Page 35 of Brought By the Storm

Chapter Twelve

Carrington

Mateo and Stefan joked and yapped through breakfast like two sated lovers. I could imagine what they had been up to whilst Eric and I had been intimate and sleeping the night before. I wondered if my mother, who was also at the table, was aware of the shenanigans that occurred a few hours earlier. She was quiet, observing the other men with casual interest, sometimes looking to me with an expression of concern. I thought she might have sensed I was feeling glum.

I had been saved by my phone ringing. I decided to take the call in Eric’s parlor, since the caller was the head of Yastarus Intelligence. He had good news—they had located the terrorist cell that was planning an attempt on my life. They had captured three of the four men who had been plotting a threat, but one of them had escaped and his identity was unknown. Although our country didn’t advocate or practice torture, the authorities were going to implement every legal means of pulling information from the captives regarding the fourth individual. In the meantime, the head of National Security, Nils Lagerfeld, was recommending that Stefan and I remain in our current location a bit longer. Their thinking was that the fugitive was in Yastarus and, therefore, not as much of a risk to me if I stayed put whilst they hunted him down. They were much more concerned about me landing back on Yastarus soil.

I was thrilled at the thought of spending more time with Eric, but I didn’t want my countrymen to view me as a coward. Lagerfeld conceded that if within a few days they had not apprehended the fugitive, I could return. We called the vice president to let him know of our plans, asking that he continue to oversee the day-to-day business of Yastarus. The citizens would be told I was still in the United States handling diplomatic matters, but continuing to manage my presidential duties from afar. To further dispel suspicion, it was decided my mother would travel home within hours, and she would be greeted by heavy security at her destination.

I informed my mother of the plan, and she felt relief that some of the terrorists were captured, but concerned the danger wasn’t yet over. “Intelligence will get the information they need,” I assured her. “In the meantime, you’ll be flying into Poland under your latest alias. Lagerfeld will have a security team to greet you and take you by the presidential limo to Yastarus. Once you’re back at the residence, keep a low profile and allow security to do their job. Make an appearance so people think everything is fine, and reinforce that I stayed behind to handle diplomatic matters with the United States. Lagerfeld told me that he has America’s cooperation to corroborate the story. In the meantime, I told Mateo that you need to head back early for a personal matter, and he was kind enough to offer to drive you to Newark. I think he was happy to do so once I suggested Stefan accompany the two of you. He doesn’t need to know that Stefan is there for your security.”

“And what about your security whilst Mateo and Stefan are driving me to New Jersey?” she worried.

I smiled. “Mother, the fugitive is in Yastarus, and nobody knows where I am. I will be fine. Stefan will be back later this evening.”

She nodded, though there was still concern etched on her face. “Very well, but don’t go sightseeing.”

I laughed. “I promise. I will stay here with Eric.”

My mother couldn’t help but grin a bit. “It doesn’t sound like that will be too much of a hardship for you.”

I became serious. “I know you must go pack, but I did want to thank you for your support yesterday. It means a lot to me, Mother.”

“So, you spent the night with him and you still have feelings for him?” she asked.

“More so,” I responded. “I don’t think I’ll awaken tomorrow and realize I’m not attracted to him. I like him, Mother.”

She sighed. “It’s unexpected, of course. But as I said, if he makes you happy, then that is what matters. Convince him to come to Yastarus soon. We’ll tell people it’s gratitude for him having sheltered us from the storm—that is, once we can tell people about everything that happened with the threats against you. I don’t see why anyone would question his presence. You and he will just need to be discreet.”

“Of course,” I agreed. “Thank you, Mother.”

She patted my cheek and exited the room to head upstairs and pack her bags. Within seconds of her leaving, Eric entered the parlor. “Hi,” he whispered.

Seeing his fresh-scrubbed face and styled hair made me feel gushy, and I had to remind myself that this must be my new normal. “Hi yourself.”

“I waited for her to leave the room. I didn’t want to interrupt,” he said. “Is it true? Are you staying? Mateo told me that he and Stefan are taking your mother to the airport, but you will be remaining behind.”

“Yes, if that is okay with you,” I confirmed. It occurred to me that I never asked permission, assuming Eric would welcome the extended stay.

He answered my question by rushing to me and embracing me. I pulled him tighter and gave the top of his head a quick peck. His hair smelled like coconut, and I felt like I could stand there and inhale it forever. “What changed?” he asked when he pulled away.

After I explained to him the events of the morning, he donned a worried expression similar to my mother’s. “Don’t fret,” I said, brushing my thumb over his cheek. “This is good news. They’ve caught all but one of them, and he’s halfway across the world. They’ll apprehend him.”

“Don’t go back until they have,” he implored.

I moved my thumb over to his lips, grazing them. His eyes were pleading with me. “Eric, I can’t do that. If it isn’t within a couple of days, I must return. I have an obligation to my country’s people.”

He paused, then nodded. “Then I’ll go with you.”

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You’re sure you can take a holiday that soon?”

“I’ll make it work.” He nodded. “And it’s a vacation. You talk funny.”

“You talk funny,” I answered, picking up on what was becoming a routine for us.

“I can’t wait for them to leave. No offense to your mother,” he said, blushing.

“Imagine, the house to ourselves for the day,” I grinned. “Whatever will we do?”

Eric smiled. “I believe you wanted to see my studio. Do you still want to?”

I nodded. “Indeed. I’m looking forward to seeing your…talent.”

He laughed and hugged me once more. He wasn’t the only one eager to see the trio head to Newark.