I’d yet to explore the three-story house. It was incredible with sweeping views, terraces and decks on three sides, floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting lush greenery and vivid flowers. The scene was breathtaking, a perfect depiction of the tropics.
The light breeze filtered floral scents tickling my nose. The warm air was kissed by humidity while not suffocating. And the sound of the water lapping at the shoreline was perhaps the sweetest music I’d heard in a very long time.
“Do you like it?” Nina asked, her little face peering up at me, her nose and brow scrunched as if worried I wouldn’t.
“What’s not to love, sweet girl? This is amazing.” I threw my arms out and tipped my head, enjoying the warmth and the way I was tingling all over.
We were safe here.
I felt it in my bones.
It didn’t hurt that Bernie had been asked to come with us and a man I’d briefly met at Nina’s birthday party. Tony seemed like a nice guy and clearly adored Nina. He was her personal security guard, a man she’d grown up with, keeping her safe when Sasha was unable to remain by her side.
I’d seen Sasha packing his bags, including one containing several weapons. The private jet had allowed the flight less scrutiny and somehow, we’d breezed through customs without so much as anyone batting an eye.
That’s the type of clout and power a man like Sasha Dmitriyev carried no matter where he was. He’d commanded every single person in the airport, women eyeing him as if he was Dove chocolate. Other than sunglasses, he’d had no need to hide his identity.
In contrast, I’d worn huge sunglasses, slipping my hair under a hat. Not a single person had realized who I was. However, I knew that was about to change. Additional photos had shown up all over the internet of the two of us together.
Including a couple taken at the bar where we’d had a drink together only a few nights before. You bet we’d seemed cozy even then.
The entire moment was surreal. Needing bodyguards to ensure our protection shouldn’t bother me. Both Bernie and Danny were more like family than security who’d been with me for years.
Yet this felt different. We were surrounded by opulence, able to spend time enjoying each other and pretending to be a family if only for a little while. But we were prisoners. Prisoners of someunseen war that neither a powerful man like Sasha nor his family who were steeped in a heritage preparing them for this very kind of battle could put an immediate end to.
And while danger was lurking in every shadow, this beautiful little girl with hopeful eyes and a kind soul, a child who adored her daddy more than anything was peering up at me concerned I wouldn’t like being here.
“This is amazing, Nina. I am very happy to be able to spend time with you and your daddy.”
She giggled then suddenly looked very serious, completely unaware her father was strolling down the beach.
But I was.
As always, my body was completely electrified. The breeze carried his scent, the rich masculine and very woodsy fragrance perfect for his intense aura. He’d been quiet on the flight, allowing Nina to handle the bulk of conversations.
She was so immune to the aspect of danger that I hoped nothing would burst her bubble.
He’d spent the entire flight busying himself on emails, his brow remaining so furrowed I’d almost asked him a dozen times if something was wrong. Of course something was wrong. Someone wanted him dead.
Even now that I’d had time to get used to what he’d said, the trickle of fear lingered.
But with the smile on his face, his trousers rolled up and his shirt pulled free, several buttons undone, he appeared like the perfectGQmodel.
That made me even more hot and bothered inside.
How was it that the wind tousling his hair could have such a strong effect on me?
“You won’t leave like Mommy did. Will you?”
Nina’s sudden tiny voice and the angst in her tone shocked me. I immediately crouched down to her level, trying to find theright words. Any words. “I’m not going anywhere, girlie. I think you’re going to have me in your life even if only as a friend for a very long time.”
Evidently, I said the right thing. Her eyes brightened and she threw her arms around me. “You’re awesome.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“I’m going to draw a picture. No peeking.” She barely acknowledged her father, waving at him before scampering away.
I stood slowly, watching her as she rushed into the house. She’d picked out her room within five minutes of our arrival at the house. The top floor. Only the best for the little princess. And I agreed.
