Dark Ties (Made Men 9)

“Why did you rent it for the bedroom? It’s only a four-hour flight.”

“I can’t tell you. It’ll spoil the surprise.”

“Can you tell me how long we’ll be in the air?”

“About twelve hours. When you need a nap, we can go to the bedroom.”

“Give me a hint, at least.”

“No. Read a book. I had Nadia send you a few.”

Opening her travel bag, she gazed at the new books Nadia had sent.

“Desmond… I think Nadia is still mad at you.”

“Why?”

Turning the iPad to show him, she started laughing at his expression as Desmond read the titles off.

“How to make your husband your submissive”, “Husband in Training”, “How to Pick out your new Dog.”

“We are not getting a puppy,” he said firmly, then gave her slumberous gaze. “But anytime you want to try make me your submissive, you’re certainly welcome to try.”

“That’s okay.” Keeping a straight face, she shut the iPad. “Books aren’t the best teachers. I prefer finding an experienced teacher.”

Desmond’s face went jealous. “Like whom?”

“Nadia. She whipped Dante into shape, didn’t she?

* * *

Watching the wedding ceremony, Haley had to take the tissues Desmond had taken out of his trousers. Before landing, Desmond had her go into the bedroom to get changed into a dress he had pre-arranged with Nadia to send. The flowy, sage-green chiffon dress had an asymmetrical hem that was lightweight and cooling in the light breeze.

He had waited until they had stepped off the boat before telling her they were on Sherguevil Island.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“Wait and see.”

When they had driven past the hotel, her curiosity had deepened. Reaching the beach, she saw a speedboat waiting for them.

“What if I get seasick?”

“It’s only a short ride, and I’ll go slow so the boat won’t crash over the waves. Come on, I don’t want us to be late.”

Getting on board, Haley lifted her face to the breeze, not sick in the least as they went to the next island. Taking her hand, Desmond had helped her onto the dock and, with minutes to spare, found a place for them to stand at the back of the crowd.

Looking around her, she had started to cry at the joy on the peoples’ faces as they waited for the arrival of a jet that the bride and groom got off, as well as other members of the bridal party.

“You brought them home.”

“I didn’t. You promised George you wouldn’t tell where you had gotten the information from. Gavin had several investigators searching for them. I just made certain one of his investigators was given the pertinent information.”

As they reached the dock, music started playing. Haley recognized the lyrics instantly when the children in the crowd began singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Using the tissues that Desmond gave her, Haley wiped the tears away.

Remaining at the back, they followed the couple and the islanders further into the island to climb a hill that led them to the breathtaking sight of a waterfall and lagoon.

As the ceremony for the couple began, Haley leaned in closer to Desmond to listen to every word. Afterward, Desmond and she both watched, spellbound, as the married couple jumped off the waterfall into the beauty of the lagoon beneath.

Joining in the cheering when the couple broke the surface and come up to kiss, Haley spared a glance to her husband to catch the sight of the expression on his face. Every fear and doubt she had about Desmond vanished. There was no way a man who had fought so hard for another couples’ happiness would do anything to jeopardize his own.

Puzzled, Haley was surprised when Desmond led her back down the hill instead of going to congratulate the couple.

Back on board the boat they had taken, Haley remained silent until they were in the room that Desmond had readied for them on Sherguevil Island.

“Do we need to stay the night?” she ventured to ask as she unpacked the small suitcase Desmond brought from the plane.

“Yes. I want to be cautious with you and the baby. Your doctor gave the go-ahead to fly, but he did suggest giving you a rest between flights. Besides, a friend I grew up with is here with his wife and family. I would like for you to meet them.”

“Then I want to stay. I was being ridiculous. Gabriel is still locked up in prison.”

“He will never see nightfall if he tries to come for me.”

The way Desmond said that statement sent a chill through her.

“You wouldn’t do anything, would you?”

His hands went to his pockets.

“There’s a long line of people wanting to get their hands on him. There wouldn’t be anything left by time he got to me.”

Desmond walked forward to take her arms to set her on the edge of the bed.

“There are things I’ve never told you about myself.”