Page 19 of Hidden Raphael
Chapter 6
Kimberly stretched in her bed then shoved one hand under the pillow. A second later, she clutched the medallion. Something fierce and steadfast came out of her when she held the thing, and she tied it around her neck, where it rested between the mounds of her breasts. Then she dangled her feet over the bed and kicked for her pants. Realization came slowly. Her jeans were not on the floor.
She rubbed her eyes and then stared at the spotless floor. She couldn't cook breakfast in her underwear.
The room still had edges of frigid coldness to it, despite the heat that pumped through the walls. Meg must have taken her jeans for the laundry. Kimberly would find her and get her jeans back later. She quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail behind her ears and checked her Easter egg. It hurt less today and her hair hid it. The bruise on her cheek had faded in the night as well.
She opened the closet door and stepped inside the walk-in. She rubbed her neck and touched the medallion as she took in the full wardrobe.
These must be the modern blonde woman's clothes from the picture. Kimberly picked up a dress then shook her head. Zero. Zero wasn't even a woman's size. Why did designers like Prada even bother with this size?
She searched for a pair of sweats or anything with an elastic waist. Something with no waist might work. Smiling, she pulled a simple bohemian-style black dress from the hanger. She stretched the chest area and realized the material moved.
After showering fast, she tugged the dress over her head. It fit.
The dress went slightly above the knee rather than the calf, because the Mira women were all curvy. It would just have to be good enough. She fixed the medallion over the bit of material on her chest to show it better, and strolled out of the bathroom. She took a last look at herself in the full-length mirror, thinking that the medallion gave her style. She found a pair of flip-flops in the closet and went downstairs. Halfway down, she crashed right into a warm, solid wall with abam. Then a huge hand spanned her entire waist, holding her steady.
She inhaled the smell of cedar and pine, and gazed into those smoldering green eyes from her dreams. "Hey."
"I didn't see you. Are you all right?" Raphael asked then reached out to trace her face. Then he stopped and pulled his hand back like she'd burned him.
She couldn't breathe, but it had more to do with being so close to him than running into his chest. He was dressed in all black, again, and his shirt clung to his muscles. Now was not the time to notice.
Kimberly stepped back and answered, "Yeah. I wasn't watching where I was going either."
With his hands now firmly to his side, he asked, "Why are you up so early?"
Her heartbeat raced near him. She swallowed and hoped he'd let her go with him. "I have a lot to do today that goes beyond breakfast."
"You can't be thinking of going outside." He crossed his arms and his fingers curled into fists. "It's too dangerous for you."
His black eye had grown darker from last time. What could she say? She shifted her balance on her feet.
"I want to visit the graves." She focused on his ear. It was easier to ask for help this way. "And I want to search for the man who pushed me out of the plane and figure out if I can get my suitcase from the wreckage." She and stared into his eyes. "I'll take help if you offer."
For a moment he said nothing. Her heart ached in her chest, but she gazed at him. Finally, he nodded. "They are in the courtyard, well in the safety of my walls protecting you from the ocean and the forest. I need you to stay there and not try to go out toward the ocean or forest, not until I find Roger.”
Her chin trembled like she'd heard the worst possible answer. He could lock her in her room and leave her a prisoner here. Her eyes misted, and she shook on her feet. "I can't stay cooped up. I can stay hidden until I find what I need."
"That's an insane plan." He took her hand and his gaze bored into her soul. "Don't put your life in jeopardy."
"I’ve been learning to trust myself and I need to start living again, Raphael." She stared into his hypnotizing eyes. Her plan wasn't the most rational, but there was so much to do. She couldn't stay hidden away and avoid her life. She stepped closer to him, and his muscles clenched like he was afraid to touch her. "I feel like I owe the man who saved my life on the plane. I can't sit around and wait. I've not done anything but stay cooped up here. I need to help, and to find closure, and to do…something to pay him back."
"I'll find him and bring him home to you." He rubbed the palms of her hands, but then took his hand back and stepped backward. Was he afraid of her? Strange. He tilted his head. "And I'll look for your suitcase."
She nodded, but her eyes were still a little watery. "I don't want to put you in danger too. I should go."
"I'll be fine. You are a target." He took something out of his back pocket. She stared at the strange plastic shaped like a gun, but it couldn't be one. She brushed her hand against his forearm. His big muscles would overpower her, and her entire body became alive. "I'll make a deal with you."
She tilted her head and stared at the strange gun. It had two slots. “What?”
"I'll teach you self-defense this afternoon. I want you to keep this with you."
"What is it?" Her fingers curled into it, and she tried to be calm, but she breathed in and the smell of cedar and pine mixed with her thoughts.
"A Taser." His muscles contracted under her hand, but he stayed still. "I'll give this to you if you promise not to go outside and run straight into danger."
Every nerve inside her body screamed to find the older man who'd helped her. What if he was still alive? She nodded. "But I can't stay cooped up here forever."
