Hope flares in her, and I nod. “But not until we are in a safe place.”
“Safe?” Her eyes widen.
“We are ducking under the radar, baby girl, and you must learn what that involves. Enjoy the experience because I’m guessing by the end of it you will be as addicted to life as I am.”
I grin, and she laughs softly. “I’m glad I met you, Julius.”
“And I’m glad I met you too, Rose, but for the purpose of subterfuge, you really should begin by calling me Nathan.”
I reference my fake name, and she giggles as I add, “So, Phoebe, are you hungry? Because I could eat a bear.”
“Starving, um, Nathan.”
She holds my gaze a second too long, and I detect the flush to her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes, and I’m guessing a decent man may not be as exciting now she has met me.
14
ROSE
Imust have fallen asleep in the car because when Julius turns off the main road, the slight bumps wake me as we travel in darkness into oblivion.
“Where are we?” I sound sleepy, and Julius says with interest.
“This is the gîte Eddie was talking about. There’s a light on ahead, so I’ll make for that.”
“Is it safe?”
Our predicament comes racing back, and Julius exhales sharply. “It should be, but we must remain on our guard.”
As we pull into a courtyard, I notice a couple heading out of an entrance, and Julius whispers, “Remember, we are Nathan and Phoebe Sullivan on vacation from Orlando. No French and force an American accent if you can.”
“Sure, honey.” I giggle as he chuckles softly, and as we cut the engine and throw open the door, I take a deep breath. Let the game begin.
“Bonjour.”
The woman steps forward into the light, and Julius says quickly, “Parlez-vous anglais?”
“Mais oui.”
She smiles as she turns toward me.
“Welcome to Le Vieux Moulin. Let me show you to your room.”
Julius grabs my hand as my mouth drops open because what the hell. Room—as in singular! My heart is beating rapidly as the realization hits me hard. Of course. They believe we are married, and I’ll have to–
The blood drains from my body as he tugs me after the couple who lead us to a small outbuilding not far from the main house.
As we head into the small barn-style cottage, they flick on the lights and my heart swells. It’s perfect.
I gaze around with delight as I note the stone walls that appear ancient and the flagstones on the floor. There is a log burner in the corner and a small couch set nearby. Beautiful flowers in a vase offer a splash of color, and the huge ornate mirror on the wall reflects the light around the room.
The woman smiles. “There is a small kitchen through there and a bathroom. Over there, the door leads to the bedroom.”
The man adds in a deep voice. “There are more logs out the back should you need them, and the kitchen is stocked with basic requirements.”
“Thank you.” Julius plays his part well and slings his arm around my shoulder, allowing it to rest comfortably, giving the impression of intimacy. My mouth dries as I face the couple, who are staring at us with interest, and the woman catches my eye and smiles her appreciation.
Even she is not immune to Julius. He’s definitely a presence, and so gorgeous even Sister Agatha could be swayed.
