Unbroken (Fighting for Gisele #3) (11 page)

“I was heartbroken at the time,” Micah said. “But the wound has since healed, although I will always remember her fondly.

“It was young love, sweet and innocent. I didn’t look for love again. I mean…I really didn’t think about it.” Micah’s eyes filled with emotion.

Gisele held her breath.

“But love
found me
.” Micah held her gaze. “I’m a very lucky man, because…I met you. And what I feel for you is beyond what I could have dreamed of, more than I’ve shared with
anyone
.”

Tears of joy filled Gisele’s eyes.

“I love you, honey…with all my heart.”

When Micah opened his arms, Gisele went around and slipped into his embrace. His soft lips touched hers, and the warmth of love radiated between them. His tender kiss conveyed the depth of his feeling, and Gisele’s heart soared.

“You rekindled the fire in my heart, and sparked passion I thought was lost to me,” Micah said. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Gisele said, her voice choked with tears. Then she put her arms around Micah’s neck, and he hugged her close.

The intimate moment and Micah’s confession of love had Gisele walking on air. They were already in the Venetian, so he took her on one of the gondolas. In many ways, Las Vegas was a romantic city, and holding hands during the ride was one of them.

The hotel’s ceiling was painted to look like a blue sky with white clouds, giving the impression of being outdoors. The Venetian’s aqua-blue canal flowed along a bank of restaurants and bars, weaving between the many shops.

There were plaster and brick bridges, lending to the Grand Canal’s authentic look. The soothing sound of the water and the lovely songs of the gondoliers made Gisele feel as though she was really in Italy.

Micah had his arm around her, and as they rounded a bend, he whispered in her ear, “I love you so much.”

Gisele leaned into him, very happy. She thought of the circumstances under which they’d met, and about how much her life had been turned upside down since then. But Micah was the bright spot in her otherwise disastrous affairs. And his vow of love meant so much to her.

Although Gisele had been in love with Micah for a while, maybe since the first time she’d seen him in the ring, she hadn’t dared admit it. She was attracted to everything about him, how he lived life on the edge, and did everything with such passion.

Gisele thought about how messed up her life was, and what was ahead of her. But Micah’s love made sense of it all. Gazing at the romantic view and holding Micah’s hand, all was right in her world. It would work out, because together they’d make sure it did.

After the boat ride, they enjoyed the shops for a while, just looking and playing around. Whatever they did was special, because they were in love. Gisele noticed that colors were more vivid, music more vibrant, and she was filled with constant joy.

Micah took her to the casino and gave her some pointers. They laughed together and goofed off. They didn’t need to do anything particular, as being in love was enough. Gisele spotted a guy who was cheating at blackjack, and discreetly pointed it out.

Micah laughed. “Maybe you could give
me
some pointers.”

Gisele smiled. “I wouldn’t want to put a dent in your ego.” It was all in fun, and it seemed the love that welled within them kept all threats away.

Early in the evening, they found a place for dinner. The Italian restaurant had old-world charm, ideal for a romantic meal. The wood-paneled walls, white tablecloths, and crystal glasses gave the atmosphere a quiet elegance. While waiting for the meals to be prepared, they shared a bottle of Chianti.

The low lighting cast an amber glow over the room, and made Micah look more handsome, if that was possible. They sipped wine and held hands, with a candle flickering at the top of its wine-bottle holder. “You really know how to
wow
a woman.”

Micah kissed her fingertips. “I do my best.”

It had only been a week since Gisele moved out of her brother’s complex. Yet that was a long time to wait to resolve the danger she faced.

Micah must have been thinking the same thing. “It’s been too quiet; not a peep from the mob factions.”

“It’s spooky, really.”

“It’s not as if they’ve forgotten you,” Micah said. “You can believe that your oppressors have been busy.” He sipped his wine. “What I’d like to know is…what they’ve been doing.”

Quietly, so no guests could overhear, Gisele said, “I did some online searching recently, and it appears that the blue diamond could be worth every bit my father said it was, maybe more.” She paused. “I have to get that diamond.”

“You won’t be alone.” Micah squeezed her hand. “When you go to recover it, I’ll be with you.”

Gisele considered that, and butterflies fought in her stomach, as she knew it would be no simple task.

“We’ll have to be clever,” Micah said, “and figure out what to do with the gem once you get it.”

Gisele looked into Micah’s deep brown eyes, nearly able to read his thoughts, then sighed. “We are in
so much
trouble.”

Chapter 11

That night Micah cherished Gisele during the intimate hours they spent together. He showed her how much he loved her, and Gisele responded with sensual passion that touched his heart. When they finally fell asleep, it was well past midnight.

Yet Micah didn’t sleep well; there was too much going on. It was fine to escape for a weekend and pretend that the world had forgotten about them. But that wasn’t so, and he knew it. Danger lurked and it was time to make the arrangements to retrieve the rest of Gisele’s inheritance.

Micah tossed and turned, unable to get the situation out of his mind. Falling into a peaceful sleep wasn’t possible. He dozed a bit, but woke up early. It was still dark in the room, and he looked over at Gisele sleeping next to him.

Micah wanted to go away with her, and not just to Zurich to retrieve the hot item that her father had willed to her. But he wished for the opportunity to go somewhere, away from all threats. More than anything, he needed to protect Gisele.

For the first time, Micah began to understand her longing for a normal life. No woman should have to live surrounded by such an unsavory lot as the Russian mob. And now it wasn’t just a matter of a peripheral connection; Gisele was the target of their greed.

In the dimly lit room, Micah watched Gisele sleep, glad that she could get some rest. She was so beautiful, and in every way he could think of, she was the woman for him. It had taken him a while to reach that conclusion, as Micah wasn’t experienced in love.

But day by day, Micah’s feelings for her had grown, and it wasn’t only a protective instinct. He’d thought that at first, but it was so much more. He loved how witty she was, the fun they had together, and her endearing sexuality.

That was it, really. Micah loved everything about her, and he was glad he’d told her so. He wanted her to know, and was happy that she’d reciprocated. “
I love you too
.” His heart warmed at the memory of her response.

Gisele meant so much to Micah, and he wasn’t about to let anything bad happen to her. The question was: how to prevent it? He would come up with something, and it would have to be soon. He reached out and fingered her hair, taking a few more minutes to adore her.

Then Micah got out of bed to shower, as quietly as possible. He didn’t want to wake Gisele, but staying in bed any longer was uncomfortable. He needed to be up and doing something. When he finished dressing, he heard Gisele stir in the other room.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Micah said, walking over to the bed.

Gisele stretched and yawned. “How long did I sleep?”

“It’s still early. I just got a head start.” Micah leaned down to kiss her, lingering and wanting more.

Gisele touched his cheek. “I’ll get ready then we’ll go down to eat.”

While Gisele got dressed, Micah checked messages. There weren’t any important ones. He looked out the window, down on the city, thinking about the next few days. But no brilliant ideas on how to outsmart the mob came to him.

When Gisele came out, they went downstairs to the café. The table was on the terrace, with a view of the manicured gardens surrounding the pool. The waiter took their orders, and they gazed out at the serene water. The pool deck was lined with padded lounge chairs, as yet unoccupied. Vegas was known for its nightlife, so there weren’t too many early risers.

The coffee was served and Micah sipped his double espresso. He needed a jolt and figured that would do it. Gisele demurely tasted her cappuccino. “Mmm, this is good.”

Both of them were ignoring the business at hand. Then Gisele spoke. “I’m going back to the condo to get some of my clothes.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Gisele shook her head. “That won’t work; it would be like asking for a confrontation. My brother scarcely tolerates you. And remember that he hasn’t wised up yet. He believes what I’ve told him.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“If Alek had caught on, he’d have taken action. It’s not as though he’s afraid of me,” Gisele said. “I’m sure that he’s still in the dark.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“If you go with me, it will seem like I’m intentionally irritating him. That’s self-defeating.”

Micah frowned. “Why do you have to pick up your wardrobe now?”

“I don’t, but it’s been too quiet. I want to see what my brother is up to. And if I drop by, I might get a clue,” Gisele said. “We need to know before we make our plans. I think it will help, anyway.”

“I’m prepared to book our flights to Zurich. We’ve waited long enough.”

“You’re right.” Gisele put her cup down. “Just let me scope things out today, then we’ll proceed. It’s best to be cautious.”

“Then let me send Zeke with you. You could use a bodyguard.”

Gisele shook her head. “I can’t seem desperate, as that would be a red flag.” She rolled her shoulder. “And they wouldn’t let him inside the complex, anyway.”

“I’ll have him wait out front.” Micah leaned back in his chair. “He can park away from the entrance, out of range of the cameras.”

“Hmm, that might work.”

Micah didn’t need more encouragement, so he texted Zeke. “He’ll be around shortly to escort you.”

Gisele didn’t argue, which was a bit uncharacteristic of her, but these were strange times.

“I’ll ride with Zeke.”

“There’s no need for that,” Gisele said, definitively. “I’m meeting Abby for coffee right after. My agent has some commercial properties for me to look at. I need a location for my Pilates studio, and Abby has the day off so she’s going with me.”

Micah furrowed his brow.

“Girl time, you know.” Gisele smiled at him. “I’ll be fine, and you’ll have Zeke tagging along, just in case.”

“I still don’t like it.”

“I know my brother, and I assure you that he won’t physically harm me,” Gisele said. “But we need some clue about what my family is doing, or whether they are going to let this matter drop.”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

“Yes, I know that’s an empty hope. When the mob smells money, they go after it like a bunch of mongrel dogs after a discarded bone.”

“What about Vik? He might be lurking.”

“He won’t go against my brother,” Gisele said. “And his father Lazar is in Chicago.” She paused. “This is a big city. Even the mob isn’t likely to grab a woman in broad daylight. I have friends; people would notice if I disappeared.”

“The mob will do what they have to.”

Gisele considered that. “When it comes to the Kovalenko family, Alek is on my side. As long as Yuri wants that diamond, then no other family is allied with us. Even though Vik works for my brother, it doesn’t make them friends.”

Micah wasn’t reassured.

“There are no
friends
in the mob,” Gisele said, “just allies or enemies.”

When Micah didn’t argue, Gisele continued, “I’ll be in and out. I’ll just see what I can find out, and I’ll be gone. Abby will be with me the rest of the day, then I’ll meet you for dinner.”

Micah’s phone vibrated, and he glanced at the screen. “Zeke is in the parking lot. I swear the man sleeps fully clothed. Wasn’t that just minutes ago that I texted him?”

Gisele laughed. “He’s a bodyguard; it probably goes with the territory. As soon as we’re finished with breakfast, you can walk me out.”

*****

Once Gisele left, Micah went to the room, changed into workout gear, and went to the fitness center for a light jog. The persistent headache he had from the knockout had abated. His symptoms were mild, and he was feeling much better.

Over the weekend, Micah had texted his coach with an update, letting him know he’d get back to training as soon as his hand quit hurting. The swelling was reduced, but certain motions still bothered him. He could work through discomfort, but it was important for the injury to fully heal.

Micah wanted to get back to training and fighting. His odds in the ring were better if he was in top shape, and that included the use of his punching fist. He needed to get back into the circuit, but knew Harlan wouldn’t allow it until he was injury free.

It wasn’t smart for Micah to get out of shape, so an easy workout was a good thing. Maybe he’d take a swim in the pool later. While he jogged on the treadmill, he thought of Gisele. She had his heart, and his love for her was the most real thing in his life.

Micah wasn’t a man to get tied down, but he had no intention of running from his feelings. Gisele was wild in her own way, so maybe they could work something out. He had begun to think long term, and rather liked it. Once they got beyond the current danger, they could make plans.

It made him nervous that Gisele was at her brother’s complex. She’d convinced Micah that he wouldn’t harm her, and he believed it. Yet not for the reasons she gave. The mob wasn’t shy about taking a life, no matter who knew about it.

There was a better reason for them to avoid hurting Gisele. And it was one that was more in keeping with their criminal mindset. The mob and Yuri, in particular, wanted the valuable diamond that they assumed she possessed.

As long as Gisele was the only person who could lead them to the treasure, her life was safe. That was the only assurance Micah had that she could visit her brother with impunity. But that wouldn’t last. There was no doubt that her Russian father would find a way to force her to tell. So Micah had to make sure that Gisele obtained the diamond and escaped, before that happened.

After finishing his workout, Micah went for a swim, then attended to some business. Luke handled the money side of things, but fighting was Micah’s department. It wasn’t all about hopping in the ring to knock some guy out.

It was important to stay current on what was going on in the boxing world. The underground didn’t promote on the internet, but Micah could find out quite a bit of background on fighters. And Max Fromer was a guy he was especially interested in.

The workout that morning had fueled Micah’s appetite, and when Luke texted at noon, he went to meet him for lunch. They went to a pub that advertised Angus burgers, and settled into an upholstered booth. They placed their orders for burgers and fries, with beers.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of Abby lately,” Luke said.

“I thought so.” Micah took a gulp of beer. “You seem to be getting along with each other pretty well.”

“You could say that.” Luke dipped a fry in ketchup and stuffed it in his mouth. “What about you and Gisele?”

Micah looked at his friend. “I told her I love her.”

Luke widened his eyes. “You told her?”

“Yes, I did…and I mean it.” Micah chewed on a juicy bite of burger. “But we still have the matter of her inheritance to wrestle with.”

“What’s happening with that?”

“We have to retrieve the item, soon. But it won’t be hers without a fight.”

“That’s what you’re good at,” Luke said.

“I wish it was as simple as getting in the ring and beating the crap out of some guy.” Micah took another bite, talking as he chewed. “This is a lot more complicated.”

“What’s the next step?”

“Gisele is at her brother’s now, picking up some of her stuff. She’s hoping to learn something useful, but I don’t think Alek is going to reveal much.”

“Abby mentioned that they’re meeting later to check out some business locations.”

“Yes, but I expect Gisele to text as soon as she leaves the complex,” Micah said. “I need to know how it went.”

“She felt okay about walking into the lion’s den?”

“She’s convinced that it’s safe for now, but I’m not such an optimist,” Micah said. “I sent Zeke with her. Unfortunately, he can’t enter the inner sanctum, but he will be right outside. And he can watch out for her later.”

“And what about you?” Luke said. “Are you recovering from that bruising in the ring?”

Micah flexed his hand, testing his flexibility. The discomfort was minimal now. “I’m healing pretty fast.”

“I think that’s a requirement for a boxer.”

Micah laughed. “Yeah…its gotta be. There’s no way to enter the ring and come out unscathed.”

“When do you plan to be back in the ring?”

“That’s up to Harlan. He’s probably still ticked off that I fought with an injured hand.”

“And not just anyone….you got in the ring with Fromer, a dude who is a fucking monster,” Luke said. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“I do what I have to.”

“Well, the next gig, we need to win.” Luke grinned at him. “I’m not fond of losing.”

“I was just boosting up Fromer’s ego, so when I take him down it will be that much more crushing for him.”

Luke drained his beer. “Ah, I knew you had a strategy.”

After lunch, they hit a couple of the casinos to do some gambling, the ultimate stress reliever. It wasn’t the frivolous games he’d played when Gisele had accompanied him. This time Micah played for some serious cash. And he did pretty well, consistently walking away with more than he’d put in.

Several times, Micah felt eyes on him. But when he looked around, he didn’t spot anyone in particular that stood out. He had the eerie feeling that he was being watched. It could be the mob, using their scare tactics again. It would take more than that to get rid of Micah, but he was struck by a sobering thought.