. If the FBI doesn’t arrest Daniel, I will ensure he’ll never hurt you or your sisters.”
Michael wanted vengeance for his own reasons, but if he kept her sisters safe then she had no right to judge. Family was all that she had that truly mattered in this world. She let her forehead rest on his shoulder. “Was it really Daniel? Did you shoot him?”
Michael massaged her lower back. “The man who had your sister is dead. His coworkers took him back on their ship as they ran off. But Jack found his price list and your photo in his back pocket.”
She didn’t move, but hugged his hips closer to her. “Are you calling the police now?” Perhaps their time would end sooner than expected.
He kissed her forehead. “No. Jack and I will handle anything that comes here.” He then backed up but waited until she met his gaze. “I have to go back out there and make sure the island is clear of danger. I want you and your sisters to stay inside for the rest of the day.”
Going outside wasn’t on her agenda right now. She brushed the goosebumps on her arms but nodded, “Not a problem. Hurry home.”
He winked as he headed to the library door. “I’ll be back. You promised me dinner, remember?”
“I did.” She hurried toward him and kissed him.
His arms wrapped around her and she let her hands curl against the soft hair at the back of his neck. She didn’t want him to go.
The kiss ended and he walked out of the library, down the hall. She watched his strong shoulders as he strutted in his jeans and black t-shirt without even trying to be hot. He just was.
Inside she felt herself melting and glanced at the ring on her finger. She could say yes and marry him right now—he’d just proved himself capable of caring for them all.
She heard the front door close and went in search of her sisters. Bernadette had walked toward the back of the house and the kitchen, so Sophie did too. Near a flight of stairs she heard her sister Abby’s carefree laugh. She followed the sound and joined everyone in the huge state of the art kitchen.
Emily waved her over to a table and asked, “What did he say Sophie?”
Sophie kept her voice low to not alarm the little ones. “He’s going back out to help Jack find clues right now, and we’re to stay inside with the doors locked.”
Bernadette waved her over to the stove and the bowls her sisters were stirring as she asked Sophie, “Why don’t all of you help me with baking tonight’s desert?”
Bernadette offered her an apron and Sophie wrapped it around her waist. “Okay Bernadette, thanks.”
Bernadette handed her a recipe for some rice dish and pointed her to a station where ingredients were lined up. “Remember, we need to act normal. They saw things children shouldn’t.”
At least cooking a meal meant everyone was home and together. Sophie picked up the recipe and read step one. Add water to rice. This she could handle. She nodded to herself. “Thank you, Bernadette. You have no idea how much your kindness means to me.”
Bernadette pressed some spice into her uncooked chicken and smiled warmly. “It’s nothing at all.”
Cooking was good. It kept her mind clear of what might have happened to her sisters because of a choice she’d made. Michael had saved them. Again she felt her ring on her hand. If she married him, he’d protect her forever.
Chapter Nine
Sophie splashed water on her face to freshen up—it was already 8 o’clock and she wasn’t ready to meet Michael for dinner. Dressed in the same jeans and flowered shirt from all day, she held the bannister as she ran down the main steps and raced into the dining room—hoping he wouldn’t mind the casual clothes.
She entered in a hurry and Michael looked up, his gaze so hot a zap of electricity rushed in her veins. He’d changed his black t-shirt to a white one, and his hair was damp which meant he’d showered.
He stood and held a chair for her. As she neared him, she breathed in his forest scented cologne that mixed with his testosterone and desire rushed through her. Sophie sat and Michael pushed her chair in for her. “How were your sisters?”
She picked up her napkin while he joined her at the table. “I tucked Abby into bed and Emily sends her deepest thanks.”
“It was nothing.” His cheeks darkened in a blush and his voice lowered when he put his napkin on his lap. “I did it for you.”
He
r heart skipped. She picked up her fork and ate a few bites of her salad. The leafy vegetables crunched in her mouth, so she kept quiet until she finished. When Michael put his fork down as well, she reached over and asked, “How did you react that fast, Michael? I heard their screams but you were already saving them.”
Jack came in and both stayed silent while he took their plates. Michael winked at her when Jack returned with the chicken cordon bleu she and her sisters had learned to make today. Once the plates were in front of them and Jack left, Michael picked up his fork. “I had one minute ahead of you as my alarm sounded. It was why we were able to retrieve the two little ones so fast. Jack and I moved the perimeter so we’ll have more warning, if there is a next time.”
The zap in her pulse sent adrenaline rushing through her veins. This could happen again and the danger was her fault. “How come my sisters being out there didn’t trigger the alarm?”
“They didn’t go past the gates to trigger anything.”
She shouldn’t have trusted the FBI. “They got away, so it’s possible they’ll come back.”
Stillness entered her body. Everything around her quieted. Not only had she put her family in danger, she’d put Michael and Jack and Bernadette in danger too. This was all her fault for not asking questions about her own safety. Her breath caught in her throat.
Michael had no idea how bad she felt as he massaged her shoulder. “Only if they communicate their failure—which they might not do. Hired guns like to work solo. If they fail, others will step in to take over their jobs.”
She still felt small and little and unbelievably stupid. She shifted in her seat, closer to him and whispered, “I don’t know what to do.”
His warm hand on her back and shoulder sent a jolt through her. “I’ve sworn to keep you safe and I mean it. You and your sisters will not be harmed while with me.”
But he was in danger because of her too. Her finger felt like it sparked and she glanced at her hand and the huge ring. She swallowed, met his gaze and felt the world shift again. “Can we talk about the ring instead?”
He winked at her. “Sure.”
She turned her chair to face him, ignoring the food. “Michael, I just have one question. Will you do anything illegal once we all leave here?”
His hand fell to her lap and she felt tingles of awareness as he said, “No. Everything I intend to do is above board.”
Good. She scooted closer and cupped his face. “Then that’s all I need to know. Michael, you saved us from my own problems today.”
His gaze grew colder and he stared at her with wide eyes. “I don’t want you to say yes because you want to thank me.”
“I’m not.” She shook her head as her heart beat faster.
He took her hand off his cheek but held it near his heart. “Then wait until you’re sure.”
Something didn’t add up. She stared at him and hoped the answer surfaced. He’d asked her—had he changed his mind about wanting to get married? “Michael…”
Her voice trailed off. She was unsure how to even phrase her question.
He stood, still holding her hands. “Sophie?”
“Yes?” She trembled as she rose too.
He motioned with his face to their untouched dinner. “Are you finished?”
Food could wait. She stepped into his arms. “Yes.”
He held her tight and kissed her neck. “Then let’s go to my room. I want you, now and every night.”
Last night replayed in her mind and a thrill rushed through her veins as she tugged on his belt buckle. “I don’t know where your room is.”
“Come.” He placed his hand possessively on her lower back as he led her out.
They walked away from the main stairs leading to her bedroom and went behind into an alcove. He brought her to an elevator and his hand brushed against her waist and chest while the doors closed.
She arched to give him access to her body, even in her clothes.
The elevator opened and he stopped though he took her hand to walk beside her. The hall was polished though the dark wood and from the windows on the ends, the moon gave the hall a glow that when combined with the deep green Persian runner sent a chilling sensation that ran through her veins. Once they made it to the end of the hall, he led her inside a door.
Inside was a large chamber with vaulted ceilings, cream walls, and a modern chandelier. Couches and tables, cozy arm chairs. Multiple doors or archways suggested private rooms, with this being the center. She turned toward Michael and asked, “You have an entire wing and floor. What if-”
He claimed her lips in a kiss, cutting her off. Her senses were at war because he heated her pulse, but the coldness was still inside her. She had caused their problems, not Michael. He shouldn’t have to save her. Once he stepped back, he said, “Jack is on security. He knows how to find me. Relax.”
“You read my mind.” She joked and tried to relax her shoulders and body.
He tugged on the top button of her shirt, unbuttoning it. “I want to see you out of these jeans.”
“They were your mother’s jeans.” She smiled as she unzipped them.
His hands raked across her back and helped her lower the denim fabric. “No wonder I want them gone.”
First she needed to talk. She took a deep breath and caught his hand that now traced her backside as her jeans fell to her ankles. She held his wrist and said, “Michael…”
Her voice trailed off. Unsure she had to say anything else.
He leaned closer and her heart beat for him. “You are everything I need Sophie.”
She bit her lower lip gently and met his gaze as she swallowed. “Can we talk a little?”
He motioned toward his couch. “What else do you want to know?”
Once she sat without the jeans, but still in her shirt and underwear, she crossed her legs Indian style on the sofa. “What happened to your mother?”
He sat next to her, his face pale and he didn’t talk at all. He just stared at her. Finally, he said in a low voice, “She was also murdered, at the same time as my sister and father.”
Wow. He’d had truly horrible things happen to him in his past. Her hands went to her heart as she lowered her head. “Were you there too? Did you see anything?”
The guttural sound in his throat made her glance at him before he said, “No, I was in prison.”
“Wait. Prison?” She reached out and took his hand. Of the two men on the island, Jack seemed like the guy who kept his head down, but Michael certainly didn’t. Her heart raced as she thought about how or why.
Michael squeezed her hand and despite the frantic rush in her pulse, she heard him clearly. “For a crime I never committed.”
Instantly she calmed. Of course he hadn’t. Michael’s past made him who he was, but part of him was a good soul who seemed to be tortured about the existence of God, not committing felonies. “What crime?”
His voice was flat and emotionless. “Espionage and conspiracy against the government.”
Again her heart sped up, faster than a race car, as she rubbed his cheek and scooted on his lap to hold him tight. He’d been through so much that she’d never survive. “Oh my God! That’s serious.”
He traced her back and shoulders. “It was a way to lock me in one of those prisons no one knows about. Anyone who knows me from my past will use that information to turn you against me.”
Of course, and if he hadn’t told her, then she’d have freaked out. This time she met his gaze and saw how clear he stared at her. “You were framed?”
With a small sigh, he nodded. “It was a long time ago.”
Okay, his story started to make sense. The zap in her veins lessened to a dull roar. “Is that where you met Jack?”
One eyebrow cocked. “Why did you ask?”
Now it was her turn to explain. She shrugged. “It’s how he walks with his head down. I figured something happened to him, perhaps prison, but you don’t do that. Although you have a chip on your shoulder t
hat’s weighing you down.”
“You’re perceptive.” He held her tighter.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Not really. I can’t imagine anyone going to such lengths to hurt another, but then I didn’t imagine my testimony at trial would send people after me either.”
“I once trusted the wrong people too.” He nodded and then his lips met hers.
Fire and heat instantly coursed through her. She wanted him, right here, right now. Her hands tugged under his shirt.
But there was a buzzer in the air and Jack’s voice called out, “Mr. Haniel. We have company.”
He stood and held her steady while he fixed his shirt. He then walked to the door. “I have to go to Jack. Please stay here until I get back to my room and you.”
Sophie was tempted to run to her sisters and watch them while they slept in their beds. Perhaps she’d wake them and bring them all to a closet to hide in, but she met Michael’s serious gaze. “Okay. Just don’t be too long or I’ll have to check on my sisters. I need to protect them.”
Michael tied his boots waiting near the door. “No one is getting inside my home, my sweet.”
“Please be right.” Perhaps it wasn’t the best parting phrase, but her skin had a jolt of caution. She heard no footsteps in the hall. Looking around the vast room, Sophie realized that she couldn’t stay here either. She had to ensure Abby and Isi and Emily were all safe. She tugged on her pants and ran down the hall as she prayed Michael made it back to her in one piece.
Chapter Ten
Sophie closed the door to Isi’s room who slept peacefully in her bed and headed back into the hallway. Isabelle was fine, but just in case something changed, she’d pace the hall. Next was Abby, then Emily’s room.
Her heart raced with the knowledge that Michael could be in danger. She swallowed, unsure what to do about that, and almost walked straight into Emily who stood with her arms crossed. “Sophie, what’s wrong?”
The last thing she wanted was to frighten her sister. Sophie shook her head fast. “Nothing. I just needed to check on everyone.”
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