Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“Why is he so concerned that you have security around you at all times, Shabina?” Vienna persisted, trying to be gentle. “Should we be concerned for your safety?”
“I don’t think so. It’s been years. I think he’s just worried is all.”
Raine made a small sound of denial. “Those men in that particular cell had very connected families, Shabina. They live for feuds and Rainier knows that. Your father is very well known. It’s very easy to keep track of him. The moment you decided to strike out on your own had to be a nightmare for everyone who loves you.”
“And yet there’s never been a hint of retaliation against me,” Shabina pointed out.
“That’s true,” Raine said. “But you can’t blame Rainier for being worried.”
“I suppose not, but I wish he wouldn’t. He’s very intense, and it can be very difficult for someone like me to deal with,” Shabina admitted.
“They’ll be gone after the wedding,” Vienna said. “Speaking of gone, Raine, what is it Zale doesn’t want you to tell me?”
“I don’t know for sure.” Raine sounded reluctant to discuss the subject. “Believe me, Vienna, the moment I do know, I’ll tell you. I don’t like the way any of this is playing out. I could be way off base, and I hope I am. Until I know anything for certain, I’m not going to give misinformation and take a chance on hurting any of my friends or their relationships.”
“I think Zale and Rainier are hurting those relationships all by themselves by not telling us the truth,” Vienna said.
“If they’re given orders not to reveal certain details of a mission, they can’t,” Raine pointed out.
Vienna sighed. That was more or less exactly what Zale had said to her.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
As they always did, the women prepped breakfast together, Shabina and Zahra doing the actual cooking while the others set the table and squeezed oranges for orange juice. The men insisted they could eat on the deck but the women told them that was silly, they could all eat together.
Vienna knew Zale had talked with Rainier and persuaded him that they were there for Stella’s bridal shower and should be left alone as much as possible. She knew she should feel guilty, but she didn’t. It was the simple truth.
Fortunately, the talk swirled around hiking and climbing rather than anything controversial, so that made for a pleasant breakfast filled with laughter as they told stories of having to leap over snakes on the trail and finding a place to dig a hole to go to the bathroom, only to find another person ten feet away when they thought they had the entire forest to themselves.
Zale and Rainier contributed a couple of equally funny stories, laughing at themselves, and after breakfast, helped to clear the table. Shabina ordered Rainier away from the kitchen when it became clear he was limping and his wound was not cooperating. Both Harlow and Vienna insisted on looking at it.
Vienna was certain he would have ignored them, but Shabina put both fists on her hips and stared him down until he complied. The wound looked swollen and ugly, and they gave him another injection of antibiotics after a consultation with Raine.
“I could call the doctor here on the local staff and have him drop by just to be certain,” Raine offered.
“That’s not necessary,” Rainier protested.
“It isn’t if you don’t care if you lose your leg,” Vienna pointed out, not looking at him. “That might be a good idea, Raine, unless you have someone your people can send?” She turned fully to him and lifted an eyebrow.
“I am a doctor,” he reminded.
Vienna rolled her eyes. “Doctors are notoriously the worst patients, and they always misdiagnose themselves. Call for a doc and have him come by. We can say one of us cut ourselves while preparing food.”
“Shabina.” There was distinct amusement in Rainier’s voice.
It was the first time there was real humor that lit his face and eyes and made his eyes appear almost an icy blue.
Shabina feigned outrage. “Not Shabina. I would never cut myself chopping anything. You are deliberately insulting me, and if you keep it up, you will not be eating any of my delicious meals for however long you’re here. You’ll be sending for take-out pizza.”
Rainier actually shuddered. “Not pizza.” He held up both hands. “I surrender. Not you, Shabina. Someone else. Who is most likely to cut themselves in the kitchen?” He looked around at the women.
“That would be more Zahra’s department.” Stella threw her best friend under the bus.
Zahra lifted an eyebrow, looking bored. “I doubt it. Harlow was raised with the silver spoon. She was never in the kitchen.”
“That’s unfortunately the truth,” Harlow agreed. “Although, I am a nurse, so I don’t exactly hack myself up by slipping up when I’m wielding instruments.”
Zahra gave an exaggerated sigh. “Raine?”