Her lawyer said, “We’ll file an appeal, get an injunction, and I’d get the case thrown out pretty easily. There is enough evidence in the trial transcripts to get this entire thing declared a mistrial, and with his brother dead they’d have a hard time bringing more charges. His attorney in this seems almost complicit with sending him to prison.”
Too much legalese for her, but she stood. The tree swayed from a breeze and underneath that was a good man. She stood, pressed her head to the glass plane and said, “Do it.”
Her lawyer then asked, “What, ma’am? We need clear instructions.”
If he asked for a repeat of what he'd said, she couldn’t pull it off. Her voice caught in her throat but she spoke with command. “Clear… clear Rocco Hellsworth’s name. Ensure he’s a free man as fast as possible.”
Cardona immediately asked, “Will you want us to file a wrongful imprisonment case as well for civil restitution? I can also gather information on his lawyer’s malfeasance for the bar.”
Money wasn’t an issue for her, but he could use some for his mother. Anything she could do, she’d try. “Yes. I want to help Rocco and I need you to do everything in your power to right this wrong.”
“I’m on it, Ms. Murphy,” Cardona answered, then hung up. Mica closed her computer.
She’d been gone a while, settling Jacob. Hopefully she could talk Rocco into coming back inside now.
Soon she’d show Rocco this file and tell him what she’d done. First she needed to admit who she was and how she had this power.
Her son called out to her so she rushed back to the bedroom and picked him up.
Jacob’s skin was so fresh and warm. She hugged her boy and said, “Jacob, sometimes it’s good to help people just out of the goodness of your heart. I want you to learn that it’s good to wield your power for others and not just the family bank account.”
Her son just clutched her shirt in his tiny fist.
He was so sweet that she crooned to him as they made their way downstairs.
The kitchen smelled like the stew her parents French chef made for her as a girl.
Tonight’s beef stew must be done, or at least her stomach said it should be. She bounced her baby in her arms and headed outside.
A cold wind whipped in her face so she just waved from the threshold of the backdoor of her patio toward Rocco clearing the path with the rake and said, “Come in.”
Rocco stood and wiped his pants like he’d get the dirt off that way as he made his way toward her.
Strong muscles had never stirred anything inside her that resembled desire until Rocco.
Every other man, including her prince who'd tried to kill her, had been skinny in comparison.
Rocco took the door from her and held it as she headed inside first.
Jacob cooed like he was happy to be back inside the house as she said to Rocco, “You were outside for a while. Did you call your mom?”
He reached into his back pocket and placed her phone in between her fingers that held the baby. “Yeah. I should delete the contact from your phone.”
She shrugged, but juggled her baby onto her shoulder and opened her phone with the other hand as they headed inside and said as she read her screen, “I’ll do it… you only talked to her like 20 minutes.”
He headed to the sink and washed his hands as he said, “Yeah. I tried to keep it short.”
She pushed her phone in her back pocket. “Well come in. It’s getting dark and cold again and you don’t have a heavy jacket.”
He turned off the faucet and dried his hands. “I needed to think.”
She headed over to the sink and stood next to him as warm goosebumps rushed over her arm that brushed his as she asked, “About?”
He reached out and smiled brightly at Jacob. “Money. My mother said she can’t afford-”
“Send her to my doctors,” she interrupted, and then pressed her lips together as his face seemed pinched. She bounced her son but stood beside Rocco as she added, “They saved my life and I’m sure they can help her.”
He didn’t step away but said, “That sounds… expensive.”
She bumped her shoulder into his and ensured her son was good. Rocco made her trust in humanity and in him. She ignored how her fingers were already on pins and needles for him. “Don’t. You’re helping me. I’ll help her.”
Again he looked at her son on her hip as he said, “I’m not doing much other than cooking. But I’m wanted to talk to you about possibly working for you to pay for my mother’s care.”
“Food smells delicious.” She wished he understood how peaceful he made her. “And we’ll figure out together the details. I already said I’d pay.”
This calm in her world was worth its price in gold. Calmness wasn’t her life. And at any minute she might need to run her baby to her helicopter and fly him away from bad people who wanted her and her son dead.
He shook his head. “But cancer treatment seems much more expensive.”
Right. She licked her lips and met his eyes as she took a second to find the words as her heart raced. Finally she settled on what she meant to say and prayed she didn’t scare him off. “You’ve restored my faith in men and I… want to help you, if you allow me.”
He lowered his head and his cheeks turned slightly red before he nodded, “Thank you. My mother’s health is something I’d sell my soul for.”
Done. For now she opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle for her son as she said, “So go get take a shower and get dressed. The smell is making me hungry.”
He saluted like she’d given him an order. “I’ll make sure dinner is ready.”
“I’m sure you will.” She put the bottle in her son’s mouth and imagined getting dressed herself soon. Something pretty.
As he headed out, he turned at the back door and said, “I will try to never disappoint you, Mica. You’ve been hurt enough in the past.”
She took a step toward him and lowered her head as memories rushed in of when she’d been half-dead but flew herself out of Ali’s castle in the middle of the night to find treatment. If she hadn’t had her plane in the vicinity, she’d be dead. She met Rocco’s kind gaze and said, “I think you’ve been through worse.”
She hadn’t been falsely arrested and never wanted his experience. He stopped and returned to her. She put her son in a playpen so he could eat properly as Rocco said, “No one tried to kill me.”
Her heart pounded in her chest so much she almost trembled and she never reacted. “Your brother was a killer--he didn't try to hurt you?”
Rocco pointed to a small, hardly noticeable spot on his forehead. “He gave me this scar above my eyebrow when I was a boy, but he never hurt me as a man.”
She went on her tiptoes and inspected his face. The scar was very small, but she kissed it and went back down to stand straight. “I’ve never had to prove my strength as a man.”
He crossed his arms and stared at her figure as he said, “No, as a woman, which might be worse.”
Granted she had her post-pregnancy body, but inside her skin she was still the girl she always was. “Why do you say that?”
His muscles flexed like they had a mind of their own as he said, "You run your own company, had a baby, fly airplanes-“
“And helicopters,” she said. Granted it wasn’t the most impressive thing, but they were her favorites.
He smiled brighter. “And helicopters, but your mother was still introducing you to bad men. I don’t get how a smart, independent strong and beautiful woman might ever do that.”
And her mother would probably disapprove of how Mica’s body ached for this man’s touch. Not that she had a say in anything. Mica’s skin was already awake and aware of Rocco. “She didn’t know Ali would try to kill me and we all need someone to trust.”
“I suppose.” He leaned against the small kitchen table. “No, but if you were a man no one would question your abilities to run the company without a male at your side.”
She wrapped her arm around his back like they were friends and possibly more as she said, “I knew I liked you, Rocco.”
He stood taller and backed away as he said, “I’ll go and get dressed now.”
She called out to his backside, “Running away?”
He stopped and faced her with confusion. “I’m doing what you want.”
She ignored the zip in her veins as she took a step closer to him and looped her finger in his belt loop at his hip. Maybe this was too much but her heart raced and she licked her lips as she asked, “What I want?”
“Yeah.” He nodded but didn’t pull away.
She directed her attention at his lips. This wasn’t her, not really. It was only here with Rocco that she could be so direct. “Then kiss me again.”
For a moment she feared he’d hate her or leave or run. She was never this, well, bold. But then his lips claimed hers and it was like fireworks in every cell of her body.
Rocco was the first man she’d ever wanted like this, ever.
10
Breaking News. The police manhunt has been called off. More information will be available later.
Rocco’s heart stopped fast in his chest as he turned off the radio.
If he was ten years older, he’d probably be dead from the words.
Off? That made no sense.
Unless this was a trap.
The police must know where he was and any second he’d be carted back.
Why else would there be such a lie on the radio?
Behind him Mica clapped. He turned as she said, “Well that’s good news.”
The zaps in his heart were more like warning shots now. The danger being over for him couldn’t be true.. He swallowed and asked, “Why do you say that?”
the black dress clung to her in all the right ways as she came toward him with her long legs. This time the pulse spike was entirely her doing. . Her high heels clicked against the marble floor. And She reached the counter, let her hand fall right beside his, and said, “They probably caught who they were looking for or realized their own mistake. Either way we’re not going to be bothered, so let’s turn it off.”
Mistake? He’d stormed out of the prison. He’d waded through the sewer after digging a tunnel, and none of that was on accident.
If he stayed much longer in one place, chances of him being caught rose greatly.
If he left, did he walk right into their trap?
HIs mind raced. Maybe it was better to stay and enjoy his last moments at the chalet with Mica.
Since arriving here, his life felt like it turned around, like Mica was his personal angel when that was impossible.
She didn’t know the truth about him. She wanted him physically from what she’d said and done, but he’d avoided because he’d not disappoint her when she discovered his secret.
He placed both hands in front of him and glanced at the floor. “Mica, there is something I should tell you.”
“Confessions are for dessert.” She patted him on his muscular chest covered in a gray Armani suit.
At least he’d wear nice things for the rest of his time here. He picked up the bowls of beef stew and walked them into the dining room, but as he looked around, he didn’t see the baby. “How’s Jacob?”
If he stayed at the chalet, he might as well enjoy his next few moments, however long they stretched out to be. So he passed her and brushed against her sexy shoulder as she said, “He’s sleeping. Personally I think he’s cute, but I’m super biased… what are you doing?”
He flipped the radio to FM and played with the tuning as he said, “Finding the right… here, this will work.” A woman’s voice with a slow song. Perfect. He’d dream about this for the rest of his years behind bars. He returned to Mica’s side and held out his hand. “Will you dance with me?”
She clutched his palm and stood taller as she asked, “You want to dance?”
In school and in the movies, one hand went to her side and one hand was out holding her palm. He was always good at imitating. “You have me all dressed up and it might be nice to do something before we eat.”
A huge smile grew on her face and she beamed at him like he’d offered her an ice cream sundae at some afternoon children’s party her parents had sent her too mostly so the adults could discuss business. “Okay. I’d like that.”
Mica’s kindness was embedded in her soul. She was a good mother and a good woman that any man would be proud to have. Spunk and a zest for living were the best qualities a woman might offer and Mica had that and more.
If only he could, but he wouldn't entertain the fantasy. “What are your hobbies other than running a business and now being a mom?”
They continued to sway together as she replied, “You mean, what did I do for fun before Jacob?”
His face was warm and a laugh escaped his throat. Had women always been this complicated? Or was it just Mica? He said, “Yes. What did you enjoy?”
She pressed her lips together like she thought very deeply but then said, “Enjoy isn’t the right word. I went skiing, went to all the right places to be seen, but honestly…”
“Yeah?” He realized her voice had trailed off and she wasn’t continuing.
She let out a sigh and met his gaze. “I was never happy or enjoying myself. I was just there to get my picture taken and then head back to work.”
The image of Mica in the dress she now wore only smiling for a camera and heading to a desk somewhere sounded… sad. He held her tighter. “That sounds stifling.”
She gazed at him and the intensity made it seem like they were the only people in the world as she said, “You’ve no idea. What about you? What hobbies do you have other than fixing things and cooking?”
“I used to love watching cooking shows on youtube and preparing some foreign dish. I’ve been using memories of my favorites since arriving.” He never had much enjoyment or extras offered, but he thought about summers, when he wasn’t near his brother, and said, “I enjoyed helping Mom in the garden, but I also liked fishing. The best times in my life were in the Marines.”
Her gaze narrowed like he'd just spoken to her in another language. “Why? It had to be hard work, all the time.”
Hard work was something that fulfilled him. Prison was a place where he was supposed to disappear and never see the bloom of a flower ever again. “Yes, but because no matter what I had to do, my life had purpose.”
A door banged.
His heart raced as he imagined the police storming in. Or more people like his brother were about to attack. In the later situation, he’d protect them with his life.
The last thing he wanted was Mica in trouble so he let her go as she asked, “What was that?”
Despite how his pulse went faster than an electric drill, he’d face the music alone. He walked out of the dining room and into the main hotel lobby as he called out behind him, “Hold on…” His eyes paused at the door that flung open and banged against the wall from a cold wind.
No one stood there. Adrenaline spiked. The police had warrants. His brother and his friends didn’t go by rules, but he’d not alert them. He could be wrong. He called out as he walked toward it, “Just the wind.”
He popped his head out but no cars were in the front of the chalet as Mica kept hers in the garage below which was why he’d thought her place was empty the night he climbed into her window to escape the cold for a few hours.
They were alone. He searched the lower lobby, then locked the door to ensure they wouldn't be bothered again. Finished, though fifteen minutes later, he returned to the dining room where Mica’s hand was on her chest with her keys in her hand as she said, “My heart went to my throat.”
If he was free, it would be nice to spend his days with her.
The thought hit him hard as he asked, “What did you think?”
She lowered her hand and shook her head. “I thought… I thought it was some assassin out to kill my son. I was ready to grab him and bolt.”
That wa
s something she’d said before. She’d lived in fears for months.
He’d said he’d help, but now… well if the report of the police was off then he’d have time to protect her.
And being useful was… unusual, compared to being in prison. “I promised I’d be here for you.”
She ran into his arms and hugged him as she said, “And I trust you Rocco.”
Her perfume made him sniff the air for more of her floral scent.
She was prettier than a rose itself.
However the slow song ended and a different faster song came
Now that made no sense.
She tossed her shiny brown hair and she shook her head. “Turn that off. I don’t want to dance anymore. Let’s eat.”
Dinner. Right. It was why they were here, on the date. He turned off the radio and silence was louder than anything else and headed to the kitchen to grab their plates. As he returne, he helped her into her seat and pushed her to the table. The brush of her hand against his woke him up. “Yeah, let’s eat. I don’t cook fancy, but I hope you enjoy this.”
She waited for him to sit and then took a bite of her stew. She made a "mmhmm" sound and then put her fork down. His nerves were now standing on edge. Did she hate his cooking?
“What are the green vegetables?”
Most people just used carrots, potatoes and beef. He’d been inspired by all of her fresh produce. “Spinach, green onions, parsley, cilantro, and chives.”
She picked up her fork again, winked at him, and laughed. “I guess I just had plain meat and potatoes before.”
He stared at her as she took her second bite. She took her time chewing so he asked, “You don’t like it?”
She swallowed and shook her head. “The opposite. It’s delicious and unusually good. I’m usually more of a salad girl.”
Salads never satisfied him, but he picked up his silverware., “Well, then I’m happy.”
Both of them ate in silence though Mica made the room alive just from being beside him.
If he could stay here, and not worry about jail, he wasn’t sure he’d make her happy, but it would be fun to try.
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 89
