So much information caused her brain to overflow with possibilities. She tugged his hand for him to sit next to her on the bed. When he did, she curled into his lap. “Your life sounds horrible but also fascinating, Mi…Dante.”
He massaged her back. “I’ve been known as Michael for most of my adult life now. I told you last night. Please call me that.”
“Okay.” She wouldn’t have to relearn his name and then tell her sisters later, if there was a later. Sophie glanced up at him. “You were wonderful with my sisters today, but please explain in simple terms for me. You weren’t really arrested or in prison?”
“I thought I was in a Federal prison and believed it for years.” He caressed her back. Then he stopped moving as he looked straight ahead. “I was kidnapped—my parents were killed because they went to the authorities and got too close to the truth. My baby sister. They had no way to protect themselves from evil.” Her heart raced and Michael massaged her back again. “I have every resource imaginable now. No one will harm you or your sisters. I swear it.”
She met his gaze as she turned closer to him and could feel his body heat mixed with her own. His expression seemed so solemn. She kissed his cheek. “I wasn’t worried about them. I was worried about you.”
His hand slipped under her t-shirt and warm goosebumps grew in his wake. “Sophie, we have a few hours before we go and nobody will disturb us here in our secret room.”
“Yes.” He claimed her lips as his own in a kiss that sent her over the edge.
Whatever else happened, she believed in Michael. As her hands clutched his neck and he pressed her on the bed, she knew in her heart she was already his. Now she just needed to show him that they had the future of her dreams.
Chapter Twelve
Sophie showered with Michael and spent the next few hours with him, so when they left the secret room, the sun was already high in the sky. It was time to leave this island.
Today, they’d go home to Miami. Her nerves instantly shot up, despite the afterglow of pleasure she’d just experienced. Michael went to grab his bag and she was to go get her sisters. She insisted on going alone, but part of her looked backwards down the dimly lit hall. She wanted Michael still, right here, next to her.
But she made her way to the suite of rooms the siblings had inhabited where Emily caught her in the hall. She brought her into the blue bedroom where both Abby and Isi were sitting at the table. Emily waited for Sophie to cross the threshold and then launched into question mode. “There you are. Where were you?”
The last thing she’d tell Emily was the truth. They were safe and fine. So she met her sister’s big baby blue eyes and asked, “Around the mansion, discovering new rooms. I don’t have any luggage to pack, remember?”
Emily pursed her lips and it was clear she didn’t believe her, but she took the winter jackets from her bed and handed them to her sisters. “Well Jack already took our stuff and told us to get our jackets.”
Sophie knelt down and zipped up Isi’s jacket while Emily helped Abigail. Sophie brushed her hair behind ear ears and hugged Isabelle who smelled sweet. “Then let’s get downstairs.”
Sophie grabbed her jacket from the bed and walked with her sisters down the flight of stairs for the last time. Once they saw Bernadette, they felt the house was powering down. Sophie glanced backwards as the lights went out.
Isi tugged on her arm. Sophie continued down the stairs and told Bernadette, “Here we are. Can’t wait till we’re all warm and out of this dreary winter.”
Good. They were all going. Bernadette finished turning off the house power and closed the fuse box. Once she was done, she opened the door and waved. “See you on the ship.”
Michael walked over to the front porch immediately and held his hands open for her to hug. He then hugged Isi, Abby, and Emily.
Emily’s face turned bright red.
Michael took Sophie’s hand while he told them all, “No one is on the island, but it’s cold so let’s stay indoors once we get on the yacht. Once we reach Boston in a few hours, my limo will take us to the airport, but we have to stop along the way and get every one of you something nice to wear. When we get to Miami, your photos will likely make it in the news.”
Emily popped her head forward and narrowed her gaze. “Why?”
Michael squeezed her hand but turned toward her sister. “The case your sister testified in has been in the news. I want my new family looking their best and unafraid.”
Emily straightened her stance as they walked toward a yacht that was ten times the size of the small rowboat they’d arrived in. “Where are we going to stop?”
Michael waved for Emily to walk on the ship first as he said, “Newbury Street is best. I had Bernadette call ahead and make some appointments, but we have to stick together.”
Emily waited by the plank and held her hands open so that Abigail walked right to her. Without fear at all Abby crossed the metal threshold. Emily stood and asked, “What kind of fashion are we shooting for? Casual chic? Trendy?”
Sophie urged Isabelle to go, but Isi clung to her hand as Sophie answered the question. “Classy, Em. We’re not getting in the paper for being at a nightclub. We have to look serious and strong.”
Emily pouted again but pointed her sister inside. Abigail went in without question. “Fine, Sophie. Whatever you say.”
Isabelle whispered to Sophie, “I don’t like boats.”
Sophie knelt down and quietly spoke so only Isi heard. “Think about the pretty dress you’ll get soon.”
Her sister made a face. “I don’t like dresses.”
“Well, think about being warm when you go outside again.” True. Isabelle was the reflective analytical one.
And in the same spirit her sister always had, she shook her head. “I liked the snow. It was so different.”
Sophie stood as Michael had no idea what they were whispering about. “But it will be nice to be home.”
Isi took a step forward and nodded. “And I get my own room.”
“See, there is something to look forward to.” Sophie kept her hand on her back while Isi held the handrails and hopped on the yacht.
“I guess.” Isi turned around to stare at Sophie and Michael. She then crossed her arms as she stood next to Emily. “Sophie, Michael. Come here.”
Sophie joined them and motioned for her sisters to go inside. Emily went first and Isi followed while Michael joined her on the yacht and helped take the plank in.
He said, “I’ll join you in a minute. Why don’t you go make sure your sisters are comfortable?”
She kissed his cheek and nodded. Michael was such a gentleman, she thought.
Inside, Bernadette had already set up a nice lunch spread. Abby and Isi had chosen sandwiches and found a table.
Emily had her sandwich and a book at a different table—the book up, signaling she wanted to read alone.
Sophie grabbed her a turkey and cheese on wheat and water bottle but opted for the couch with a view of the bay. Nibbling the corner of bread, she watched the ship leave the small dock and head out to the ocean. What would Miami be like with Michael at her side?
By the time he returned, she’d finished her sandwich. “What’s going on?”
He glanced around the room and saw her sisters were right where they were twenty minutes ago when he’d checked on them. Bernadette sat with her two youngest siblings. “Is everyone settled in?”
“Yes.” Sophie accepted his offered hand and he led her out a narrow door to head downstairs.
Inside the small room were bunk beds and a desk with a laptop. Michael motioned for her to sit. “I want to show you something and point out a few people you’ll need to avoid.”
He went to a video site and clicked play while Sophie tugged her seat next to him and asked, “What is this video?”
He rubbed her shoulder as the video played showing palm trees swinging in the background as music blasted. “Some New Year’s gala last year in Miami.”
&nb
sp; They watched the revelers and about sixty seconds in, her gaze narrowed and she stared at Michael. “He looks like Daniel Villefort, my boss.”
He nodded. “Close. It’s Simon, his brother. He’s a federal prosecutor.”
Simon’s activities might be why the FBI had been so keen for her testimony but also why Daniel wasn’t immediately arrested, leaving her family in danger. At least this made more sense to her now. “That’s a big deal.”
“Here. Go back.” He moved the mouse to the 75 second mark and pointed toward a couple.
She recognized the beautiful woman from the picture in Michael’s desk dancing with the man who must have been his best friend once. “And they are?”
His face was white, his voice without emotion. “Mercedes Diaz and Edmond Pearce. If you see either of these people, I need you to leave immediately.”
Right. He hadn’t told her who they were—she knew because she’d snooped. She massaged his arm and asked, “Who are they?”
Michael’s jaw tightened and it seemed like he didn’t want to answer at all. “Not your concern, but if you see them, just leave.”
They would need to work on trust. She scooted her chair so her knees brushed his thigh. “Michael, I thought we agreed-”
“Sophie,” he cut off what she wanted to say and held her gaze, fire in the depths of his eyes. “I told you at the beginning there was some things I needed to deal with on my own.”
True. She lowered her lashes, took a deep breath, and said, “You did, but-”
“Then I need you to trust me.” He patted her knee. “They are dangerous.”
His protective nature was part of his attraction and she let out a soft sigh. She’d have to get through to him. “Michael… I will stay away from them, I swear it. But I need to ask one question. Are they the ones who framed you?”
He hesitated but finally nodded. It was a start, she thought. “Yes, and they are very dangerous for you to even know.”
So she’d been right when she found those pictures in the bottom drawer. She’d have to find a way to help him, but she cupped his face. “Okay, and Michael?”
His skin grew warmer as his lips turned toward her fingers. “Yeah?”
Her heart melted. If they made it through this week together, then she’d give herself to him forever. For now, she held his face and leaned closer. “Earlier I said we were in love. I need for you to make sure Emily believes that. My mother didn’t always make the best choices…”
He kissed her fingers. “Don’t worry about that.”
A knock sounded at the door and she dropped her hand. A second later, a familiar voice called out, “Mr. Haniel?”
“You can come in.” Michael sat straighter and asked, “Yes, Jack?”
Jack kept his voice low. “Captain says we’re being followed.”
“I’m on my way.” Michael jumped out of his chair but quickly glanced at her. “Sophie, stay with your sisters in the galley and do whatever Bernadette says.”
“Of course.” She said while he rushed and joined Jack.
Jack ran up the stairs. On the third step Michael stopped and turned toward her. She tilted her head as he said, “And Sophie?”
“Yes?” She moved closer to him.
He held the bannister like it would hold him together. The way he stared at her made her wonder what he’d say. She stilled and held her breathe. They both knew they had no time right now, but his brown eyes grew even darker. “I am in love with you. That won’t be a lie on my end. It’s why I asked you to marry me.”
That was the last thing she expected. She clenched her hands together and her heart hammered as her eyes watered. “Oh Michael…”
He winked and turned. “I’ll be back, Sophie. I promise.”
“Hurry.” A tear rushed down her cheek.
Michael was in her heart, but she needed to trust him. Once she did that then nothing would stop her from being with him forever. But whatever happened next mattered too and she needed to protect her sisters. They mattered more than her own feelings, so she wiped the tear aside. Soon she’d have her answer on what she could do to help her family and Michael.
Chapter Thirteen
Sophie checked her hair in the small bathroom mirror. Isabelle moaned with fear and Sophie darted out of the downstairs bunk to rush up the flight of stairs.
She threw open the door and saw Abigail hugged Isi while Emily stared out the window at another ship in the far distance.
Sophie passed the little ones, though she squeezed Isabelle’s shoulder gently.
Emily turned. Her face was white when she asked, “Sophie, what’s that other ship?”
Oh goodness. Emily must be afraid that it was the men who had almost kidnapped her. Sophie’s skin felt alive and alert too as she looked. She swallowed and said, “Well… I don’t know but Michael went to find out. We’re to stay indoors.”
“I’m scared,” Emily said.
Sophie hugged her sister and held her tight.
Behind them Isi’s soft moan meant she felt the same as Emily. Sophie backed them up and pulled the two little ones in the hug as she said, “No more late night movies about pirates for any of you.”
Isabelle broke their group hug first. “Pirates and not the men from yesterday?”
Sophie shrugged as Emily fixed her face without looking behind her at the other ship.
Bernadette walked in the door and nodded at the four of them.
Sophie realized if they didn’t do something, her sisters’ anxiety and her own would ratchet higher. So she went to the sideboard where there was a pile of games. She pulled out one box and said, “Honestly, I don’t know what’s happening outside. Let’s play a board game. Michael will come and tell us if there is anything to worry about.”
Isabelle shook her head at Sophie’s suggestion and picked up a deck of cards instead. “Bernadette, do you want to play?”
Bernadette joined them at the nearest table. “Sure. I’m good at cards.”
Isabelle returned the box to Sophie and helped her sister Abby steady herself in her seat.
Sophie realized she’d been outvoted so she joined them at the table at the same time Emily did.
Bernadette shuffled with one finger holding the entire deck in her hands, like this was a magic trick instead of a deal. Isabelle’s eyes widened. “How did you deal like that?”
Bernadette lowered her hand but shuffled more like a dealer in Vegas. “I was a professional. It’s how I supported myself for years.”
Clearly, she’d had an interesting life. Still did, working for Michael.
Abigail asked, “Can you teach us a few tricks?”
“Sure.” Bernadette winked at her and then quietly said like she was sharing a secret when she dealt cards. “Hold the cards like this, so no one can see your hand, sweetie.”
Something dropped off their ship and splashed in the water beside them. Sophie’s head jerked as she tried to make it out. “What was that?”
A second after she’d finished her question, whatever was in the water made a huge splash, pushing water up in the air like a spout.
Bernadette continued to shuffle and hand out cards. “Sounds like defensive maneuvers. Don’t worry, the captain is highly trained and one of the few private captains who’s been in marine battles. Most of us don’t have any memory of naval fights, not since World War II.”
The history lesson was enough to make Sophie sit down. She realized Bernadette had meant for them to be relaxed too.
Emily put her hand down as she began to smile. “We’re pulling away.”
Sophie needed to remember she was here for her sisters. She smiled at them. “See I told you. This was nothing.”
Isabelle aped Bernadette’s hand gesture as she said, “I’m glad we found Michael and he’ll be our brother.”
Her eyes widened as she asked Isabelle, “You are?”
“Yes, he saved us.” Emily added, “He’ll be great in our family.”
Sophie’s h
ead spun as she asked Emily, “So you’re okay if I marry him?”
“Yes.”
Isabelle showed her card. “You better marry him.”
Abigail nodded in agreement.
Isabelle smiled as she said, “So basically, if you don’t marry him, you’re voted out of the family, Sophie.”
Wow. She hadn’t expected that Michael had won over her entire family. She swallowed, played her round and realized she’d lost. “Got it.”
Someone was at the door. All of them turned except Bernadette who said, “Here he comes now. Let your sister go talk to him while we finish our game. She was losing anyhow.”
Emily laughed and held her stomach. “True.”
Luckily, they weren’t playing for money. But Sophie stood and stared down at all of them. “Hey, not fair.”
Emily winked at Isabelle as she said, “Sophie, you don’t have a poker face and never did.”
Michael gestured to everyone at the table and asked, “Am I interrupting?”
Sophie shook her head and walked toward him, kissing his cheek and taking his hand. “No. I lost. Let’s go downstairs and chat.”
He waved as he said, “Have fun ladies. And try not to let Bernadette win. She always gets smug.”
“She’s teaching us to be like her.” Isabelle spoke fast.
He opened the door they’d gone through earlier and placed his hand on Sophie’s lower back and laughed back at her sisters. “Then I’m never playing with any of you—I’ll always lose.”
He followed her down the flight of stairs to the room with the bunk beds. “Michael, what happened? Who was following us?”
He closed the door and went down fully to the next level. Then he crossed his arms, but kept his voice low so no one heard him but her. “The same ship that came to the island—I thought I’d gotten rid of them for good. They must have thought we’d be more vulnerable here but don’t worry. We’re pulling into harbor soon.”
Cold crept up her spine as she mimicked his posture. “That was fast.”
Heroes Duet Page 8
