AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cal turned. “Finished for the night?” he asked Kristi.
“I have to be. My vision is blurry. I can’t afford to make a mistake with the wedding this close.”
Rafe retrieved the small box containing the strawberries from the refrigerator. “Make your favorite tea, and we’ll go outside for a few minutes.”
She smiled. “Sounds romantic.”
“That’s the idea.” When her tea finished steeping, they walked outside.
Kristi went to the outdoor couch on the deck. “Want to sit here?”
“That’s perfect.” Kristi would be comfortable, and the couch was in a place not easily seen from the street.
Rafe sat beside her, lifted the lid on the box, and placed the container on her outstretched hands.
She peered inside. “Chocolate-covered strawberries are my favorite treat. How did you know?”
“I have my sources.” He rested his arm along the back of the couch, enjoying the balmy night. When Kristi finished the strawberries, Rafe took the empty box from her hands.
“Thank you.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything to offer you.”
“Being with you today, knowing you’re mine, is more than enough.” He kissed her temple and drew her closer. The news he needed to share would be difficult for her to hear. “I mentioned earlier today that I found cameras and bugs upstairs.”
She stiffened and started to shift away from him.
Rafe held her in place. “Stay,” he murmured.
“Tell me. I’d rather know the truth than live in ignorance.”
“Cameras and bugs were set up in every room upstairs except the bathroom.”
She slowly lifted her head to look into his eyes. “My bedroom, too?”
He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“How could anyone do that to me?” Her voice broke. “What if the footage leaks to the Internet?”
Rafe cupped her cheek with his palm. “I won’t let that happen. Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you shaken by this. Demonstrate your strength by holding your head high. They believe you’re weak. They’re dead wrong, baby.”
He held her close for several minutes, then reached into his pocket and grabbed the Fortress phone. “I have something else for you.”
“Rafe, you’re spoiling me,” she protested.
“Let me.” He passed her the phone.
Kristi looked at him with a puzzled expression. “I have a phone.”
“This is an encrypted satellite phone so we can communicate safely when I’m deployed.” He tapped the phone. “No one will be able to intercept our messages. We’re frequently deployed to places without cell coverage. A satellite phone works around that problem. Turn it over.”
With a bemused expression, Kristi did as he requested. She gasped. “Oliver. Did you take the picture when we were in Otter Creek?”
“Deke took one and sent it to Zane. Santos brought the phone.”
“Oliver’s picture was your idea, wasn’t it?” She kissed him. “Thank you, Rafe. I love the picture. I’m glad I’ll be able to communicate with you while you’re gone. How often are you deployed?”
“One month on deployment, one month off. When we’re off rotation, we train.”
“Are you ever called in during a training month?”
