Kimber Chin

Read From The Beginning

Any remaining hope Carlos might have had was dashed once they returned to the lobby, Rayner luggage in tow. The Boss waited there, his scarred face as dark as a thundercloud. “About fuckin’ time.”

Carlos glanced at Marie. Her eyebrows arched but there was no other indication she heard the foul language.

“You came to see us off? How sweet.”

Mr. Rayner wasn’t the smartest man alive. No one taunted Carlos’ Boss.

“Fuck off, Rayner.” Mr. Santos touched the big knife he always had on him. “I’m flying back with you, Querida. Some venture capitalist with more money than brains wants me to open a fuckin’ store. Me, can you believe it? Like I have time for that shit.”

“So many throats to slit, so little time.”

“I could make time for yours, jackass.” The Boss made a slicing movement across his throat with his hand. “Carlos, wrap things up here and meet me at the airport. You’re coming with me.” He picked up the car seat and Mrs. Rayner’s carryon and swept out the door. The others followed.

Leaving Carlos alone with Marie. “The keys.” He dropped them on the counter, unwilling to chance touching her. She was not for him and if he touched her, he might forget that.

“You’re going with him?” Marie stared at him. She thought they’d have more time. “To America?”

“So I hear.” Carlos fiddled with his wallet, opening and closing it. “How much do we owe you?”

“American?” She knew they’d agreed on American dollars. She was delaying his leaving.

“Si.”

No extra words, no explanation, nothing. “Three hundred.” She watched as those big fingers fumbled with the bills. “When will you be back?”

“Tomorrow, next week, never.” He shrugged, tossing money in front of her. “We can’t be, Marie.”

He knew her name. Her spirits perked up. “You don’t desire me?” She pressed her breasts together the way she’d practiced in the mirror.

He gulped. His face reddened. “Go… I… go… Boss… waiting.”

But he’d be back, Marie watched him with satisfaction, because he was very much for her.

BTW… Carlos does return but not soon enough to protect Marie.
You can read more about Carlos and Marie in Flawless

• » Comments (5)

When In Rome looks like a fun (and a bit silly) romantic comedy.
Josh Duhamel is one of the stars.
Here he is with gorgeous wife Fergie
(I heard that they dated for years
because Josh only plans to marry once
and wanted to be absolutely certain)
in classic black and white.
Note the skinny tie.
Oh, and the way,
he deliberately made his ribbon of support pop.

Photo Taken By Capital M
(See Link For Copyright Information)

• » Comments (1)

Read From The Beginning

He was going to walk right by her again, the big fool. Marie glared at the man, Carlos she was told his name was, as he trailed the family. He didn’t look to his left or right, staring straight ahead, but she knew he saw her. He was the best bodyguard Mr. Santos had, she’d been told that too. He saw everything.

She waited for the family to pass. Mr. Rayner hovered over his wife and child, his expression a mixture of love, pride, and worry. One big hand stroked his wife’s back, the other cupped underneath the baby as though by touching them, he reassured himself they were safe.

As soon as they were out of range, Marie threw the pen. It wasn’t a toss. She threw it as hard as she could right at the bodyguard’s thick head.

Carlos’ hand snapped up to catch it, his reflexes impressively quick. His head didn’t turn. He didn’t pause. He slipped the pen into the breast pocket of his dress shirt and continued walking.

Foiled again. Marie wanted to stomp her feet and pull her hair. She felt like the bebe he accused her of being.

Carlos’ body followed the family. His heart stayed in the lobby with Marie. He patted the pen in his pocket, close to that rebellious organ. The pen would be secreted away to his room because she had touched it.

She had thrown it. At him. He grinned. She was so full of passion, so alive. When around her, he felt that way too. Some of the dreary fog draped over him since… since… lifted. He felt almost… hopeful.

Then Mrs. Rayner’s phone buzzed, her emergency line, and that hope vanished. The new mom’s white face paled even more. Big green eyes lifted to her husband. “Hagen, we have to leave immediately.”

“Damn it, Englebarn, we just got here.”

Her hand reached up to touch that ugly face. “It is a matter of life or death.”

They stared at each other. Mr. Rayner’s fists clenched and unclenched. Finally the husband sighed. “I know.” He kissed his wife’s hand.

Carlos shouldn’t feel envy for something he could never have. Knowing that didn’t make the feeling go away. His fingers wrapped around the pen.

Read Part 4 January 27th

• » Comments (2)