this house. That’s the only way I can ensure your safety.”
She tipped her head, placing her hand on my heart. “I’m not going anywhere. Perhaps you’ll have to trust me this time.”
I cupped her chin, issuing a husky growl. “I do with my life, Savannah, but even after what you’ve been through, you want to believe the best in people. I learned a long time ago that if I chose to do so, I could lose the battle, allowing others the possibility of crushing all I’ve worked for.”
“How sad, Rafael, but you’re right. I want to believe the best in people, but I’m not naïve. There is true evil in this world, often in the last place you look.” She shook her head, sadness filling her eyes.
Truer words were never said.
As I let her go, I walked closer to the nightstand, grabbing the second weapon, one I’d selected for her. When she turned on the light, I could see her reflection as she noticed what was in my hand. I turned slowly, hopeful I was making the right decision. I’d pulled her identification from her wallet, securing it in a separate location. I did trust her, perhaps more than common sense would allow, but I also was no fool.
Maybe I was too jaded.
“I refuse to leave you without protection,” I said as I handed it to her. “If what you told me is true, you’ll have no trouble using this if absolutely necessary.”
Inhaling, she stared at it for a few seconds before accepting, immediately checking the ammunition. “You have excellent tastes in more than just wine.” Once satisfied, she shoved it onto the nightstand, taking several deep breaths. “This is your world. I almost forgot that it will always be filled with danger and ammunition.”
“I didn’t sugarcoat it for you. I told you the truth.”
“Yes, I know you did and I appreciate that.” She inched closer, staring into my eyes, hers even more troubled than before. “What if you don’t come back?”
“I assure you that won’t happen, but I have a contingency plan in case there’s an issue.” At least a member of the family would know if this was just another moment of sabotage. “If there is an issue, my enforcers will make certain you get back to the States.”
“Don’t. I can’t listen to that right now,” she whispered. “Just don’t let anything happen, Rafael, and remember that you do have choices, no matter how difficult they might be to make.” She kissed me on the cheek, allowing her lips to brush back and forth. “And I do love you.”
Her whisper was far too gut-wrenching, yanking me into another dark moment.
“Nothing is going to happen to me,” I huffed. “You seem to forget who I am and what I can do.”
I pulled her into an embrace, capturing her lips, allowing the kiss to be nothing but a gentle reminder.
She pushed her palms against me, breaking the moment of intimacy. “I will never forget, Rafael. Never.”
I’d never had to say goodbye to a woman who I hoped to return for any reason. Leaving had always meant on a permanent basis and I’d never looked back. Not once. This time left me with heartache, as well as uncertainty. Calleja no doubt felt like he’d cornered a rat, savoring the way he could toss mere crumbs through the steel bars.
It was time to turn the tables.
“There is a hidden room that I want you to go to in case of trouble.”
“A hidden room?”
I nodded, a coldness settling into my system. “I’ll show you how to get into it. Once inside and locked in, only you can release the door.”
“I hate this,” she whispered.
“Arm the security system when I leave,” I instructed, watching her mixed reactions.
“You’re beginning to frighten me,” she said wistfully.
“All of this will become second nature to you.” I brushed my knuckles across her cheek, inhaling her sweet fragrance that I’d carry with me.
“No, I don’t think it will.” She trailed behind me as I showed her the way to access the room, folding her arms and wincing as I turned on the light.
“Do you understand?”
Swallowing, she stared at the opening. “I get it.”
After closing down the room, I walked toward the door, wanting nothing more than to stay with her.
“The system is easy to use. I will knock three times then a pause and two more short knocks. Only then will you disarm and unlock the door. Do you understand?”
She gave me a faraway look before finally nodding. “I