Page 60 of Degrees of Power
“Chase, tell me what’s happening,” I say, sitting on the soft taupe leather sectional that is an exact replica of the one upstairs.
“Katarina, you know as much as I do right now. Something turned sideways, I need to talk to your dad, but you heard Jay. He’s under fire, Jay’s doing everything that he can to get him out of there.
“Chase, Jenny’s texting me. She said Brian’s making her go into the safe room with him.”
“It’s for their own protection. My father and Emily’s family have been moved, too. Jenny’s family will also be rounded up and protected,” he says, pushing a strand of hair out of my eyes.
“Why is it that you know this but Jay didn’t mention it?” I ask.
“Baby, it’s standard protocol. Our family and friends are on the list that I review with Jay routinely,” Chase says.
“Everything planned out in advance just in case shit happens. I am so thankful that you are the biggest fucking control freak in the universe,” I say, shaking my head.
“Baby, nothing is left to chance where you or our loved ones are concerned. I’ve told you that and I’m never going to apologize if that’s what you’re looking for,” he says, tilting my chin so my eyes meet his own.
“Chase, I’m not looking for an apology. I trust you with my life and that of my family,” I murmur, caught up in the tenseness of the moment.
He nods, but picks up the ringing phone and listens for a few moments to the person on the other end. “Dammit, make sure there’s a plan to infiltrate communications so we know what’s going on and get him home safe!” he says, before placing the phone into his pocket.
“What happened?”
“The helicopter crew turned back. Fortunately Jay anticipated that Alfreita may have a watch on your dad’s movements and had enough fire power in the air to disrupt their plan. Unfortunately, your family in Italy is involved. Your father will need to fill you in on all the details, but what you need to know from me is that if it comes down to Jay giving the order to take anyone out that harms Carlos and your family in Italy, he has my order to take care of Carlos. Jay’s certain he cut all communications to ensure his uncle’s family wouldn’t learn about his plan for Vegas.”
“Thank you,” I say, wrapping myself in the warmth of my own arms to ward off the bone chilling fear that has overtaken me and trying desperately to ward off the onset of tears that threaten.
He stands and picks me up. My arms instinctively wrap around his neck and I bury my face in the comfort of his shoulder, the clean scent of his skin calming me as my tears begin to flow. He presses the button on the keypad to the elevator that will lead us to our room and only places me down when we are in the bathroom. He begins to run the whirlpool.
“Undress, I want to see all of you, Katarina. Do it now,” he instructs. The commanding sound of his voice brings me out of my contemplation. I look up and the emotion is raw and concerned and I begin to shed my clothes, allowing them to drop to the floor around me.
“Good girl, now join me,” he says, taking my hand to support me as I step into the deep square whirlpool tub.
I sink into its depths and allow the jetting bubbles to begin relaxing me. “Katarina, I need to know what’s wrong,” he says, sliding in across from me taking my hands in his own underneath the water.
“I’m scared.”
“Tell me why,” he says, his eyes searching, reminding me of all we’ve been through around trust.
“Of everything happening, the timing, but mostly how I feel,” I say, finally, hating the questioning look reflected in his eyes.
“About Alfreita?”
“About Alfreita, my great uncle and the threats Ty is making to Jenny,” I say. The tears that I thought were under control begin to fall again.
“We need Alfreita out of our lives. The plan is coming together, Baby. Just hang in there with me a little bit longer,” he says, wiping a tear from my eye.
I trust you completely Chase, and know you will take care of us. I just wish it was over and I’m sorry I ever doubted the way you handled things in Miami. I’ve come to understand that everything you’ve done has been in the best interest of your family and that of the people involved and I couldn’t be more in love with you,” I say.
“Baby, please don’t give me credit where it’s not deserved,” he says, rubbing his thumb against my lower lip.
“Chase, freeing those men in Miami, after what they did, was pretty incredible. I know your heart better now. You always try to do the right thing whenever possible,” I say, swirling my hands in the warmth of the water.
“If it wasn’t for you, I may not have been such a good man this time,” he says, rubbing his thumb over my lips before gently grasping the nape of my neck before pulling me in for a kiss. His lips cover mine, his tongue exploring, enticing me and capturing my lips. “Katarina, I am not going to let anyone harm you or our children,” he says, lifting my chin. His eyes are deep green pools of emotion, gauging mine.
“You want children?” I say, sobbing, wishing I could stop the flood of tears but the dam has been opened and I can only attempt to wipe them as they fall.
He nods. “Baby, I want you and to have a family with you,” Chase says, rubbing his thumb across my lower lip.
“I know you will get us through this Chase, I’m just scared,” I say, wishing I could remove every bit of worry etched along the strong jawline and ease the tension I see on his handsome features.
