Gabriel felt his heart sink thinking of the pain Antonia was experiencing. He looked over at her sitting silently, lost in her thoughts again, on one of the Terminal’s first-class lounge sofas. All he wanted to do was pick her up in his arms and carry her away to somewhere safe where he could be alone with her and help her heal.
Three suitcases had been packed by the London team. Two were filled with clothes Gabriel had requested for them both. They were secretly taken on board with only the Captain’s knowledge and stored in a secure place in the cabin they were to inhabit for the duration of the trip.
The journalist was dressed in a navy suit with a silk blouse and a matching Prada bag. It reminded him of when he first saw her small figure running from the men sent to kill her in London. Despite being able to rough it in a refugee camp, the woman he was falling in love with, also liked to dress smartly. Her make-up set off the twinkle in those emerald eyes and the cherry red lipstick on her plump lips made him want to kiss her passionately. Her appearance was complemented by sexy, killer, navy heels with nude stockings that tapered her legs off to perfection and her silky blonde hair piled neatly on top of her head. Fastening his black suit jacket he walked towards her and held out his hand.
“It’s time to go,” he said softly.
She tried to smile at him but it was forced. Antonia took his hand and allowed him to help her up. He took her holdall from her and lifting her hand into his, he led her through security to board the ship. As they walked along the gangway to the ship’s entrance Gabriel raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, unable to help himself. He was enjoying the charade of being a honeymoon couple and genuinely proud to be seen with Antonia on his arm. She blushed, making him grin.
Gabriel made sure he kept hold of her hand conscious she needed to feel his presence and his protection at all times. They were led to the suite cabin they were to occupy by their own personal Butler. Once they were in the cabin and the door was shut, Gabriel greeted the man warmly and introduced him to Antonia as another UGD agent working undercover, one of many on the ship alongside the small military force hidden as passengers and crew.
The large prestigious suite was on two levels. Downstairs contained a large welcoming seating area and a dining table. The bedroom was on the second tier and surrounded by large circular windows overlooking the sea. The bed was huge and all Gabriel could think about when he saw it was picking Antonia up and throwing her on top of the silk sheets to make love to her after he had taken her to task for challenging him on the jet and putting her damn life in danger.
When left alone Gabriel couldn’t resist drawing her into his arms and away from the task of unpacking the clothes that had been chosen for her. She rested her head on his shoulder and gave a sigh.
“I wish this was all over,” she said quietly.
“I know. It will be soon. How are you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m okay. I promise I won’t give you cause for concern. I heard some of what the doctor was saying to you and I promise I will be careful. You can rely on me. I won’t break down,” she urged desperately, lifting her head to face him.
“Shh. Relax,” he whispered tucking his fingers beneath her chin. “I know how strong you are. Sometimes I think you are too strong for your own good. You seem to be keeping a lot of pain locked in that pretty head of yours. You can talk to me if you need to.”
“I know but I am not ready yet. I have to keep going and I am afraid if I start opening up, everything around me will collapse and I will lose my focus. When this is over I will go and see a counsellor. I promise.”
Malinov smiled.
“Good I will hold you to that.”
He leaned towards her and brushed her lips with a kiss. She opened her mouth and allowed him to probe deeper. Gabriel swept his hands around her face and drew her closer to him. The kiss became harder and more demanding. His hand slipped downwards and cupped her breast through the blouse. At first, she was more than happy for him to caress her intimately but then she suddenly pulled away from him.
She fastened her jacket.
“I’m sorry. I keep seeing him…”
Gabriel put his hands on his hips feeling remorseful at having pushed her again. Was Aalam always going to come between them? He nodded watching the tears of frustration gather in the corners of her eyes turning them glassy. To give her some space, he made his way back downstairs to check on the suitcase containing the weapons under lock and key in a cupboard in the dining area.
The ship sedately made its way through the Solent towards the English Channel and Antonia kept out of his way upstairs unpacking. He finished his check and noticed a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket on the table. Maybe having a drink would relax Antonia. He was about to carry the glasses and bottle upstairs to suggest it when she appeared on the stairs. She looked embarrassed after what had occurred between them. He dismissed it and boldly took hold of her hand. He led her out onto the large balcony.
“Come and look at the view,” he said. “It is a beautiful early summer’s evening and I always find watching the sea soothing. You stay here while I get you a drink.”
He opened the champagne and poured
