It’s strangely comforting, almost a sign from God to trust in the dark demon he sent to protect me, and if I’m certain of one thing, it’s that I was always meant to be with this man.
We don’t hang around,and the ride to the airport is spent in silent contemplation. The driver isn’t talkative and merely spends most of the time singing along to a Spanish song, revealing why he drives cabs for a living. It’s amusing, but Julius isn’t amused because he appears to be locked away in his thoughts, a dark brooding presence in an uncertain world.
We check in without a hitch, and I’m surprised when it turns out we are heading for Vegas rather than Denver, and on the way to the first-class lounge, I whisper, “Why Vegas?”
“Because we can get married there without any long drawn-out process. I made a few calls last night and secured the relevant permits, so we’re good to go.”
“But isn’t that the place our, well, enemies will guess we’ll go? I would because Vegas is known for its weddings, and if they are thinking straight, they will second guess our plans.”
“Possibly.”
His amused grin causes me to ask, “Why is that funny?”
“You amuse me, Rose.”
“I amuse you?”
I raise my eyes, and he reaches for my hand, squeezing it softly. “You think like me, which amuses me because we are completely different people. I kind of like your strategic mind and respect it. Like I respect you.”
I smile as pleasure curls around my heart because I have never felt respected before. Even my sisters consider me the klutz of the family because I have always listened rather than suggested and followed rather than be the leader. However, with Julius, I possess the courage to voice my inner thoughts, and I wonder about that.
Why am I so comfortable around him?
It’s as if I have known him for my entire life, and I can breathe easier when he is around.
“To answer your question.” He smiles. “I used our fake names when registering, and my lawyer is instructed to arrange for the relevant documents to be waiting when we arrive. At the last minute, I will switch them, and we’ll be gone before anyone realizes we were there in the first place.”
“Do you think it will work? Can you trust him?”
“Of course.”
“Are you sure?”
I’m nervous because so much is at stake; I wouldn’t trust anyone.
“He is my lawyer for a reason and has proven himself a thousand times over. I trust him with my life, and there are not many people outside of family I could say the same for.”
“What about the man on the plane? Is he one of them?”
“Of course.”
Julius sounds positive of that, and I am reassured. I’m still uneasy though, and as we arrive at the lounge, I push my misgivings aside to enjoy an experience I have never had before.
When we traveled as children, it was in private jets, and I search the area, taking in every detail of how the elite live in normal society.
We make our way to a table, and as we sit down, a woman appears and hands us a menu with a smile.
“Welcome to the retreat. I will take your breakfast order when you’ve had a chance to make your selection, and in the meantime, can I offer you a drink?”
We order coffee, and as she moves away, I glance with interest at our fellow passengers. Julius’s dark gaze sweepsthe room, studying every person here as if searching for something.
If anything, it protects me because I’m fast learning nothing is to be taken for granted, and if he is on high alert, there must be a very good reason for that.
So, I say nothing and assume the role of a bored companion as we attempt to blend in with the crowd and prepare to head into the clouds once again, praying that we reach our destination—together.
27
JULIUS
