TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto thy own understanding…
The verse came to her often now and, although it was difficult to live it every hour of every day, she continued to make the effort. Genie yawned, and then winced. Even after a couple of weeks since her stabbing, her chest still gave her trouble from time to time.
She drummed her fingers on her desk and glanced at her watch for the fiftieth time. Rafa would be in soon. She smiled. She wanted to show him the special accommodation the FBI had awarded them for a job well done.
Soon after the arrests of the owners of La Cocina Dulce, Rafa returned to California to aid Enrique. His cousin had been on the run, but unable to successfully meet with his contacts. Although the past was behind him, Rafa wouldn’t see any harm come to those he loved, if he could help it.
Genie focused on her computer monitor and groaned. She was back at work, and her caseload was practically unmanageable. A couple of months ago, she wouldn’t have minded having a heavy workload; it meant she'd outshine her male detective coworkers. With that particular motivation gone, and having gotten used to having a partner, Genie struggled with the transition to solo performer. Not that she couldn’t handle it. Not without coffee.
She stood and made her way to the conference room, where she knew a fresh pot of coffee sat. She poured herself a cup and drank a few sips, closing her eyes to the soothing warmth and pleasant aroma of vanilla and cream.
The door shut.
“Rafael!” Her heart pounded as her eyes beheld him.
His dimples responded first. “Man, you are beautiful.” His hoarse voice made her quiver with excitement. In a few long strides, he had her in his arms, planting a tender kiss on her lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” She dipped her gaze, a bit shy.
He drew a few fingers down her shoulder to her wound. “How are you feeling? Are you healing well?”
She nodded. “How’s Enrique? I heard the Snakes have collapsed underneath the investigations of the FBI and DEA.”
“It has. I didn’t know it but Enrique had been secretly turning state’s evidence for years. There’s enough to incriminate the organization on multiple charges. There’ve been numerous arrests, from the lowest player all the way to the top.”
Genie nodded. “I heard. Murder, rape, drug distribution… the DA’s office out there will be up to their necks in cases for a long time.”
“Not to mention the identities and locations of several drug czars over the border. The Mexican government is moving to arrest those Enrique has identified.”
“Have you seen your medal?”
Rafa shook his head.
“The FBI has awarded us both accommodations for our work on the case. I think Franco’s a bit jealous.” She laughed at her last statement. However, she personally thanked her colleague, and both had been on better terms since.
Rafa didn’t respond; instead, he stared at her. The fervor in his eyes caused her to involuntarily shiver. “You’re incredible,” he breathed. He drew her deeper into his embrace.
Genie felt her cheeks color. “So what now?”
“Well.” He pursed his lips. “The FBI academy starts in a couple of weeks. Then I’ll be assigned to the Fairfax office.”
“With your new best friend, Agent Compton?”
His eyes narrowed at her teasing, but he couldn’t hide his deep dimples. Genie laughed. His face came within inches of hers. “I love you,” he whispered.
Genie sighed when his lips met hers. She tingled from the sweetness of his kiss. He loved her! Her heart fluttered with his touch and now it soared to heights she hadn’t imagined conceivable.
When the kiss ended, Rafa chuckled. “I think you kind of like me.”
“No, I don’t. I love you,” she breathed.
“Mmm, I know you do.” His lips took hers again. “Ay, mi amor.” His kiss seared her soul with a brand that was all him. “I want to continue to see you when I’m at the academy.”
Genie lifted her gaze to the sky, feigning consideration. “I think I’m available. In fact, I may see you there.” She laughed at the confusion in his eyes. “Compton’s boss asked for my resume while you were away. I’ll have to pass the written exam, but it looks like I’ll be joining you at the FBI.”
He chuckled. “I think Compton will request a transfer once you’re in.”
Genie snickered.
The look in his eyes shifted and Genie stilled. After a long moment, he spoke. “After we graduate the academy, I think I want to marry you.”
Genie’s lips parted in surprise. What did he say? She could barely contain her excitement. It was more than she could’ve prayed for, more than she allowed herself to imagine was possible. Her eyes searched his and found no reluctance. Her heart pounded in agreement. “Think or know?”
Rafa smiled. “Definitely know. This is one relationship I’m never letting go.”
Genie returned his smile and assured him of her answer… with a kiss.
The End.
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(Sample)
Chapter One
Rafael (The Santiago Brothers Book One) Page 40
