The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride (17 page)

After Rafe went off to his meeting, Lauren phoned Liz.

“Any new developments?” she asked when Liz answered.

“Yes. And I’m afraid they mean things are about to get more complicated.”

“I don’t like the sound of that. Just how complicated are we talking?”

Liz sighed. “Rafe Dimitriou’s father really is in bed with the Mafia after all. It turns out Philip wasn’t an innocent third party when you snapped that picture of him lunching in Greece with Lawrence Mendacci. He’s involved up to his neck, exactly as it appeared.”

Lauren absorbed the news in stunned silence. “Are you sure?”

“I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. Philip came to me this morning after he learned of the attempted attack on his daughter. He confessed he made a deal with Mendacci to sell him confidential design specs from Dimitriou Enterprises. When Mendacci began demanding classified armament designs, Philip decided he didn’t want to play ball anymore, and that’s when Mendacci sent him a message to make it clear that bowing out wasn’t an option. Philip says Mendacci was responsible for the hit-and-run that took the life of one of his bodyguards last year.”

“Rafe’s friend Brian? Oh no.”

Liz nodded. “A week ago Mendacci upped the ante, demanding the plans to a new top-secret warhead the Research and Development arm of Dimitriou Enterprises is designing for the government. Philip again drew the line, and this time Mendacci decided threatening Dimitriou’s children might have more impact. That’s when Philip came to us for covert protection for Rafe and Brianna.”

“We can’t tell Rafe yet,” Lauren insisted. “If he knew the real reason I agreed to be his wife, he’d never allow Sentinels to continue guarding him.”

“I agree. We’ll stick with the plan for now. I have a briefing in five minutes, but I’ll keep you posted.”

Lauren hung up the phone, reeling from Liz’s news. Sadly, there was no way she could undo the mess Philip Dimitriou had landed himself in. The only thing she could do was remain focused on keeping his son safe.

When she arrived at the Fullertons’ barn later, the head groom had two horses saddled and ready. Her mount was a beautiful bay mare, while Rafe’s was a palomino stallion.

“Mr. Fullerton purchased these horses from your father’s stables, Mr. Dimitriou,” the groom told Rafe, handing him the reins. “He requested I saddle them for you when he heard you were going out. They’re his favorite mounts.”

Rafe ran a practiced hand down the flanks of the horses. “Muscular chests, powerful legs, perfect facial structure,” he murmured approvingly. “They’re flawless examples of the Andravida breed. Of course I would expect nothing less from Dimitriou Stables.”

“Which is why your family’s stable has earned such a stellar reputation,” the groom offered sincerely. “I’m sure you’re anxious to be on your way, so I won’t hold you up any longer. The main trail is clearly marked and the horses know it well. It’s about a thirty-mile loop, and there’s a pond about midway around the property where you can take a break and water the horses. Enjoy your ride.”

“We will,” Lauren replied, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. What could be better than a day spent with one of these magnificent animals?
And with Rafe
,
her impish little inner voice added. He certainly looked every inch the sexy cowboy in jeans that hugged his muscular frame in all the right places. He’d accessorized the denim with a crisp white button-down shirt, a cowboy hat, and boots.

Rafe gave her a leg up into the saddle and handed her a Stetson that matched his own. “You’ll want to shield your head from the sun. It’s going to be a scorcher today.”

They rode for a while in companionable silence, drinking in the breathtaking scenery. Once Lauren had a chance to get accustomed to her mount, she didn’t need any prodding to give in to the mare’s urge to gallop. “Race you to the pond,” she challenged Rafe with a delighted laugh.

He was an excellent rider, she discovered. Their horses were neck and neck on the approach to the pond, but Rafe’s mount had longer legs, and the stallion edged past at the last second for the win.

Laughing and breathless, Lauren patted her mare’s neck and drew her to a stop by the water’s edge. Dismounting, she took a treat from her pocket and offered it to the horse, praising her gently. She was rewarded with an affectionate head butt and a soft nicker of thanks.

“Having fun?” Rafe asked.

“How could I not be? This is marvelous.”

“You’re a natural with horses. How did a city girl like you become so comfortable around them?”

“Like most young girls, I went through a horse-crazy stage, only I never grew out of it. Luke scrimped and saved so he could send me to horse camp as a high school graduation gift. I lived and breathed horses that summer. Someday I hope to own one of my own. And how about you? You ride like you were born in the saddle.”

“My grandfather was a horse lover, and he was particularly fond of the breed we’re riding today, the Andravidas. He founded Dimitriou Stables to nurture the bloodline. When he passed away, my father decided to continue what he had begun. Growing up, I spent my school breaks helping out at the stables. My father said it was good training for when I took my place at Dimitriou Enterprises.”

“Horsemanship and corporate wheeling and dealing? Funny, I never thought of mucking out stalls and brokering deals as going hand in hand before.”

“All the same principles apply. Keeping a calm head, never showing fear, and taking charge even when your adversary is bigger and stronger than you. There’s no better training than that.”

“I see your point. Your father really is a shrewd man.”

Shrewd in more ways than one
, Lauren mused, a dark cloud of doubt edging in to overshadow her enjoyment. How would Rafe react when he learned that his father’s cunning had a shady side?

“You look serious all of a sudden. Is everything okay?”

“Sure,” she quickly covered. “I’m just starving.”

“We can’t have you going hungry,” he murmured, tracing her lips with his fingertips before melding his mouth to hers, coaxing her lips to part.

It was a sensuous invasion, and Lauren lost herself in the kiss, feasting on his mouth. She broke away with a ragged groan. “I was talking about food.” Though she could easily feast on him.

“What a shame. I’ll feed you, but you have to close your eyes first. And no peeking until I tell you it’s okay to look.”

Lauren hesitated. The risk of a threat out here in the middle of this gorgeous woodland trail was minimal, but the idea of not remaining vigilant went totally against her training. Hoping her instincts were right and they were safe here, she reluctantly squeezed her eyes shut.

It seemed like an eternity before Rafe returned and took her hand. He led her several feet away before coming to a stop. “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”

“Wow,” Lauren enthused, taking in the feast of smoked salmon, salad, croissants, and cheeses he’d set out on a blanket. “This is quite a spread. I’m impressed, Mr. Dimitriou.”

“I had some help. The Fullertons’ cook conspired with me.”

As they chatted over the fabulous meal, Lauren found herself remembering all the things that had drawn her to Rafe in the first place. “I’ve had an awesome time this afternoon,” she blurted impulsively.

“It’s not over yet. How about a swim?”

The horses were grazing contentedly in the shade. The day had turned out to be as hot as the weatherman had predicted, and Lauren had to admit the idea of a swim was an enticing one. “That would be great, but I didn’t bring a suit.”

“Neither did I.”

Rising from the blanket, Rafe stripped off his shirt. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his sculpted chest highlighted by dappled sunlight. He reached for the button on his jeans and her heart kicked into overdrive. She watched, mesmerized, as he lowered the zipper.

Stepping out of the jeans, he shot her a toe-curlingly-sexy smile. “You’re not going to make me swim alone are you?”

He simply took her breath away, standing there clad in only a pair of snug black briefs. He reached down and pulled the garment off, and she was lost. Gloriously naked, he’d put any male model to shame. He was all toned, taut perfection from his broad shoulders down to his rugged thighs and beyond. He turned around to take a running dive into the pond, treating her to a view of his beautiful backside that had her breath catching in her throat.

Pushing modesty aside, Lauren swiftly followed his lead. She stripped down to her lingerie, glad she’d chosen a matching set in lacy peach. She didn’t miss the sparks of arousal that flared in Rafe’s eyes when she unfastened her bra and stepped out of the barely there thong panties.

She dove into the pond, thrilling in the sensation of the cool water against her heated skin. She swam past him, laughing when he captured her ankle to pull her gently back to him.

Rafe had suggested the swim to take the edge off the firestorm of need that had assailed him from the moment he and Lauren had set off on their ride. He’d hoped the bracing cold water would ramp down his blazing libido, but his plan backfired when their slippery, wet bodies bumped together. The fire in his blood only surged hotter. He wouldn’t be surprised to see the water sizzling off his skin.

Lauren’s eyes sparkled brightly. “This has been the perfect day. I love swimming almost as much as I adore horseback riding.”

Her smile made his heart clench in his chest as he was smacked by the same intensity of emotion he’d felt for her when he first fell for her in Greece. “I can think of something I love more than either.” Scooping her up in his arms, he carried her out of the pond and set her down on the soft cushion of its mossy bank. It took him only half a heartbeat to collect protection from his discarded jeans before he was back at her side. Their coupling was swift. Urgent.

Afterwards, he held her in his arms. Emotions warred within him as he realized what had begun as a plan to acquire Fullerton’s magazine while enjoying a side order of revenge was morphing into something very different. The thought left him conflicted, and made him more than just a little uneasy. He would be wise to remember that the woman cradled against his chest couldn’t be trusted. She’d betrayed him once, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was harboring secrets from him now.

“I’m afraid it’s time for us to head back. The Fullertons have invited us to join them and a few other couples for a dinner cruise on their yacht tonight.”

“And would the Paynes happen to be one of the other couples?” Lauren groaned.

“I’m afraid so.”

“Have I mentioned I get seasick?”

“Sorry, but I know better. Remember?”

How could she forget? Heat suffused Lauren’s cheeks as she recalled the weekend they’d first met. She’d fallen for him completely and irrevocably, and she had been certain he felt the same. He’d taken her out on his boat with the intention of showing her the Greek Isles, but they wound up spending the entire time exploring each other instead.

She had been certain she’d found her happily ever after, but the fairy tale had imploded when they returned to Rafe’s estate and he saw her article and the accompanying photo. He jumped to all the wrong conclusions and ostracized her from his life, shattering her heart and her world.

Now, against all odds, he’d given her a chance to explain. And he’d forgiven her.

She would be elated if she weren’t caught up in a situation that forced her to do the exact thing he abhorred. This time she really was harboring secrets from him, and she hated it. She could come clean with him and tellhim she was a covert agent, but doing so would invite some serious repercussions. Rafe would certainly refuse Sentinels’ protection, which would place him in greater jeopardy.

But that wasn’t what bothered her the most. She was petrified of how he’d react when she eventually told him the truth and he learned she’d misled him. She couldn’t lose him again.

“Hey, where’d you go just now?” he asked, drawing her out of her ruminations.

“Sorry. I was daydreaming. It’s so lovely. I could stay here forever.”

“Me too. Unfortunately we have a dinner date. It’s time to saddle up and head back.”