Page 36 of Rowe

“Rowe, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” She tried to release his hand, but he refused to let it go.

“No. No, it’s fine. Tell me why you said that. Please.”

“Well, I-I don’t have a lot of experience with men but you rescued me, slept beside my bed while I was in the hospital, held my hand, kissed my forehead multiple times,” she said trying to continue.

“You knew that?” he blushed.

“Yes. And it was wonderful. Then you bring me to your home, don’t expect a thing from me, and when I’m most terrified, you slept beside me all night and didn’t touch me or try anything at all.”

“No offense but a man who tries something with a woman overcoming what you’ve been through, is a piece of shit.”

“I agree but you’d be surprised how many men take advantage of that. Plus, you didn’t blink when I told you I killed Rossi’s son. I shot him, Rowe. I did that.”

“Yes, you did. But it sounds to me like he deserved it. That’s why we’re helping you. None of us believe that Nico was going to be the picture of an amazing father, and I doubt very seriously if his father would be an ideal grandfather. That kid would have had a miserable life.”

“Even with all the money they have?” asked Mara.

“Money doesn’t buy love,” said Rowe. “I can’t say this for sure but in Rossi’s world daughters are often used as pawns. They marry them off to make alliances. She wouldn’t have been allowed to live her own life.”

“So. So, what happens now?” she asked hesitantly.

“We find Rossi and his men. We figure out how he thought he could own the docks for the stretch of the river from the gulf to Baton Rouge. And we stop him.”

“Okay. But what happens now with you and me?” she whispered. Rowe moved closer to her frail, tiny body and gently lifted her onto his lap.

“What do you want to happen, Mara?”

“I-I’m not sure. I mean, I know that I want to get to know you better.”

“Done,” he smiled.

“And I know that I want to stay here with you.”

“Done.”

“And I’d very much like for you to kiss me, not just on my forehead,” she said staring up at him.

Rowe gently cupped her face, leaning down and taking her lips. It was soft and passionate, tender and sweet. When Mara let a small moan escape her mouth, Rowe had to control the desire burning through his body. It wasn’t time. Not yet.

“Done,” he whispered as he pulled back.

“That was a very good kiss,” she said staring at his lips. “I’m not an expert but that might be one of the best kisses I’ve ever had.” Rowe laughed, pulling her tightly into his arms.

“We can practice all you want,” he smiled. “If you’d like, we can try to practice every hour.”

“Maybe every half hour,” she said with a shy smile. Rowe chuckled again and nodded.

“Done. What else?”

“I really want to get to know you, Rowe. Not just because you rescued me, not just because you’re strong and handsome. I want to get to know you because I know you’re the most special man who has ever entered my life. I don’t want you to leave it.”

“Honey, I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for the long haul if that’s what you want. We spend time together, get to know one another. But right now, you’re going to head to the cafeteria and have a big breakfast. We need to get some weight back on you.”

“I also have an appointment with Kennedy today,” she said looking at Rowe.

“Then I’ll take you.”

“Rowe? Can we ask them to come here? I’m afraid to go back to the clinic. What if those men return?”