Page 88 of Captured Innocence

In my mind, she was stronger than every single member of our family.

Fortunately, Dar answered on the second ring. “Dar. I have news.”

“Good. Because I think the shit is about to hit the fan.”

* * *

As I nursed the third drink of the evening, I realized that neither my instinct nor the level of anxiety had shifted since arriving. There was no indication we’d been found, our scouts suggesting if the airports were being watched, there wasn’t a heavy presence. Besides, we were leaving via one of the smaller facilities, privately owned by someone who owed the family a favor.

While I wouldn’t put it past the man to sell us out, I’d taken steps to ensure that didn’t happen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t place my trust in anyone. We were far too important cargo.

“What are you thinking?” Sophia asked, her voice providing another wave of desire.

I slowly lowered my head, realizing that she’d had her head in my lap for almost an hour. We were in front of a roaring fire, my feet propped up on the coffee table, simply enjoying an evening as would any couple taking a few days of respite.

What a shame this was just a temporary setting.

“That we should return here one day.”

“It’s magnificent, especially in the snow.” She gave me a salacious grin and turned on her side, adjusting the pillow under her head.

“I hate snow.”

“You do? Does that mean you’re never made a snow angel?”

“A what?”

“That’s where you lie on the ground and lift your arms over your head as you’re opening and closing your legs?” When I gave her a puzzled look, she laughed, immediately sitting up. “We need to do one right now.”

“Does that mean go out in the snow?”

“Yes. Now, come on.” She moved onto her feet, glancing around as if searching for something. “Let me grab our jackets.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yes. You obviously need a lesson in what life is all about. I’m here to give that to you. Call it another gift.”

I eased my legs off the table, laughing at her exuberance. “I thought the number of gifts you’ve provided had reached a limit.”

She threw her hands on her hips, cocking one as she stared at me. The woman was playful even now, which created the kind of desire that could become overwhelming. “No, they don’t have a limitation unless you’re not a good boy. Come on. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Get your boots on. Grab your coat. No, I’ll grab our coats.”

“The coat you have isn’t warm enough.”

“Stop being silly. It will be for a few minutes. Come on.” She laughed and as I reached out, trying to grab her, she managed to skirt around me. Being around her was refreshing, more so that I could ever have believed.

And laughter was easier than it had ever been. I couldn’t wait to have the lovely woman as my wife. Everything about her was infectious, including her laugh and her joy of life. I placed my drink on the table and couldn’t resist smiling. Maybe we could enjoy life in an entirely different way than our parents.

Maybe, just maybe we could start a family of our own. I grabbed my boots, struggling to get into them as she secured the jackets. Whatever the hell she was trying to create, I realized that I’d never done anything like it as a kid. I didn’t have normal toys or backyard play equipment. Other than soccer when I was a kid, there was little entertainment that didn’t mean staying inside in my room.

Shit. That wasn’t what I wanted for my kid. Nope. He or she would play outdoors.

I wanted to laugh. What had the woman done to me?

“Do you have a flashlight? We need to see the angels after we make them.”

I laughed as she tossed me my jacket. “I’ll get one from the kitchen drawer.” I moved quickly, realizing she was humming from excitement. The sound sent a wave of electricity through my muscles. Tonight I would ravage her all over again. I grabbed my weapon from the coffee table, shoving it into the jacket pocket after I slipped it on.

“Do you really think there’s a bad guy out there waiting for us to make snow angels?”

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