“To a degree.”
Rose is obviously confused, and Eddie points to one of the rings on my finger. “You should get Rose a ring when you stop. Think of everything and play the American tourist because you must not draw attention to yourselves.”
“I’m good with that.”
He nods, apparently satisfied.
“Head for Spain. You can get a flight from Madrid to the US and then make your way to the ranch at Denver. Do not tell anyone about your route, and all communication must be kept to a minimum.”
Rose glances between us and appears so worried I instinctively reach for her hand and smile my reassurance.
“Relax, baby, this is what you wanted. It’s a shame about your companion, but we can work on that.”
I wink, and her soft smile causes my gaze to linger a little too long because Rose is the most beautiful woman I have ever met, and it’s not just because she is insanely attractive. It’s the good in her that shines through, and yet the hint of steel in her gaze when she refers to her stepmother gives me something to work with. Rose will need to be strong to survive this year in many ways. It won’t be easy and could all unravel, but all the time it is me holding her hand, I would like to see them fucking try.
Eddie sighs as the landing gear lowers, the grind of the machinery reminding us that shit is about to get real.
He says roughly, “Good luck and I’ll see you on the other side.”
He leaves, obviously hating every second of this, and Rose whispers, “Why can’t we carry on to Washington?”
“Because there is one known enemy waiting to pounce, not to mention several others probably waiting nearby. We must be clever, cunning and reckless if we are going to secure your future, Rose, and once again I must remind you that a decent man is not what you require right now.”
I turn and grin and note the blush steal across her face as I growl, “The devil’s in charge now, baby girl, so buckle up for the ride.”
12
ROSE
“Mrs. Sullivan.” The border officer glances at my passport that appeared as if snatched from thin air.
He nods and hands it back to me and glances quickly at Julius’s before saying with a curt, “Welcome to France, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. Enjoy your stay.”
Julius nods and grasps my hand, and we head toward the car that is waiting. He takes the keys from a man hovering nearby and, without another look at the jet waiting patiently to leave, he guides me into the passenger seat before taking his position behind the wheel.
As the engine roars into life, he wastes no time in heading for the exit, and I don’t believe we utter one word until the airport is a speck in the distance.
I gaze out at the unfamiliar scenery and, despite myself, take pleasure in the wide open spaces and nature’s beauty. Julius was right; this is freedom, as we appear to be the only ones around in a land that time apparently forgot.
“Are you okay, baby?”
His husky whisper cuts through the silence, and I nod, smiling as I return my attention to him.
“I am. Thank you for asking.”
He chuckles. “You are so polite, Rose. I wonder if you ever lose your temper. I would be fascinated to witness that.”
“I don’t have a temper.” I giggle. “Okay, maybe that’s a lie.”
“Rose!” He appears shocked, and only the subtle tug on his lips reveals he is messing with me.
“Your first sin and we’ve just left the airport. I must keep an eye on you.”
“You don’t know a thing about me, Julius. I wasn’t born in the convent.”
Now I hold his interest, and I shrug slightly. “I have two sisters, and growing up with only each other for company, we inevitably fought—a lot.”
“I get that.” He groans. “My three brothers are just like me.”
