“You’re the guy who marched at gunpoint through the jungle. You tell me.”
Michael blew out a breath. “Okay, I get it.”
He told Bran he was worried about Pia, that she had also been questioned by the Feds and Bran had agreed to accompany him to Miami.
Unfortunately, the plane had been delayed at the airport in Atlanta. By the time they landed in Miami, rented a car and located Pia’s duplex apartment, it was approaching midnight.
He should have called, Michael knew, would have if he hadn’t been afraid Pia would refuse to see him. But too much had happened. He needed to explain in person. He couldn’t afford to wait.
Taking a breath for courage, Michael walked up on the porch and rang the doorbell, which chimed a merry little tune. He hadn’t taken time to find a motel. He was too anxious to get there. Brandon was sure no one had followed them, but his brother—Michael felt a tug at his heart—his brotherwasn’t the kind of guy who took chances.
He pushed the bell again. An eye appeared in the peephole, then the door swung open. Before he had time to say her name, Pia threw her arms around his neck.
“Michael! Oh, God, Michael.”
His throat tightened as his arms closed around her, and a shudder rippled through him. Michael breathed her in, the soft fragrance of flowers tinged with warm spice. “Pia... I’ve missed you so much.”
She clung to him. “I’ve missed you, too, Michael. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“You are?”
She pulled him inside and closed the door. “I was coming to Houston tomorrow. I needed to see you, make sure you were okay.”
“Pia...”
“Federal agents came to my office, Michael. They asked questions about you and your father. I kept thinking about you, worrying what might be happening to you. I wanted to be there for you—the way you’ve always been there for me.”
She pressed soft kisses to the corners of his mouth. “I’ve been a fool, Michael. You’re the best man I’ve ever known. I was an idiot to let someone as evil as Benito Velasquez ruin things for us.”
He buried his face in her hair. “I love you, Pia. I love you so much.”
Pia clung to him. “I love you, too, Michael.”
He caught her face between his hands. “There are things I need to tell you. I want you to know I have nothing to do with my father or his business.”
She went up on her toes and kissed him. “I know the kind of person you are. I knew you would never do anything illegal. That’s what I told those agents. I said I didn’t even know your father. After a while I think they believed me.”
“I’m sorry that happened. I’ve never been involved with my father’s businesses. Illegal or otherwise. I came here to explain.” Michael pulled Pia back into his arms and kissed her, soft and deep. “I’ve got so much to tell you.” He kissed her again, then tugged her over to the sofa and pulled her down beside him, his arm firmly around her waist.
“What happened to us on the boat,” he said. “The kidnapping? The DEA is investigating my father. They think the abduction may in some way be connected.”
“I figured as much when men with badges showed up at my door and started asking questions.”
“Bran Garrett came with me to Miami. He’s out in the car. He’s here to protect us in case there’s trouble.”
“You think there will be?”
“Bran doesn’t think so, but he doesn’t want to take any chances.” He felt the goofiest smile tugging at his lips. “Turns out he’s my brother.”
Pia’s big brown eyes went wide. “Brandon is your brother? How is that possible? Is Chase your brother, too?”
He nodded. “And Reese. I just found out today. You haven’t met Reese, but he’s great. I already have a terrific sister. Now, knowing I have three great brothers... You can’t imagine the way that makes me feel.”
Pia smiled up at him. “Like you’re part of a real family.”
He lifted her chin and looked into her pretty dark eyes. “When all of this is over and you’re ready, I want you to be part of my family, too. Will you come back to Houston with me?”
Pia’s eyes filled with tears. “I already took some time off. I really was coming to see you. I booked my ticket this afternoon.”
