Page 93 of Afraid to Hope

After thanking Cobra, Bane exchanged contact information with Merrick and promised to stay in touch while Natasha waited for either Clara or Oliver to answer her knock.

It was Clara, who was wide awake, her face wreathed in a huge smile. She held out her hands and waved Natasha into her arms. “You’re home!” she exclaimed, joyfully, wrapping her arms around Natasha. Her tone changed to worry when she saw Reaper and Cobra with Bane. “Who brought you home?”

“Some nice men. They’re friends, Clara. We had a little hiccup at the site. We’ve been on the road most of the night, but everything is fine,” she said, noticing the concern in Clara’s expression. Natasha hugged her again. “Really. They’re on their way to Rabat.”

“Bane, bring your friends in for breakfast. I won’t accept no.” Clara called to the group talking by the SUV, “I have coffee on and just pulled my special almondcroissantsfrom the oven. I think eggs and fruit would be simply divine with them. Don’t you?” She waved the men toward her. “Come, come!” She reached up to hug each of the big men warmly as they stepped inside.

Bane gave Clara a big smile and a bigger hug. “Great to see you, Clara. This is Reaper and Cobra,” he said, indicating the men.

Clara settled the group around her table, refusing help from Natasha. Oliver appeared and kissed his wife good morning and greeted everyone before joining her in the kitchen to transfer the food to the table.

The men went through two pots of coffee and inhaled their food, thanking Clara profusely for breakfast.

A look passed between Reaper and Cobra. “Clara, Oliver, we hate to leave so soon, but we need to head to Rabat.”

“You’re welcome to freshen up before you leave,” Oliver offered. “It might help with the drive. Clara told me you’ve been driving all night.”

Reaper checked his watch, then nodded. “That would be much appreciated.”

“I’ll get our bags,” Cobra said and left.

Both men were showered and dressed in clean civilian clothes within fifteen minutes and ready to leave.

Natasha and Bane said goodbye to the men, then offered to help clean up.

“Nonsense. You two are tired. Get some sleep and we’ll visit and catch up later.” Clara handed them the key to theriad,her knowing gaze lingering on their wedding rings.

Natasha stood slowly, obviously stiff.

“Are you okay, dear?” Clara asked.

Natasha tried to brush it off. “Yes, I’m fine. I had a little mishap. Bane checked me over thoroughly.”

“Maybe you should see a doctor,” Oliver suggested.

“She’s good, Oliver. She just needs some rest and time,” Bane responded.

Oliver’s words had a bite to them. “And you know this how?”

“I just do, and if I felt she needed more than my care, I’d be the first one to take her to the doctor. I promise.”

“Can you tell us more?”

“Not at this time. I’m sorry.” Bane slipped his arm around Natasha.

They thanked Clara and Oliver once again and promised they would check in later, then headed over to theriad.

A note to them rested on the center of the kitchen table. It was from Simon. Emmet had asked him to leave after Bane confirmed they were in route back to Casablanca. He welcomed them home and hoped he had been a good guest. He was looking forward to seeing them soon.

Bane pulled Natasha close. Her heartbeat synchronized with his.

“I need a shower,” she said.

“So do I.”

“God, how nice it’s going to be to actually move about in the shower.”

“Is that an invitation?”

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