Beautifully Broken (The Broken Series Book 2) by K.S. Ruff

Author:K.S. Ruff [Ruff, K.S.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Ruff Publishing
Published: 2014-02-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19 – Let love in

Rafael and Jean accompanied Michael and me on the flight back to Paris. Jean disappeared the moment we entered the house. Michael, Rafael, and I lingered in the foyer.

Michael gave me a hug. “I have some things I need to tend to, so Rafael is going to review the new security measures with you. I’ll join you for lunch in a couple of hours.” He kissed me on the cheek before heading toward his office, which was located just off the foyer.

Michael disappeared into the office. I glanced nervously at Rafael. We still hadn’t talked about what happened in the safe room, and I was really embarrassed about how I had reacted.

Rafael’s eyes softened as they met mine. “Madame Stone, before we review the new security system, I want to apologize for what happened last month. I’m very sorry I scared you. I was so anxious to get you into that safe room without being heard, that I didn’t stop to think about how that might affect you, especially given your past. I should have approached the situation differently.”

I smiled reassuringly. “Please, Rafael, you don’t need to apologize. You had the best of intentions. You were just trying to keep me safe. I wish… Sometimes, I wish my past didn’t own me the way that it does. When those memories hit, I can’t hardly see the person standing in front of me. All I see is the past.”

Rafael nodded. “Still, I would prefer not to cause you anymore pain.”

I hugged him, much to his surprise. He patted me awkwardly on the back before relaxing and returning the hug.

Michael cleared his throat.

I spun around so quickly, Rafael had to steady me. Michael was standing in the doorway to his office trying not to smile at us.

His eyes locked on Rafael’s. “You know how I feel about other people touching her. Maybe there should be a little less touching and a bit more security briefing between the two of you?”

Rafael released his hands from my arms. He didn’t look the least bit offended by Michael’s comment. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Oui, bien sûr, Monsieur,” he responded in a slightly mocking tone. He reached for my hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm as he led me toward the back of the house.

Michael growled from the doorway.

I burst out laughing. Then I ran back and jumped in Michael’s arms. “Oh, stop it, you big bully. You know I love you!” I kissed him fully on the mouth.

Michael’s smile fell away as he backed away from the kiss. “You love me…” he repeated, as if he wasn’t quite sure he’d heard me correctly. His eyes searched mine. “You… love me?” he asked again. Confusion and doubt flitted across his face.

I was still locked in his arms. My toes hung suspended above the ground. I bit my lip. I knew I was dangling over the edge of something really big... something I hadn’t really thought through.

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