Why is he saying all this? Is he about to tell me that she doesn’t approve of Rain? I’m not sure how I’m going to handle that. Rain is the first woman I might actually have feelings for.
His eyes flash to mine and I see the recognition there. “She likes your woman.”
I feel my shoulders sag with relief.
“Elmira thinks she’s very smart. She could be a good partner for you. But do you trust her?”
I can’t help but chuckle. “It’s only been a few weeks, Aref.”
“And yet you’ve spent more time with her than you do with most women, right?”
I pause before answering. How the hell does he know? Has he had me followed? Before I have a chance to ask, he goes on. “What kind of woman do you think she is? Is she one of those . . .” He gestures absently toward the couch down below, where the women sat earlier. “ . . . who you buy with diamonds and houses, or is she a true partner, like Elmira?”
The mention of diamonds reminds me of the necklace I bought her, that I’ve tucked away for a later date. Because I’ve already assumed there will be a point in our relationship when I can give it to her without it feeling weird. “I honestly don’t know, Aref.”
That’s exactly why Rust has never settled down. He’s always said he doesn’t trust a woman not to sell him out for the right price. I’m the only one he trusts. He knows I’d never sell him out.
Would Rain balk at the very idea of dating a guy involved with a car theft ring? What would she say if she met Vlad? She already met Aref, and said she liked him, but those two are day and night. Would she want anything to do with a guy like me if she knew what I’m getting into? Does she have a right to know?
Leaning forward, Aref butts his cigar out in the ashtray, half of it left. “Fair enough.” He smiles. “One of the best things I ever did was marry Elmira.”
“Oh, man,” I say, chuckling. “I never took you for a romantic.”
“It’s not romance, it’s survival. You’ll learn. You fall in love with a woman and then she takes her clothes off for you and suddenly your tongue is flapping, revealing all your secrets. Marrying a woman keeps the courts out of your bedroom.”
And out of his bedroom, I assume he’s saying. He’s afraid I’m going to talk. “Duly noted. But I think I’m okay for now.” Aref is fully aware of our cabin arrangements tonight. He even made fun of me for it.
“You know I was only a few years older than you when we married? It didn’t take long for her to ply the truth out of me.” He shakes his head, chuckling. “Just be careful what you tell her. Rust says you’re new to this business. It can be overwhelming. Maybe it’s not a good time to get into a relationship.”
I’m searching for the right answer—the one where I say that there’s no way in hell I’m ditching Rain because Aref suggested it—when his long finger points to something behind me.
Red silk catches the corner of my eye as I turn.
“I forgot my toothpaste, of all things. I was hoping I could borrow yours.” Flashing a sheepish look toward Aref, Rain adds, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
He waves it away, as he waves everything away. Nothing seems to bother him. “I should retire. Elmira’s waiting for me.”
Rain’s eyes trail Aref down the steps as she makes her way to me. “I’m really sorry.”
Can I trust you? I pull her down onto my lap. The deck is empty except for a late-night staff member, clearing the last of the empty glasses, and of course the captain, in his control room. I wonder if he stays awake all night. “How are you feeling?”
She giggles. “Drunk? And exhausted.” She yawns.
“Right, toothpaste.” I can’t tell if that was an excuse to bring me downstairs or not. I’m hoping it is. Rain yelps as I lift her into my arms and carry her right back the way she came, setting her on her feet when we reach the steps. I do so while stealing a kiss, replaying Aref’s words yet again.
Everything about Rain so far does fit into my life. Her patience, her acceptance. She definitely enjoys having money. How long before she doesn’t want to live on her daddy’s dime? How long before she’s looking for someone else to provide for her? I assume that’s what she’ll expect at some point, seeing as she seems to be floating through life right now.
I trail after her down the steps, so preoccupied with all these thoughts and questions that I end up bumping into her when she stops.
“This is your room.” She points to a door, and then the one right across. “And this is mine.”
My eyes get caught in the dip of her dress, that dragonfly necklace nestled perfectly in between her breasts, her nipples pressing through the silk. Is that a reaction to me or the cool night air we just escaped?
I’m gawking at her when I hear, “Toothpaste?” She’s staring at me with a raised brow and an amused smirk.
“Right . . .” I stifle my groan as I head into my room—ransacked by those asshole Coast Guards—and come back with a tube. She’s already moved inside her room, half-barricading the door with her body, holding her toothbrush out to steal a strip.
Not inviting me in.
“Good night, Luke,” she says, lifting onto her toes to lay a light kiss on my lips. “See you in the morning.” The door shuts and, a moment later, I hear the interior latch.