Page 38 of Unspoken Obsession

"I promise - we will be back at eleven thirty - giving you plenty of time to get home by midnight."

The other night - Lorenzo had men on their way to follow her home - but they reported to him that there were already two men following her -- not our guys. They weren't even trying to hide it and she seemed to be annoyed - but aware of them.

He pulled his men back. It was risky, and we needed help underground after the explosion, so I didn't find out what I needed to, and the mystery of this beautiful woman just got deeper.

I want to know why a girl from some small town in Canada knows how to count cards, has armed men tailing her, and has to be home by midnight.

She sighs, giving in. "Where are we going?" She asks, unclipping the safety belt and pushing the car door open.

"One of my favorite places - with views to take your breath away."

I hold my hand out towards her, and she slips her fingers between mine. This is where she belongs, with me, close to me.

I've got to figure out a way to get her to tell me who she really is. I can't just relax and let this happen until I know.

It will be great to get away from the casino and the stress of work. The problem is that anyone could be following or watching me at any time. I'm always in danger. Just by being around Frankie, I am putting her in danger too. It isn't fair. But I'm selfish, I don't care. I want to be with her and whatever risk is involved I will take it.

"Welcome, sir, ma'am; we are looking forward to a lovely flight today. If you need anything at all, I will be here to help you." The hostess greets us as we climb on board. Frankie smiles, looking around the luxurious cabin with wide eyes.

I lead her to the comfortable sofas so we can sit close to each other, strapping in for take-off.

"Are you nervous?"

"No, I think I'm just excited to find out what you've planned." She grins.

"It's not a long flight, but the views will be incredible."

Once we are in the air, I unclip my belt and shift a little closer to her.

The hostess brings us a bottle of champagne and a cheese board of assorted cold cuts and crackers. It's just something light to ease us into the rest of the evening.

My goal is to smother her with every luxury - an attempt to really captivate her and pull her closer to me.

Frankie is relaxed in the luxurious setting; she is enjoying every moment.

The plane touches down at a small private runway just outside of Sierra Nevada and we move from the plane into a limousine which takes us up to a secluded mountain restaurant and hotel.

The chef here is world-class, and I've booked out the entire deck for us so that we can enjoy the private experience.

Frankie walks up the stairs towards the deck. My hand is on her lower back, and I am admiring how beautiful these soft, flowing cotton pants look on her. The matching cropped top leaves a narrow gap of skin revealed around her mid-section. A taunting delight that I can't help letting my eyes enjoy.

Her hair is pinned up in a loose bun on the top of her head, with soft waves falling around her face.

"You look exquisite, Frankie," I say, as I pull her chair out for her at our table.

"This place is exquisite - I can't believe how incredible the views are."

"I told you - it's one of my favorite places. Wait until the sun sets and all the city lights come alive."

She grins, and I stare as I sit opposite her. She is looking across the wide expanse of the Sierra Nevada desert - and I am looking at her -- the most captivating view in the whole place.

She turns her bright green eyes towards me and the corner of my mouth curls up. "I think you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life," I say, then drag my eyes off her because I can't be staring at her all night like this.

She giggles, and beneath the table, she shifts so that her leg presses against mine.

Perhaps - this evening - I will ignore all the warnings in my mind and just relax and enjoy my time with her. Because I don't know who she really is, I never know if this is the last time I'll see her. She could just disappear -- be gone in an instant. So I should make the most of the time spent with her.

When the sun sets across the sky, it does not disappoint. This evening it puts on a very spectacular show as orange and purple streaks glow between the clouds above the city of Las Vegas in the distance.

---