Hidden Michael

by Victoria Pinder

  Good. The less in danger she felt, the better she could pretend to be secure in front of her sisters. She nodded. “I’d prefer that.”

  He motioned for her to sit where they’d been earlier. “Shopping will be the easy part. Tomorrow evening, you and I are throwing an engagement party at Plethore et Balthazar. I’ve already rented out the restaurant and ordered a menu. For that you need to wear something besides my mom’s old clothes and keep your promise about Mercedes and Edmond. They are coming.”

  He opened the computer screen and showed her a map of the restaurant and a menu. She clutched his arm. “But you told me to leave if I met them.”

  He swallowed, leaned closer and said, “Stay at my side and don’t even go to the bathroom without me.”

  Now that wasn’t going to be an issue. She’d stay right next to him for as long as she could. She took a breath, nodded and closed her eyes. “Okay—but only if you kiss me.”

  Laughter burst from his mouth as he came closer. “That’s all you want?”

  Her hands reached higher than his chest but clung to his neck as she kept her eyes closed. “I’m scared for you and for my sisters. I can’t let anything happen to you. My sisters just threatened to cut me out of the family if I don’t marry you.”

  He pulled back and stared at her, clearly shocked. “Which sister said that?”

  “Isabelle.” She sucked in her lips as she opened her eyes.

  “I’ll be sure to get her a present,” Michael said. “Her loyalty is adorable.”

  This time she laughed, but said, “And you still haven’t kissed me.”

  “Sorry, my sweet.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. She forgot about the world and just focused on Michael. Everything had to be okay. She trusted him with her life, her family’s life, and her body. Saying yes to him should be the easiest thing to say. He loved her and she felt that in her soul.

  Chapter 14

  Thanks to planning ahead, Boston hadn’t been an issue and the ride on the private jet allowed her sisters to check email, play on iPads and watch movies again. All of them had boxes of new clothes. Sophie relaxed next to Michael the entire time though she was excited to wear her new blue knee length dress that fit her perfectly.

  Right now though, she was happy in tailored gray pants and a simple black, form fitting shirt that hadn’t been his mother’s old clothes.

  Once the plane landed in the private airport in Hialeah her sisters stuck together like glue but bounced as they walked onto the tarmac.

  Isabelle and Abby never said a word about being home, but they held Sophie’s hands.

  Emily stayed close, in her yellow and white cotton dress she picked out, but she turned toward Michael and asked, “Where is the press?”

  Sophie peeked around his shoulder and told her sister, “We’re at a private airport. They’ll have to keep their distance. Come. Let’s get to the limo.”

  Emily persisted and asked Michael, “Where in Miami do you live?”

  He motioned for them to get in the limo as he answered, “Golden Beach.”

  Emily ducked inside the vehicle, but she pouted. “That’s nowhere near my school.”

  Isabelle looked stricken as well. But she and Abby went inside. Sophie followed and said, “Emily, we’ll figure it out, one step at a time.”

  Emily’s doubt was obvious, but she glanced out the window. “Okay, fair enough.”

  Michael joined them and took the seat next to her. “In the meantime, I do have a limo service that can provide transportation and security for you, Emily.”

  Emily turned back and smiled brightly. “See, that’s a great start. Thanks Michael.”

  Isabelle also relaxed so she must have been worried about changing her elementary school, but hadn’t said a word. Sophie patted her leg and smiled.

  The drive on the 826 to the Intracoastal became nicer once they turned on Collins and saw the ocean. She squeezed Michael’s hand—instead of relaxing, he seemed more tense.

  Minutes later they pulled into an estate with a gate that was larger than a wall to a house and would block the view of anyone driving past. The black gate opened and they drove inside, hearing it close behind them. There were cameras embedded on top of the gate, securing them entirely from the highway.

  She looked forward and saw the beach, but then her breath caught in her throat. His mansion on the island was tall and reminiscent of the Gilded Age, while this white and beige home was modern. The huge bay windows must be hurricane proof as they were in Florida, but they’d let in the spectacular unobstructed sunshine into the living area.

  The limo stopped at the front and Michael waved for them to get out. “Here we are.”

  Emily bounced first, followed by Isabelle and Abby. They must all be spellbound at the sleek, modern, mansion on the beach that was anything but cookie cutter. Michael’s hand went to her back to help her out of the limo. “Bernadette should already be upstairs with lunch.”

  Sophie turned and met his gaze. “How? Did she take the express limo?”

  Michael shrugged as they both stood taller. “Jack and Bernadette always beat me wherever we’re going. They think it’s part of their job description. Sophie, I want to show you where the party will be this evening so we can be prepared.”

  The front door opened and Jack stood waiting for them as they entered a huge house with white marble floors and a chandelier that caught the light and made reflections that danced on the cream-colored wall.

  Michael caught her wrist to stop her from leaving the living area as Bernadette showed the others their rooms. Sophie whispered so only Michael heard her. “Will my sisters be okay?”

  Michael said, “Jack and Bernadette are here, just as I said. I’d like for us to go out for a while.”

  Her sisters called out from the hallway. “Have fun Sophie!” “Bye.” “Later.”

  Clearly this had all been prearranged. She shrugged. “Okay, I’m all yours.”

  He directed them toward the front door again and the limo. Sophie walked beside him, but as Michael held the door, he eyed her backside with a whistle. “Almost.”

  She laughed and headed back in the limo. At least her light gray pants and black travel shirt was cotton and breathable, so the Miami humidity didn’t get to her.

  They drove down Collins Avenue and the beach without saying much, but Sophie’s stomach growled. She turned toward Michael. “I am a little hungry.”

  He nodded, picked up the phone and said, “Then we’ll stop for early dinner.”

  With that he told the driver to stop, but she missed the name of the restaurant as she stared out the window. The rich billionaires from around the world frolicked on a beach area that was full of people very different than her own reality.

  A few minutes later, the limo stopped at a huge multilevel hotel that also housed a restaurant she could see from the window. She and Michael slipped out and he brought her inside.

  The staff immediately escorted them to a table without waiting. As they neared clear window Sophie let the waiter hold her seat and she held her tongue until he left, but then she told Michael, “This restaurant is nice. I normally don’t score the ocean view.”

  He sipped the water that was left for them in crystal glasses. “I always do now.”

  Arrogance made him a little sexy and besides he deserved the water view after being falsely imprisoned for years. The waiter returned with a wine list and Michael ordered a white. He then left and she perused the menu. “This all looks good, Michael.”

  She’d decided on the fresh catch of the day by the time the waiter came back with their bottle. He took their orders and was gone. In his wake, coldness inched up her spine and she felt as if someone was watching her.

  Michael’s gaze went above her head but he gave nothing away in his expression.

  Goosebumps grew on her arms as a man came around to the side of the table. She glanced up and for one second couldn’t breathe. It looked like her old boss, Daniel Ville
fort, but she blinked and saw it wasn’t him, not exactly. “Sophie Mira?”

  Was she going to be shot in the middle of a restaurant? She put her hand on her leg to stop it shaking. “Yes? May I help you?”

  The man crossed his arms. “You testified against my brother recently.”

  She tugged her ear. Confirmation that this was Simon Villefort.

  She met Michael’s gaze as she wasn’t sure what to say, but then Michael stood to shake the man’s hand. “My fiancée believes in doing the right thing.”

  Simon shook his hand and she swore Michael’s smile held a second meaning, like he was testing to see if he himself was recognized. “Yes, that I can understand.”

  Michael placed his hand on the man’s shoulder like they were old friends. “Look, Sophie means no harm to anyone innocent. She was relaying the truth as she saw it.”

  Simon stepped back and stared at both of them. “Of course. It’s hard to imagine my brother took a bribe and it’s been shocking to our family. I shouldn’t have interrupted your dinner.”

  “No hard feelings.” Michael said and she swore the gleam in his gaze showed he was playing around with the prosecutor. “Why don’t you come to our engagement party later tonight and relax?”

  He handed him an invitation. She hadn’t even seen the invitation, but Simon read it and his eyes widened. “You’re Michael Haniel?”

  “That is my name.” Michael wore a small smile.

  Something about this whole situation amused him. Her heart beat so fast, but she focused on his reactions. Hopefully he’d share whatever he found funny once this Simon left.

  Simon blinked and studied Michael very closely. “The investor and playboy billionaire?”

  Michael winked at Sophie fast. “Now that I’m marrying Sophie, I’m a one-woman man.”

  Simon turned toward her again and his face held a slight blush. He stepped back away from their table and said, “Naturally. I’ll talk to my wife. Good evening, Mr. Haniel. Miss Mira.”

  Michael sank into his chair and the waiter brought them their dinner. She unfolded her napkin while the table was set and waited for the waiter to leave. Once he did, she picked up her fork but said, “I thought you said he was coming already.”

  Michael leaned across the table. “He didn’t know you were the bride. His wife already accepted the invitation sent.”

  The glee was clear now—the plan of his was in motion. She relaxed as she stared into the dark eyes that always calmed her. “Oh. Michael, how did you know they were here? I just told you I was hungry so this meeting couldn’t be planned.”

  “Or you were followed and Simon was the scout.”

  Her heart almost stopped.

  He lowered his head but reached across the table to hold her hand. “If I’m right, in about ten to fifteen minutes the two I don’t want you near will come in the door to check us out. They shouldn’t come over to talk to us, but keep your guard up and if you need to use the restroom, now is a good time.”

  “I’m good.” Sophie took her hand back. She now had a time limit on when to finish her grilled chicken so if she needed to leave, she’d not be hungry. She ate a few bites.

  “You’re sure?” Michael asked as he picked up his fork.

  She finished her bite, wiped her lips with her napkin and answered, “I won’t leave your side. I promised.”

  Then finished their meals with focus and forced casual conversation. Michael was deliberately slow with the wine.

  Once she’d eaten her fill, she sipped her wine too. It took all of her willpower not to turn around and look for them.

  Michael put his silverware down and offered to clink glasses with her. Then Michael leaned forward and told her, “Simon is likely talking to his brother on the phone discussing you.”

  If this dinner was any indication of what the party would be tonight, she wished she could skip all of this and head home. However she sipped her wine and asked, “He hasn’t left? Does he know about the contract killers on the island?”

  Michael shook his head. “Probably not. Simon likes the pretense of not knowing his family’s capabilities, but he will protect his own name with a ferocity that surpasses anyone else I’ve ever met.”

  “I see.” She swallowed a gulp. All of this was confusing.

  Michael kept his voice low. “It’s his weakness. He and his brother will be arrested in the morning if my plan goes well, so tonight will be your last one with any threat.”

  So Michael felt in control. Something in her gut warned that this was all wrong. She took a deep breath, raising and lowering her shoulders to calm down. She whispered, “How can you be sure?”

  He nodded and sat back in his chair, a confident man. “In the morning, I need you to stay in the house, with Jack and Bernadette and your sisters. No one even goes to the beach until I return, but I should be home by ten, possibly eleven.”

  So she could lose the only man she’d ever cared about in the morning because he had some mysterious plan. Her skin buzzed. She’d have to help him and not just stay as he requested though she said nothing except, “You promised to come home to me.”

  His voice trailed off as he stared at something behind her again. She clung to her glass like it might protect her or shatter if anything happened, but Michael sounded calm when he said, “This is only part one, my sweet Sophie, but this will all end soon and tonight, we have our party.”

  “Okay, Michael.” Sophie’s entire body was tight with tension.

  He motioned with his hand that it was time to leave. “And there they are. You can peek so you know who to avoid later.”

  She put her glass down and stood, waving at him to join her. “Very well. We’re done here anyhow. Shall we go?”

  “You read my mind.” He put his hand on her back and led her toward the exit.

  She glanced at the dark-haired woman in a green dress who stood next to the man from the picture. Mercedes was even more strikingly beautiful in person. Sophie felt plain and almost boyish in comparison to the woman’s curves, but she kept her head straight and walked out with Michael. He’d chosen her to be at his side and she would never betray him.

  Tonight, they would celebrate their engagement and she needed to figure out how she could help Michael, because there was no way he’d go into danger on his own, not if she could help.

  Chapter 15

  The restaurant Michael had chosen for their party had a view of the light blue ocean that would be spectacular when the sun actually set. The lights of Miami were behind them, illuminating the horizon, and the unencumbered, no condo view in Florida was rarer than a diamond.

  Sophie tried to imagine what her life would be like after her marriage to Michael. Once he’d had his vengeance.

  Michael rubbed her lower back. “Let’s go. This is the venue.”

  “We don’t have time to go home and change,” Sophie said as the thought raced through her mind. Golden Beach with traffic would be impossible right now. Michael smiled and led her across the street to a small, boutique hotel. She held his hand and followed him to a room decorated with gold.

  She could see the restaurant from the huge window inside. Michael opened the closet and pointed to the wardrobe that read ‘House of Morgan.’ There was even a shoe box.

  Clearly Bernadette had paid attention to every detail as Michael said, “And there is your dress.”

  “You’ve thought of everything.” She’d see the sunset too if all went well, but she lowered her head and asked, “My sisters aren’t coming to the party?”

  Michael went to the desk that had a laptop but he turned back toward her and shrugged. “Emily is old enough if you want to send for her—but I thought it better if the girls were safe at home.”

  She’d spend her entire evening worrying about her sister if Emily came, though she missed having a celebration without her family. She shook her head. “No. I’d like them to stay safe.”

  He opened the computer. “I’ve got staff from the salon com
ing to our room to help you prepare for tonight.” He stood and walked into the closet to open a safe. She watched his back until he turned around with a jewelry box. “And I want you to wear the whole set tonight.”

  Her heart was in her stomach as she opened the box he presented. Sapphires and diamonds larger than the jewelry in the movie Titanic sparkled. She fingered the necklace and wondered how he planned all of this all up. “These are all crown jewels? Did Jack drop off the jewels and help you set up?”

  “Yes.”

  Someone knocked at the door.

  Michael answered, “Yes. You will look lovely.” He left her side and opened the door, ushering in two women, both with travel cases. “Please hurry. We have a lot to accomplish tonight.”

  The women set up a makeup and hair station in the room.

  Nervous, Sophie walked into the closet to gather herself and spotted a dark gray suit behind the door. Michael appeared behind her. “Your suit is nice.”

  “We’re to match with the tie.” His hand traced her back as he led her out of the closet. He stopped at the desk again. “I’m going to work on my laptop until you’re ready.”

  She glanced over and saw the word ‘Investment’ clearly labeled with the name Edmond Pearce. “Is that banking?”

  He shrugged and closed the monitor. “Yes. I’m an investor mostly these days, but these accounts are special.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and whispered, “Because they read Edmond Pearce.”

  He nodded, kissed her forehead, and said, “He doesn’t know the full extent of my holdings, not yet.”

  Great. Her engagement party was a set up for disaster. Her skin heated. “Will he find out before or after our party?”

  He winked at her. “You are perceptive, Sophie. After.”