Loving the Czar (The Blakemore Files Book 6)

by Olivia Gaines

  She tried to turn but her right leg was sound asleep. Her one opened eye peered over to find Eduardo curled around her leg, a half smile on his face. No wonder it is asleep, it has a 185 pounds of man on top of it. The sound of the kids were getting closer.

  “Eddie, wake up,” she nudged him. His hand immediately snaked over to cup one of her breasts. His eyes were still closed as he grinned wider.

  “Seriously, Eddie, it sounds like a school bus just unloaded a gaggle of kids and they are coming up the stairs,” she said.

  Eduardo’s eyes popped open and he sat straight up in the bed. “Oh Shit!” he yelled. He sprang from the bed hobbling to get into his underwear as he threw her chemise at her. “Put that on now!” he yelled.

  Uncertain what was happening, Ryanne pulled the silk material over her head. Eduardo looked at her and noticed her nipples pressing against the soft fabric. He picked his shirt up off the floor and threw it at her as well. “Put this on over that,” he demanded. His eye was on the door and realizing too late it was not secured, he jumped back into the bed, pulling the covers up around their waists while he fought to get the tee shirt on over his head.

  “What is going on...should I make a dash back to the other room?” she asked.

  “You will never make it in time,” he said as his fingers gripped hers.

  Ryanne became really nervous as taps rapped at the door, the handle turned, and in burst four children. She looked over at Eduardo with a WTF look on her face.

  “Good morning Poppa!” the children yelled.

  Poppa? Ryanne mouthed.

  The smallest of the brood of four ran around the bed and began to climb up. The oldest two, both male teenagers stared at her with open mouths. The third one broke the awkward silence by making it weirder than the situation already was by asking, “Is this our new Mama?”

  “Say what now...?” Ryanne asked.

  “Good morning mis niños,” Eduardo said. “What have I told you about entering my room before I give you permission to open the door?”

  “Sorry Poppa,” said the younger boy, who had also climbed around the other side of the bed. He looked to be about ten years old, but the way he held his head, Ryanne knew something was off with him. The youngest lad, it was evident he had a form of Down’s syndrome, but the two teens were chatting amongst themselves in Spanish. Unbeknownst that Ryanne understood what they were saying.

  The eldest, a boy, which was a younger, smaller version of Eduardo, whispered to his brother, “You have to admit, this is the most normal thing we have walked in here and seen.”

  Ryanne asked in English, “What else have you walked in and caught your father doing?”

  The younger of the two teen boys, surprised, answered without thinking. “Well, there was the one time I came in and found him upside down against the wall reading a book...”

  The older boy laughed, “...or the time I caught him trying to practice yoga and had to help unfold his legs that had locked up...”

  Eduardo’s face was scrunched up. “I, at least expect loyalty from my own children. How can you come in and began to divulge my most private secrets?”

  The littlest boy, begging for morning kisses from his father, was content once he bestowed several upon his cheeks, and then moved over to climb into Ryanne’s lap. His little lips were puckered up as he commanded, “Besame!”

  Ryanne leaned forward to give a little kiss on the tiny lips. “Dr. Ryanne Dobbins, these are my children. In your lap is Angel, his brothers Andres, my eldest Yuńior...”

  She asked him, “And the one playing in my hair?”

  “That is Micah,” Eduardo told her. Ryanne had remained calm when the boy kicked off his shoes, climbed in the bed and began to brush her hair down with his small hands.

  “Your hair is a mess Mama,” he said.

  Ryanne’s eyes were wide as she looked at Eduardo who looked in the other direction. Yuńior winked at his father who gave his son a disapproving scowl. Andres had discovered the lacy bra on the couch and was holding up the silk and lace under garment, his little eyes moving from the bra to the bed and its owner.

  By this time Ryanne was fit to be tied. Micah was still asking Mama what happened to her hair as he attempted to get the wayward strands in order. Angel had managed to unbutton his father’s shirt that Ryanne was wearing, reached inside to cup her breast and started chanting, “Leche Mama! Leche! Leche Mama! ”

  “Oh dear Lord!” Ryanne said as she looked at Eduardo for help. The look of amusement on his face was enough to make her hit him. She mouthed, “Do something!”

  He mouthed back, “Like what? He wants some milk!”

  “Well, he ain’t going to get any from these!” Ryanne said aloud as she extricated the child from her lap handing him back to his father.

  Yuńior broke the chaos, “Poppa, it is time for coffee. We are going to be late.”

  “You are right. Chop chop, mis niños, I will be there in 10 minutes,” he said.

  Micah, right on cue asked, “Are you coming too Mama?”

  Her face was still twisted as she looked at Eduardo. He only grinned, “Yes she is Micah!”

  Andres did not miss a beat either as he leaned over to his older brother, “Poppa is smiling. Did he kill someone or something?”

  “More like or something,” Yuńior responded.

  “I heard that. Out! All of you. Yuńior, get everything ready so we can ride once we are downstairs. Move,” he yelled. The kids scrambled like ants. Even little Angel who toddled along behind them as Andres, still holding her bra, closed the door.

  He asked his big brother, “Yuńior, do you think she will make us some fried chicken?”

  Ryanne yelled at the closing door, “I heard that!”

  Eduardo slid from the bed, stretched as he looked at Ryanne. “Well, that was awkward.”

  “You think?” she asked incredulously. “Why didn’t you stop Micah from calling me Mama?” she asked as she climbed out the bed.

  “Why didn’t you?” he wanted to know.

  “They are not my children. It is not my place to correct or reprimand them! And Andres left here carrying my bra!” she said.

  He had removed the tee shirt again. “I have to cover the serpent, it scares Angel. He has Down’s and Micah has Asperger’s. He has no filters,” he told her.

  “And what is he going to do with my bra?” She wanted to know.

  “He is probably going to sell it to some kid from Uruguay with bad skin so the kid can make love to it or something,” he said flatly.

  The look on Ryanne’s face was comical. Eduardo was standing in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. “They have never seen a woman in my bed other than their mother.”

  The weight of his words rooted her feet to the floor. He spoke softly, “This was something very new which confused them. I am sorry for your discomfort.”

  “Well, if I had at least known...I would have gone back in the other room last night...we could have handled this so much better,” she said.

  “Why? Last night you made me yours, which means this morning, they are unofficially yours as well,” he said with a grin as he turned her and pushed her towards the guest room. “You will need closed toe shoes, long sleeves and dark loose fitting pants. Don’t be late!”

  “Say what now?” Ryanne asked, but Eduardo had no intention of responding. He had entered into his bathroom. She could not believe it. The man was actually singing.

  “Good grief,” she said. “I am not ready for any of this shit.”

  Chapter 9. Morning Coffee...

  She definitely was not ready for coffee either. Before she left the guest room, she remembered to grab her phone and turn it on, so her father would know where she was if he turned on the app she had downloaded on his cell phone. There was no way Big Sarge was not going to try and keep tabs. It took a minute to get her hair under control especially after the middle of the night second round that Eddie initiated. More than anything she needed a showe
r to wash away the sweat and eagerness of her lover that seemed to be oozing from everything including her memories. She made haste of a quick wipe down as she donned a long sleeved pink cotton shirt along with a pair of baggy jeans, some boots, and a bandana. She checked her watch, three minutes to spare as she made her way to the grand staircase.

  Eduardo was in more than a cheerful mood as he quickly washed, brushed his teeth and combed down his hair before donning his signature black jeans and loose fitting shirt. He whistled as he made his way down the grand staircase to be greeted by Tonda who stared at him in disbelief. He only smiled at the big man as he passed him, patted him on the shoulder, before issuing a greeting of “¡Buenas!”

  “Hola Jeffe,” Tonda responded. “Your orders for morning coffee?”

  Eduardo faced him, “Let’s open station 7, have Ellie brought up, and Dr. Dobbins will be joining us this morning.”

  “I heard my name,” she said as she made her way down the stairs. “Good Morning Seňor,” she said to Eduardo. She smiled and patted Tonda on the arm. “Morning Tonda.”

  The big man was standing there, jaw agape, staring at where she had touched him. Twice she had touched him without his permission. American or not. Houseguest or not. There were rules. Touching Tonda was not in the rules! He looked at his boss. His eyes went back to his arm. Eduardo held up a finger to him, intimating that he would handle Dr. Dobbins casual approach with his personal guard.

  “Where is this great coffee I heard so much about?” Ryanne asked as she made her way to the kitchen. Not only was there no coffee, there also was no breakfast, nor any kids. Her face was frowning when she looked at him. After the vigorous workout which occurred last night, she needed some food this morning.

  “This way Dr. Dobbins,” he said to her. He led the way out the back door to the lanai where seven horses waited. “Mount up!” Eduardo yelled.

  Ryanne stood still.

  “Do you not ride Dr. Dobbins?” He asked.

  “No, I do not!” she said. “Where is this coffee? You can’t make it in the kitchen?”

  Eduardo could not hide his smile, although he tried. “Are you telling me, Dr. Dobbins that you are from Texas and cannot ride a horse?”

  Her eyes met his. “I can’t ride a horse, but I can shoot a gun.”

  The twinkle in his eye was unmistakable. “I mean, isn’t Dallas home to the Cowboys?”

  Yuńior spoke up, “From what I have seen, those Cowboys in Dallas can’t figure out what they are doing either.”

  Ryanne gave him the stink eye as well, which made everyone, with the exception of Tonda laugh.

  “Dr. Dobbins, Micah is a skilled equestrian, you can double up with him. Tonda, please lend a hand,” Eduardo asked.

  The horse was looking at Ryanne and she was looking at the horse. She turned to go back into the house but bumped into a solid mass that was Tonda. She whispered to him as he helped her aboard the horse, “If you can, will you please stay close. I do not wish to die today.”

  This actually made Tonda smile as he lifted Micah up into the saddle in front of Ryanne. Dr. Dobbins was entrusting him with her life as well. The guard didn’t understand why, but for some reason, it made him feel good.

  Morning coffee, she was informed by Micah, meant a ride into the fields. “We do not harvest until May, but in March we like to test the beans. Each Saturday, we pick a different field, pull samples and fresh roast the coffee on site.”

  Ryanne was also amazed to hear that different families were responsible for different fields. To have El Jeffe come to their fields to sample coffee was an honor. It meant a breakfast feast supplied by the family. This was a special time with his workers. Individual attention was paid to the heads of the families as he was introduced to the new generation of children who worked the green fields of his ancestors.

  As they rounded the bend, they entered an open road. Tonda, sitting astride the largest horse she had ever seen in her life, rode ahead and took point. His weapon locked and loaded as his eyes scanned left and right.

  Micah looked up over his shoulder. “Wide open spaces make Poppa nervous. We are going to ride hard and fast, Mama. You will need to hold on.”

  This was the perfect time to address the loose use of the title with Micah. “Sweetheart, you know should not call me Mama, right?”

  Micah’s use of the English language was amazing, almost as astounding as the response from a ten year old which caught her off guard, “And you should not be in my Poppa’s bed unless you are his wife.”

  Ryanne, uncertain if she had swallowed a bug or if she was tasting a bit of in your face from a kid who had way too much sense, prepared a response.

  “Fair enough. I will stay out of his bed,” Ryanne responded.

  The more she talked to the child the more she realized she was not ready or equipped to be in Eduardo’s world.

  “You cannot do that. You make Poppa smile. He has not smiled in a long time. I will stop calling you Mama,” he said.

  It was too easy. She had worked several summers in academic math camps during her time in college. She knew kids and kids didn’t give up that quickly or that easily unless they were planning to negotiate for something better.

  “Micah....” She said to the top of his head. “You gave in too easy. What do you want?”

  The boy was smiling. “I want one thing, Dr. Ryanne Dobbins,” he said. Ryanne didn’t respond in words, but instead gave him a squeeze. The bouncing of the horse along with last night’s activities where causing her some real discomfort.

  “If and when the time may come, could you love me as your own little boy?” he asked.

  “How old are you again?” she answered.

  “I am ten, but my disease...I think out loud. I think different. Poppa says I have no filters,” he said.

  “Your Poppa is right,” she mumbled. She paused for a minute as they stopped at the open road. He deserved an answer. Ryanne removed his hat and kissed the top of his head, “I love you already Micah, but the title of Mama should never be used where others may hear you. It will be misunderstood.”

  “That’s great! Hold on Mama,” he said as he kicked the sides of the horse and it took off at a gallop. All of the horses ran in unison as if it were some sort of coffee derby and the winner would be given leaves of coca as a prize.

  Ryanne had never been more terrified in her life. Well, at least not until she saw the grungy, hand crafted coffee cup they wanted her to use to drink the morning dark brew. Coffee made with water that came out of a well, full of microorganisms from another country her body was ill equipped to fight off. She wasn’t drinking any of it. She watched with interest as the water was pulled from the well, boiled over an open flame, where the coffee beans roasted. The smell of the beans was mouthwatering, as well as the thick slices of chorizo that sizzled along with eggs, crusty bread and something else she could not pronounce.

  She sat quietly observing the ceremonial arrival of Ellie. Andres grabbed his bucket from the saddle and began to milk Eduardo’s favorite cow. His hand swiped over the layer of sludge that sat atop the milk as half of it, along with the boiled water was poured over the coffee beans into those grubby mugs. The coffee was stirred with sticks of sugar cane that Yuńior carved out of stalks. Poor Angel was pooped from all the excitement. He toddled over to Ryanne, his arms up in askance for a cuddle. Ryanne pulled the child into her lap, his dirty little face turned towards her chest as the child fell into a dead sleep.

  Is he narcoleptic too?

  Micah, not to be left out of the lovefest, stood close to Ryanne’s side. She lifted her free arm to encapsulate him, planting a kiss on his forehead. All eyes rested upon them. The family of workers from Field 7, Yuńior, Andres, and even Tonda all watched in astonishment as the children took to the Jeffe’s guest with such ease. Ryanne thought nothing of it as she asked Micah to fetch her a damp cloth as she cleaned Angel’s dirty face, humming the whole time while removing the smeared eggs and grime from the soft
skin. She did all of this, never waking the child. Ryanne noticed something on Micah’s face and cleaned his as well.

  Eduardo Delgado watched quietly, his face exhibited no expression as he observed her perform the most basic of mothering tasks to his children, something his wife never cared to do. The care and love she dispensed to them seemed second nature to her. It warmed his heart, but this also solidified his worst fear.

  Loving her was going to mean his death.

  Chapter 10. An Afternoon Nap...

  The ride back to the hacienda took a different route on the return, using more closed in pathways, lots of dense vegetation, and a far slower pace. Eduardo rode center of the pack, never allowing anyone to ride alongside him or too close in front. It seemed an odd behavior to her. Micah must have sensed her lack of understanding and spoke softly to her.

  “Poppa wants to make sure that if anything happens, he is able to break from the group and ride away. He hopes that if anything does happen, he can draw the bad people away, keeping us safe,” he told her.

  “Have the bad people ever attacked you before?” she wanted to know.

  “No. Never. They would not dare come onto the lands of my ancestors and make a move on my father!” he said vehemently.

  “Then why the exercise...the practice?” she wanted to know.

  Micah answered her with pride, “We are not afraid. He has raised us to not be scared, even in his death, we have been taught how to take care of ourselves and this land.”

  At ten years old, Ryanne wasn’t certain if the boy was capable of even cleaning himself well, let alone fending for themselves against men who would want them dead. This was the aspect of his life she needed to see and understand. The dog and pony show was cute, but the real Eduardo needed to stand up so she could fully grasp the intensity of his world. The time was running out and even though she had only been here for less than 24 hours, it felt longer. Something wicked was coming their way and she felt it in her bones.

  Her eyes were heavy, her legs felt leaden and her butt ached like nobody’s business. She didn't know how much of it was from the horse or last night’s romp with Eduardo. The one thing in which she was certain of was hot water needed to touch her body until things stopped aching and throbbing. It was her first priority as she excused herself from the family and made her way up the stairs. Her hand touched Tonda’s arm, whispering, “Good looking out Big Man. I am still alive. Thank you.”