Chapter 12

Chapter

Twelve

Nick spent a reallylong night searching his soul and analyzing everything Darcy had told him. His mind spun back to their incredible kissing session every other minute.

She had to be innocent. She had to be. The way she'd said ‘oh' when he said he needed to leave to keep his self-control intact. That couldn't be an act. She was genuine and perfect.

They hadn't gotten into her marriage, which he was glad about as he didn't want her to ever think he'd been prying details out of her about Johnny for his job, but he could tell she'd been neglected and hurt. To have to drive herself to the hospital when she lost her baby … His fist clenched, and he could hardly wait to have Johnny Trattori arrested. Actually, he'd like to tenderize the man's face before he turned him over to the authorities.

He had even more motivation to take the man down, but he had to be careful what he said to Darcy. That really stunk. He prayed she wouldn't be upset that he had to hide all he knew about Johnny and about her. She'd acted like it was no big deal that he couldn't tell her things because of his job. She'd feel different when she knew what he was hiding. This was such a muddled mess.

The next morning, he skipped lifting with Jagger and Hays. Breakfast was fun, teasing with Darcy, Jagger, and Hays and feasting his gaze on her deep-blue eyes and her sweet face. What would Aiden think when Nick told him he'd fallen in love in a week and the woman was Johnny Trattori's mysterious ex? She wasn't traitorous like she'd been labeled. No way. But the question was still unanswered. How could she live with that man for four years and not know what he did? Aiden would want Nick's happiness above all else, but he'd be understandably leery of Nick forming an attachment to Darcy.

During breakfast, the yacht slowed and stopped. Captain Hendry came in as they finished. "Ready for the next adventure?"

The three men looked at Darcy.

"No, but let's go beat Jagger again." Darcy lifted both hands in the air in celebration.

"You are going down." Jagger pointed at her.

Nick and Hays both laughed. Nick was one hundred percent committed to winning the money for Darcy and her children, but he was glad they could all laugh and tease. He'd imagined this week with Jagger and Hays very differently. He looked at Darcy, smiling and sweet. He'd imagined this week with her very, very differently as well.

They loaded up in the helicopter, strapped in, and put on the waiting headsets. Captain Hendry talked about the beautiful landscape and their day as they flew.

They left the ocean behind and flew over stretches of beaches and lush greenery until they approached a massive black mountain.

The captain explained it was Cerro Negro, an active volcano in Nicaragua that had last erupted in 1999. He assured them that the activity was closely monitored and they were safe. Nick didn't see any visible lava. They landed at the base of the mountain, which looked to be thousands of feet tall, made up of tiny black rocks.

They all exited the chopper and Jagger gestured around at the mountain. The towering black monstrosity contrasted with the verdant green around it. "Mercedes rented out the volcano for the day. It's all ours."

There was no one around but them, and there was a stack of wooden sleds close by.

Captain Hendry shut down the chopper and exited. He reached back in for head cams, goggles, and bandanas for each of them. "For the ride down, you wouldn't want the volcanic dust in your eyes or mouth," he explained.

They all thanked him. Nick put the bandana in a pocket, the goggles around his neck, and strapped on the head cam, turning it on. He'd be happy to be done with the cameras.

"Let's do this," Jagger said, walking toward the pile of sleds.

"Everybody grab one." Hays picked a sled up first and gestured for them to follow.

Nick picked up two. Darcy tilted her head to the side. "I can carry mine."

"I know, but I don't mind."

"Thanks." She gave him a grateful smile.

"It's going to be a hot, dusty hike, almost twenty-four hundred feet up," Jagger said. "Let's go."

He started up the incline. Nick, Hays, and Darcy fell into step next to him. It was a decent hike, and the sun was already hot, even though it couldn't have been much past ten a.m.

They hiked quietly, the sound of the volcanic rock sliding under their shoes their only accompaniment. Nick's throat was dry, but the hike was easy with the shape he was in. The sun reflected off the black rock, making it warmer and almost blinding.

The incline continued on and on. Sliding back an inch with each step slowed progress a bit. The hike didn't bother him, but the longer they walked without anyone speaking gave him time to stew about him and Darcy and reminded him that Jagger was bent on beating him again. He had to focus and win for Darcy. Maybe after tomorrow's fist fight, they could talk about how to see each other and date after this week was done, but he knew deep down … he couldn't date her until Johnny was put away.

When they finally reached the top, they were all dripping sweat. Nick glanced around at the rim they stood on. It was flat around the top of the cylinder but then sloped down behind them, forming a crater in the middle of the volcano. Focusing forward, he looked down the long, shifting, and not-gentle outside slope. Sledding down would be fun, if he wasn't worried about beating Jagger again. It was a beautiful view up here; green mountains surrounded the black volcanic rock in all directions.

"Today won't be nearly as bad as the other days," Jagger said to Darcy. "You won't feel like you're drowning or reach terminal velocity."

Hays smiled. "You'll do great. You and I will start first, and I'll hold on to your sled to steady you. Jagger and Nick will count down from twenty, then they'll pursue us. I'll let go of your sled as soon as they start down the mountain. Just don't make any sudden movements and the sled will keep heading down the mountain. Do you have any questions?"

"I don't think so." Her voice quavered, but she looked to Nick. "I'll just wait for my hero to catch me."

His chest swelled.

"I didn't know I was your hero, Darcy," Jagger teased.

They all had to laugh at that, and the tension eased a bit.

Jagger pointed down the slope. "Have you done this before, Nick?"

Nick shook his head.

"You sit or lie on the sled." Jagger pointed down the outside slope they'd climbed up. "The lower you get your body, the faster you'll go. If you want to slow down, just put your feet down—but not too hard, or you'll flip yourself, and this volcanic rock can leave a mark." He pointed to a scar on his chin.

Nick focused. Jagger had just revealed that he'd done this before. Nick was confident in his fighting skills and thought he could take Jagger tomorrow, but it sounded like Aiden had barely beaten the man and Jagger had something to prove beating Nick. He had to win today. Then tomorrow he could make a clean sweep. He smiled to himself.

Hays strapped on his goggles and secured the bandana around his nose and mouth. They all followed suit.

Nick handed over Darcy's sled. "Good luck."

She smiled in response, but her bottom lip trembled. He glanced down over two thousand feet. It was a long sled ride; he could see why she was nervous.

Hays and Darcy placed their long wooden sleds side by side. Nick's stomach filled with anticipation, similar to right before a dangerous op or a fight. This volcano sledding should be no big deal. Why was he more nervous today? Darcy glanced back at him. He couldn't even see her eyes clearly with the goggles on and her mouth covered with the bandana, but he liked her searching for him.

He was in deep, and he suddenly knew … he had to protect, strengthen, and love her. It was as important to him as any op he'd ever gone on, his military career, his adoptive family, Aiden, and his job. Somehow he had to make it work to see her after tomorrow and put the mess with Trattori far behind them. He still had no idea how, but he'd pray and God would help him.

He gave her a thumbs up. "See you soon."

"Yes, you will."

Darcy nodded to him, then she and Hays pushed off. She stayed sitting up, so Hays followed suit. Even sitting, their sleds gained momentum quickly.

Jagger loudly and slowly counted down from twenty as he maneuvered his sled into place. Nick followed suit. He was on the side Darcy had been on. That was good. His skin tingled and sweat trickled down his back.

"Two … One!" Jagger hollered, and they both pushed off.

Nick lay back and enjoyed the thrill of speed as they all but flew down the black volcanic mountainside. He kept an eye on Darcy and angled toward her, but it wasn't easy lying on his back. He should've opted for his stomach, but the dust quickly covered his goggles and visibility would've been worse that way.

They were approaching Hays and Darcy, and he could see he needed to angle a little more right to intercept her. He leaned to the right and course-corrected. At the same moment, Jagger's sled slammed into him from the left. The impact shoved him even farther to the right. His sled tilted on its side and almost flipped.

Nick corrected and soared back down the volcano, but Jagger had pulled away and was only about twenty feet from Darcy now.

She kept glancing back at Jagger as he approached, trying to lean to the right to get away and somehow get closer to Nick.

"No," Nick muttered. It was impossible for him to reach her in time.

Jagger bumped into the side of her sled, a lot more gently than he had Nick's. He grasped her sled and hopped over behind her. The sled bobbled, but settled. Jagger thrust his hands in the air in celebration, even as Nick could see Darcy's shoulders round in defeat.

The unthinkable had happened. Jagger had won. Nick rode down the rest of the mountain, his sled slowing and stopping next to the others. He hated losing, but he hated losing for Darcy even more.

Yet Jagger had been a decent loser the past two days, and Nick didn't want to act pouty.

Jagger stood and helped Darcy up. Nick and Hays stood as well.

"Good job," Nick said to Jagger, extending his fist.

"Thanks, man." Jagger bumped it. He pulled off his goggles and untied his bandana. His nose and part of his cheeks were black. "I didn't mean to slam into you so hard."

"Yeah right, you didn't." Nick laughed as he removed his own goggles and bandana.

"Okay, you got me."

They all laughed at that. Nick turned to Darcy. Her soot-stained nose and cheeks looked really cute.

"I'm sorry."

"No!" She threw her arms around him and hugged him. "You did great. You'll thrash him tomorrow."

"Yeah right," Jagger taunted.

Nick cuddled Darcy close. They were both dirty and sweaty. He didn't care. He loved having her in his arms.

"We forgot to pray," Darcy said. "I realized that halfway down."

"Ah, shoot," Nick said.

"Enough with the praying crap," Jagger spit out.

"You can't actually say praying and crap in the same sentence," Darcy admonished.

Jagger only shook his head.

"We'll pray hard tomorrow," Nick said, softly kissing Darcy's cheek, close to her soot-free mouth.

"And kiss a lot tonight," she whispered in his ear.

Nick's day and night suddenly looked a lot better.

Captain Hendry flew them to a beautiful volcanic lake next, Laguna del Tigre, where they swam and floated, washing off the volcanic dust. Nick helped Darcy swim, and they worked on floating on her back and some basic swim strokes. It was fun just being with her. After the swim, the good captain produced towels and clean clothes for them. They changed into the dry clothes, but they still weren't very clean. Nick thought it was impressive that Darcy didn't say anything about not having makeup on or being able to wash her hair. Some of his sisters would've hated that.

They flew to the city of Leon, a historic city with plenty of cathedrals, art, and monuments. They toured the city, eating a delicious traditional Nicaraguan meal with chicken, fried plantains, rice, pinto beans, and cabbage salad. It was reminiscent of a lot of Caribbean countries Nick had visited.

Being with Darcy as they explored was exciting. He pushed away future worries, held her hand, and teased with her, Jagger, and Hays. Captain Hendry was a much more serious but informative tour guide.

Nick only wished the time would slow down. Soon he'd have to face the real world and some serious decisions.

When they got back to the yacht, Captain Hendry excused himself and within minutes, the yacht was moving at a faster speed than they'd previously gone.

They all showered and got dressed for dinner. Nick dressed in a short-sleeved button-down white shirt and gray slacks. He hurried to knock on Darcy's door. Moments later, it opened. He blinked and swayed, putting his hand to his heart like a sappy, lovesick boy.

If he'd thought the white traditional Spanish dress last night had been gorgeous on her, the pale blue silky formal blew his mind. It had a V-neck, no sleeves, and fell to the floor, highlighting her slim body. The color made her tanned skin and dark hair look even more pretty.

"Oh, my," he breathed out. "How do I convey to you that you're even more exquisite and breathtaking than last night?"

"Nick!" She pushed a hand through the air at him, her cheeks turning a becoming pink and her lips curving into a smile. He would appreciate those lips dancing with his. Soon.

"I shouldn't have gotten the door," she said. "I still have to curl my hair and put on some makeup."

He looked over her dark hair and beautiful face. "I can't imagine you could be any more beautiful."

"Okay, stop it. I seriously am going to cry if you keep that up." She fanned her face.

"Don't cry," he begged.

She laughed. "I'm teasing. Sort of. Give me a minute?"

"Take all the time you need."

She smiled and shut the door in his face.

He waited against the opposite wall. When the door opened, he stared as a vision sauntered out.

Hurrying to her, he couldn't even form the words. He gently framed her shoulders with his palms, relishing the touch of her warm flesh. "Oh, Darcy," he murmured.

Then he bent and kissed her. The kiss filled him with purpose and made him feel like he was home even though he was far away. Darcy's lips meshing with his was more exhilarating than jumping out of an airplane.

"All right, all right." Jagger interrupted their kiss. "I'm hungry. You two can kiss later. How was the hot tub last night?"

Nick smiled down at Darcy. "We never got there."

She smiled back. "Who needs a hot tub when you have Nick's arms?"

"Whoa!" Jagger hooted as Hays laughed.

They all walked up to dinner together. Nick enjoyed dinner and the company. He didn't like thinking this was their last night together. They all had a good rapport, and he'd enjoyed this week. He glanced at Darcy. More than enjoyed. Had he found his soul mate? He groaned inside. How could she be his target's ex?

After dinner, they all walked upstairs to watch the sunset. Darcy was cuddled against his side, his arm around her. She leaned up and whispered, "Come chat in my room again?"

His pulse took off. "I would love to."

She tilted her head to the side.

"Just go," Jagger said. "Don't worry about the two bachelors who have to watch a different couple fall in love every week."

Hays and Darcy laughed, but Nick looked sharply at Jagger. "Did Aiden and Chalisa …"

"Pardon me. I'm not supposed to talk about other shows." Jagger held up his hands.

Nick nodded. He'd have some answers by tomorrow night. Even though he and Aiden had agreed not to discuss their shows with each other, they worked together and if Aiden was in love Nick would know about it soon. Their friend and pilot Paul would be on next week's show. He'd love for Paul to find somebody incredible. He'd be shocked if Aiden had really fallen in love. His idol was caring and charismatic and women went insane over him, but Aiden was more of a machine than flesh and blood.

"Goodnight," Hays said, nodding to them.

He and Jagger took off. Nick wondered what they did at night. Read books in their rooms alone? Watched shows? He'd had ops where he had to wait in a hotel room for days on end. He hated it. He liked to read, but only for an hour or so. He got tired of reading, watching shows, and playing games on his phone. He was an action type of guy.

Darcy smiled up at him. He would love to stay outside and kiss her in a more romantic setting, but he wanted to talk with her more and they couldn't do that with the cameras playing. So he opted for the kiss first.

Leaning down, he captured her lips and hauled her close. The kiss thrilled him and only made him long for more. He released her, took her hand, and they walked down the stairs.

How was he going to let her go tomorrow? What if he could get Aiden to assign him to watch over her? Could he claim he was flushing Trattori out? Probably not. From what she'd said, she wasn't in danger. He didn't even know if she had contact with her ex. Nick wouldn't use Darcy as a pawn or drag out information about Trattori. When he'd first met her, he'd thought he could do that, but not now. She trusted him.

They reached her room, and he held the door. Sinking onto the couch, he looked her over. "I love that dress on you. Is it comfortable, or do you want to change?"

"It's surprisingly comfortable," she said. "The material is so silky." She ran a hand down the material covering her leg, and he found he'd really like to touch that material too. He restrained himself. Last night, he'd been so close to kissing her for hours and not wanting to stop at kissing. He would never disrespect Darcy or his Savior like that.

She slid off her high heels, and he was fascinated by that simple movement. Then she turned and leaned into his side, curling her feet under her in the opposite direction. Nick instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and cuddled her into his side, chest, and abdomen. This was a better position for chatting—not quite as much temptation to kiss her.

Until she looked over her shoulder and her lips were soft and right there.

"I don't want to act like I doubt you," she said before he could kiss her, "but you've really never had a girlfriend?"

He smiled. "I had a couple girlfriends in high school, but then I went right into the military. I dated when I had leave, but nothing serious."

She nodded and relaxed against him, holding onto his hand. "What would you consider me?"

Here it was. How to explain when he didn't know how to proceed? "Darcy … I would love to date you very, very seriously."

She looked over her shoulder again, her blue eyes lit up.

"I told you there are some … issues with my work. When I resolve them, can I come see you and spend more time with you?"

"I would love that." She rested her head back against his shoulder.

They were quiet for a few beats. At least she knew how interested he was and there was a plan, but how long would it take him to take Trattori down and make certain she didn't get hurt or pulled into the mess? Trattori was squirrely. Everyone knew how dirty he was, but somehow the man stayed alive and out of prison, growing wealthier and more powerful every day.

Nick's grip on her tightened. He couldn't stand to wait years to see her again. He'd have to convince Aiden of her innocence and make some very quiet trips to visit her. Trips nobody knew about, especially other security companies, their Interpol contacts, and her ex.

What if Johnny had men watching her, trackers on her, or cameras at her centers? Nick wouldn't be surprised. He was surprised the man had let her go. Was he wrong to ask her questions about her marriage? It would be a very natural thing, seeing as he wanted to date her, but there were definite ulterior motives with his work. He didn't ever want to think he'd used her for information about his target. At the same time, he could prove her innocence and that would help her. Even if she never knew about it. He groaned inside.

"Have you had a lot of … serious relationships?" he asked.

"Just Johnny." Her voice was quiet.

Nick felt like he was walking a tightrope. He wanted to be careful and not ask anything that would seem like a breach of trust down the road. He stayed silent, not sure what to say.

"You don't want to hear about my pathetic experiences with men," she murmured.

"I do," he admitted. "But only if you want to share."

She took a deep breath. "I told you how my dad left me with my grandpa, my mom's dad, after she died giving birth to me. My dad disappeared. I've never met him."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. My grandpa was the best, and he loved me and took good care of me, but his wife didn't like me very much. He died of a heart attack when I was eight. Mrs. Peterson, my step-grandmother, was never mean to me, just very cold and distant. I had food and a house, but that was all. She rarely spoke to me and never hugged me or took any interest in what I was doing. From the time I was twelve, I worked for anything extra like clothes or a treat or school activities."

"Twelve?" He didn't like Mrs. Peterson very much.

"I mowed a lot of lawns, and I was an incredible babysitter. I've always loved babies and children. Then when I was sixteen, I was able to get a job at a local daycare after school. On the weekends, I worked at a local hamburger shop or babysat. I liked to work, and it got me out of the house. I saved for college and was able to get a scholarship. Again, I had to work to pay for rent, food, utilities, and books, but I loved college. I worked in the preschool and as a janitor at nights. I graduated in early childhood development. All I wanted was to be a mom."

His heart twisted for her. She'd worked so hard, only wanted to be a mom, and she'd lost her baby. But his impressive Darcy had kept working and started homes for babies and toddlers.

His Darcy? He hoped so. Someday.

He stayed silent and hoped she'd keep talking. She did.

"I met Johnny my last semester of college," she said quietly, clinging to his hands around her waist. "He charmed me quickly, and honestly I was caught up in visions of finally having a family to call my own. He has a huge Italian family. They welcomed me in, and I loved that." She was silent for a few beats, then she said, "We moved to California and into our house on Torrey Pines shortly after our wedding." She sighed. "That's when it started unraveling. We didn't see his family much, and they had been part of the reason I married Johnny. He worked and traveled a lot and wasn't charming or sweet with me anymore. He also wouldn't let me work. I hated that. I volunteered at the nearby church's preschool when he wasn't around."

Silence ticked as Nick held her and wondered how she couldn't see that Johnny was into something illegal. He believed she was innocent. He didn't like that this conversation where Darcy was opening up to him was tainted by the filth of Johnny Trattori and Nick's own worries.

"When I was pregnant with Avalyn," she continued, "I hoped that would bring us together, and I was thrilled that I would be a mom. But Johnny was gone more than ever. He hated my pregnant body."

"Excuse me?" Nick broke his silence, outrage filling him.

"He liked me thin," she said quietly. "But he was always after me to get … enhancements."

"Darcy." Nick groaned out her name and pressed a kiss to her temple. "You have an absolutely incredible shape and no need of any kind of enhancements. The thought of how beautiful you would be expecting a baby …" He broke off. That wasn't a safe space for him to imagine, but he suddenly realized he longed for that. Darcy expecting their baby. "Your husband was an idiot."

"I know," she said, but she sniffled.

"He's still hurting you."

"No. I'm definitely over Johnny. Our dating and engagement was all sparkle and shine and then he detached himself quickly after we got married. Any love I had for him slowly died and was eradicated when he cheated on me. The only thing that still hurts is thinking about Avalyn."

"I bet."

He held her and they sat quietly for a while.

He was surprised when she continued, "When I lost Avalyn, I was a mess. Johnny was irritated at me not getting ready for the day and being depressed. Then the husband of the woman he was cheating with exposed the two of them with video cameras in their bedroom. It was … disgusting and went viral."

Nick knew all about that. He knew far too much about Trattori and his long string of mistresses. The man was revolting.

"What a loser. I'm sorry."

"Thanks. I felt like the loser when I realized how na?ve I'd been."

His neck tingled. So she did know Trattori had been hiding more from her?

"I'm sure Johnny cheated on me our entire marriage," she said. "He was always at ‘work' or on a ‘business trip.' I could tell he was hiding something, but he'd never give me a straight answer. Why did I put up with that?"

Nick had no answer, and he realized she'd meant na?ve about the affairs, not the illegal activities her husband had flourished at. "You were longing for a family and Johnny offered you that when you were engaged. It was probably hard to let go of what you'd always wanted."

"You're right." She paused and then said, "So long story short, Johnny's lawyer told him to offer me a settlement and not go through a lengthy divorce. The affair couldn't be disputed, I had no income, and if it went to court, he'd have to show all his income and that would've been a lot of work with his successful business."

Nick's brows rose. Trattori wouldn't have wanted anybody looking into his income sources for his ‘successful business.'

"It was a generous settlement. Unfortunately, I listened to a financial consultant, liquidated the mansion and put most of my money in long-term investments. I get dividends, but not enough to do all I want for my kiddos."

"That's why you packed up and drove across the border." He referred to her story from a couple nights ago. He'd heard a lot of speculation that she'd been running drugs or weapons with her innocent beauty for Trattori, but of course his Darcy would never do that. She'd legitimately set out to find her purpose in life. "You wanted to make a new life and help little ones."

"Yes." She glanced back at him and nodded, her face shining with light. "It's been healing and exactly what I should be doing. I love my kiddos and they love me."

How could she and Nick be together? Even if there was no Johnny, they had very different lifestyles.

At least he could lay his doubt to rest about her being involved in Johnny's business. Unless she was the most accomplished liar of the century. Na?ve, trusting, controlled, or manipulated. Either way, Darcy was as pure as he'd hoped.

"Does Tra … Johnny bother you?" he asked. She'd called him ‘Johnny,' not Trattori' like Nick always referred to the slime ball.

She didn't seem to notice his slip, and he hoped his question couldn't be construed as him trying to get info about Trattori. For him, it was all about her being safe from the loser.

"He's been texting me a lot more lately."

"Oh."

His voice must've sounded bad because she pivoted in his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gazed up at him with those deep-blue eyes that he'd never get enough of.

"But don't worry. I would never go back to him," she said fiercely. Then she kissed him as fiercely as she'd said the words.

Nick lifted her closer and returned the kisses. Darcy was an innocent victim in Johnny Trattori's twisted world. Somehow, he'd take that jerk down and then he'd figure out a way to date and someday marry her. He had no way to accomplish such happiness right now, but he wouldn't give up hope.

Darcy out of his arms wasn't a world he wanted to be in any longer.