Beautiful Bounty(75)

“What did he say?” she asked. “I mean I’m sure I heard most of it, but is there anything I missed. Does this change anything?” she asked, suddenly nervous.

It was nearly midnight and he and Ronnie talked more about other things. Nikko admitted he loved her, repeating it often during their two love making sessions. He also reiterated his promise to help her. This would be over soon. They would all come up with a fool proof plan together. But, she didn’t know if she could trust his brothers. What if it was just a ruse to make them wait and then they would nab her and bring her in. She was nervous, and didn’t know who to trust anymore. Even Nikko.

Nikko watched the play of emotions across Ronnie’s face. The woman he loved. The woman who had yet to admit her feelings to him. That worried him a little, but he did know she’d been through a great deal in the last twenty four to forty eight hours. He hated to admit to himself he’d like to hear the words, but he knew she cared, was definitely jealous, if he was reading the barbecue sauce incident correctly, and he was pretty sure it couldn’t mean anything else. He just had to keep reassuring her.

He walked over to her as she dressed after making love. “Obviously, he still wants us to sit tight. They will be here early, so we have tonight to tweak this plan of ours.” He saw the doubt. He pulled her to him, holding her, and looking down into her eyes, he spoke. “Ronnie, I told my brother I loved you. He will keep his word.”

She licked her lips and he was sorely tempted to kiss her again, make love to her. “Are you sure? He won’t just turn me in?”

He saw the fear wash over her. “No, baby, he won’t. My brother is a man of his word if he is anything. He may be harsh, and gruff. He’s got reason to be, but he is all about family. I love you and that means your family now too, Ronnie.”

She lay her head against his chest and let out a small sigh of relief. He felt her relax, but still she didn’t say the words back.

Time. Time, he told himself. She is afraid to trust right now. Her whole future, their future, depended on Gary confessing. When he and his brothers helped to clear her name, and she was truly free to make her own choices, then he would know for sure.

They stood for a moment, just holding each other. The silence in the room grew. But it wasn’t awkward. It was comforting until he heard Ronnie’s stomach growl. Amused, he looked down at her and they both laughed.

“Wow, that again,” he teased, reminding her of the drive from the Courthouse. She blushed. Her stomach always betrayed her.

“The stomach wants what it wants. I didn’t eat too much today,” she admitted, “but I could wait for breakfast.” Ronnie knew it was too late for room service in this hotel.

Nikko thought for a moment, then, “I can run and get something,” he suggested. “But, I really don’t want to leave you. How about we sneak out and grab some takeout.” He didn’t want to risk leaving Ronnie alone. If anyone reported seeing her the authorities would come. Being with her, he could show his credentials and say he would be bringing her in.

And he hated to admit it, but he also didn’t want to leave her in case she bolted and tried something on her own again. She hadn’t expressed her feelings for him, so he still had some doubts.

Ronnie sensed his misgivings, as he pulled back. She needed to trust him, but the thought to do this on her own crossed her mind. What if Gary sensed she wasn’t alone any longer? What if he sensed there was something going on between her and Nikko? Waiting until tomorrow might be too late. What if Gary bolted? Would they be able to track him down again? She looked up at Nikko who was watching her, and gave him a smile. God, she did love him. But was his love real? And yes, she made love with him again, but she just didn’t know if it was just a passing infatuation for him.

Well, she didn’t really have a choice right now. He wouldn’t leave her alone after her stunt in Florida. But she had to try. “But, what if someone sees us?” she sighed her response.

He gave her an odd look and puzzled it over. “I’ll make it look good. I’ll hold your arm in a controlling way, but I doubt someone will see us. It’s pretty late,” he added, glancing at his watch. “But, we will keep up pretenses just to be safe. You can even act like you don’t like me.” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he regarded her, waiting for her agreement. Her stomach growled again. “Shall we?” he teased, offering her his arm in a gallant fashion.

Although nervous, she laughed and took his arm. “Oh, can we get my things. I’m downstairs in room one twelve,” she asked as they headed towards the door.