Untraceable

By Lindsay Delagair

The final book in the Untouchable trilogy winds through a tangled web of shattered lives, the pursuit of power, and the unfailing strength of love.
Annalisa knew from the beginning that she was falling in love with a dangerous man. But, she also knew that underneath that cold and empty hitman exterior, beat the heart of the man who would love her forever. Against insurmountable odds, Micah and Annalisa have finally reached a place in their lives where he can make a promise to her. It is a promise he never thought would have been possible at one time: He will never take another human life.
But when tragedy strikes, and their happiness is destroyed, Micah must decide if he should keep his promise, or should he pursue those responsible. Especially when he realizes it involves the most feared man in the U.S. mafia, a man who can make anyone...Untraceable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsay Delagair
• Release date: Jul 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476175645

Lindsay Delagair

Lindsay is a Florida native and lives with her husband and two daughters in a quiet log cabin on the central west coast. Her son is currently serving in the United States Army in Afghanistan. She is a network administrator for a local high school. Her novels include: Heart of the Diamond, Untouchable (book I), Unforgivable (book II), The Substitute (a novelette), and (coming soon)Kingdom Hill.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I reached in the darkness to feel for Micah’s arm, but it wasn’t there. I rolled to my back and let my hand slip across the smooth, cool sheet. He had been out of the bed for quite some time for the space he should have occupied to be so cold. Micah? I whispered, sitting up slowly. The muscle I’d pulled a few days earlier was tolerable, but I made sure to move carefully now. It was painful enough when I did it while trying to injure my best friend with a knee to his groin.

I smiled in the darkness, considering that poor Ryan tended to get beat up by the women in his life. The problem was that he made women so comfortable around him they felt no compulsion to restrain themselves. This could lead to him getting everything from slugged to goosed, from kissed to slapped. He was just so dog-gone touchable—well, that and because he was very good natured about it all.

I wiggled my toes into my bedroom slippers and then picked up my silk robe and wrapped it around my somewhat ill fitting baby doll nightwear. I really needed to go ahead and buy some maternity clothes. The baby seemed to expand my form with every passing day, and I couldn’t imagine what I would finally look like at nine months. My disturbed sleep had now disturbed the baby and I could feel him stretching inside me. That was another thing that increased with each passing day; the baby grew more and more active—it was the most unique sensation of my life, and I loved every push of the tiny hands, feet, knees, and elbows. I rubbed my tummy in response to the nudges and continued to search for my handsome husband.

I went downstairs to the kitchen, but he wasn’t there, then the dining room, the living room, and media room. Where could he be? I checked the garage and found, to my relief, his car was there. But where was he? It finally dawned on me where he might be if he was having a restless night. I strained to see across the shadowy pool deck. A dark, hulking form resided on one of the loungers. I took in a big sigh of relief—I didn’t like him disappearing, even if only to another room in the house.

My hand came to softly rest on his shoulder, but he never flinched. You know I can’t sleep if you aren’t in the bed, I whispered.

Sorry, he stated lower than my whisper.

I moved around the lounger to stand in front of him and lifted his heavy hands to rest under my open robe and top. As soon as his hands came in contact with my active flesh, he re-animated; life filled him and he was suddenly engrossed in the movement taking place within me.

He lifted my top and placed his hot cheek against my skin. Ah, little guy, he crooned. It’s way past your bedtime. I need to tuck your mommy in and help you both get some rest. He kissed my stomach slowly, over and over.

Why did you get up? I finally asked. I thought I was your sleeping pill, too.

Trust me, baby, you are, he said, rising from the lounger and wrapping me in his arms.

My cheek tucked against his chest as I listened to the beating of his heart. What’s wrong? You didn’t get up without reason; something is bothering you.

You need to go back to bed, he dodged. This baby is going to have his days and night so confused that—

Tell me what’s wrong, I begged. I won’t be able to go back to sleep if I know you’re upset.

I could tell he didn’t want to talk about it, but he knew I’d never give up until I got an answer from him that satisfied my insatiable appetite for knowing his thoughts.

Tomorrow is what’s wrong, baby. I—I don’t think I should go to church with you in the morning.

Why? We have a lot to be thankful for.

It’s not that I’m not thankful, but I—I don’t… It’s what I’ve been doing since, I… his voice had become thicker with each uttered word until the emotions strangled off the end of his sentence.

I placed my hands on either side of his cheeks, letting my thumbs gently wipe away the pain-filled tears that washed down his face. Micah, the day you went forward, if you meant it, all your sins were forgiven; that included the future. God knows everything about us, beginning to end.

Leese, do you remember the first time you invited me to church?

Of course I do. It was in French class, at the end of the period.

Do you remember what I said?

Yes, I even remember how you acted when I mentioned church, but you said it had been a long time since you’d been in church. I’m thinking now, given your—your, well, the way you were raised, it was probably a lie. Am I right?

No, it wasn’t a lie, baby. When I was very young, we attended a Catholic church. I was about seven when we stopped going. It was the one time in my life that I knew there was a force in this world bigger than all of us, including my dad, and that was unsettling to me. But what had been an eye-opening to the existence of God for me was simply business for my parents. There were several members of the family who attended and deals were often made in quiet whispers right there on church grounds.

What does this have to do with tomorrow?

I remember asking my mother once as I watched people going in and out of the confessional booths what were they doing. She explained they were confessing to the priest the bad things they had done. I asked her if I could go inside one, and she told me no—she said our family was different and someday I would understand.

I could picture Micah as a little boy wondering about the practice of unburdening his soul only to discover that in his world he would simply learn not to let whatever he did get anywhere near his soul or even his conscience for that matter. He learned to be an empty vessel—empty like the look that washed away his emotions when he had to kill someone. I wanted so badly to turn back the clock and return to that place and time. To take that little boy who was still fresh and beautiful aside and tell him how much God really, truly loved him. I wanted to shelter him from the hell that would mold him several years later into becoming a methodical, mechanical, and heartless killer. But God doesn’t give us an opportunity to move backward, only forward. That was when I realized if he hadn’t been trained into becoming the untouchable Micah Gavarreen, he and I would have never met. God has an unusual way of working out the most impossible feats in our lives.

I need to—

His voice broke me from my deep thoughts. Tell me what you need, I begged, wanting nothing more than to end the discomfort he felt.

I need to confess. Baby, I’ve been so bad since you’ve been out of my life. I’ve got to talk to someone about… his words choked again. I’ve never, and I mean never, cared about the people I’ve killed and now it’s eating inside me so hard that I literally feel sick.

That was when I noticed he had begun to tremble softly; I knew this was serious for him. He had a lifetime of hurt to deal with and it was assaulting him all at once.

I guess I need to talk with Pastor Anderson.

My heart skipped a beat. The Baptist Church wasn’t the Catholic Church, and confessing to murder wasn’t something that would be kept in confidence—at least I was pretty sure it wouldn’t.

How many people, Micah? How many since we were apart?

You don’t want to know.

This confession is going to have to be between us, baby, because I don’t think it’s a good idea to tell—

Twenty, he said and fell silent.

I swallowed, hard. I wasn’t prepared for the number. Eight months of separation and he had taken the lives of twenty people. I could envision Pastor Anderson’s face as Micah sits with him in the quiet church office and confesses to twenty murders since salvation. I was pretty certain law enforcement would be called.

But my husband needed a release from the pain he was experiencing. His former empty, sleeping conscience was now vividly waking to the fact that his whole life had been wrong and wicked, whereas before he simply saw it as his job. Remorse was a new concept for him, and I could only pray that I could help him deal with what he was going through.

I’m going to become your confessional.

But I don’t want you to know what I’ve done—it was hard enough just to tell you how many. He was becoming more emotional by the minute, You look at me differently from anyone who really knows me. You know me—and you love me anyway—that is just so unbelievable. Leese, I’m afraid if you get any closer to the real me, you’re going to want to run away—and you won’t need the kind of reasons D’Angelo gave you.

"No, Micah, no. It wouldn’t have mattered to me if he had shown me a file on every single person you’ve killed since the first one. He could have never torn me away from you with that knowledge. I love you, and that isn’t going to change. Please, baby, let me be the person you lean on. I want to be the one to help you, but avoiding church isn’t the solution."

I just feel like I’m drowning—literally drowning, like I can’t take a breath. It started the minute you told me you forgave me for what I’d done to you, and it hasn’t let up. My only lapse was when I killed D’Angelo, and I honesty still don’t feel any remorse over ending his miserable life. Micah gave a bitter laugh and turned away from me, You want to know what the hell of it is? Now I know I should feel remorse over even a bastard like him. It’s starting to drive me a little crazy."

We’re going to talk with Pastor Anderson tomorrow, but we’re going to be very careful with what we tell him.

Leese, I can’t lie to him. That would be just as bad as—

No, I didn’t say lie. Whether Micah realized it or not, he had just taken a huge step. I knew Micah could lie more smoothly than most people can tell the truth. We just need to explain that you’re dealing with sin issues and ask what he thinks we should do to get you through this. I went up on my tip-toes to be equal in height with him and kissed him very gently. I’d like to go back to bed for a little while, but I need you. This baby is doing somersaults and I’m starting to get a little nauseous.

A smile finally broke across his face as he reapplied his hands to my stomach. The immediate warmth to my skin seemed to slow the baby’s actions. You have no idea how much I love you, Annalisa. And I don’t mean it just because of this baby, but he has got to be the second most incredible thing in my life, next to you.

Well, let’s get little Mister Incredible back to bed and hopefully he’ll be a good boy and settle down.

Micah scooped me up in his arms and started inside.

Baby, it’s a long way from the pool to our room. I can walk, you know. That pulled muscle makes me a little slow, but—

He ended my speech with a long kiss, I like carrying you.

But I’ve got to be heavy when you go up the stairs, Micah.

I’ve carried body armor and weapons that weighed more than you up the side of a mountain, but that’s a confession for another time, he said, nuzzling into my neck and continuing the walk.

It was time for me to shut up, wrap my arms around his beautiful neck, and simply enjoy the moment.

He placed me in our comfortable bed, but instead of allowing me to roll away from him, he had me roll toward him as he slid down and placed his cheek against my belly button. He began to hum a very deep base version of ‘Hush Little Baby.’ My little bundle became very still, and I could feel the vibrations on my skin as he literally hummed our son to sleep. I almost dozed off myself when I felt the tender kiss against my stomach and he quietly returned to face level. He kissed the tip of my nose, wrapped his arm over my shoulder, and told me goodnight.

When the sunlight came through the windows to shout its morning wakeup call, I was snuggled deep into his arms. I tucked my head down into the V created by him having one arm under me and one arm over me. It was almost dark enough to drift back to unconsciousness, but he inhaled and began to move. It didn’t matter anyway; I had to get up and go to the bathroom. I rolled to my side and slowly rose upright.

Potty run? Micah teased.

You know it, I laughed, but then I became serious, Are you going to be okay today? I mean about talking with Pastor Anderson?

I glanced over at him. He was lying on his back with one arm tucked behind his head and the other resting midway across is bare upper body. His face was serene, but thoughtful. His eyes closed slowly as if he was falling back to sleep. You know it’s a terrible thing, he began, to want so badly to get something off your chest, but at the same time not to let a soul on earth know what you’re going through.

Always, I began as I leaned over and placed a light kiss on his chest, know I am the soul who has to know what you’re going through. We are one person, so don’t keep me in the—

His eyes flew open, Ah, crap!

That wasn’t the response I expected, What?

Leese, you’re pregnant and I annulled the marriage in the end of August. We haven’t remarried and he’s gonna know we’ve been sleeping together.

I still consider myself as married to you. Other than the pain those papers caused me, I pretty much dismissed their validity to—

But they were valid.

So remarry me. I’ve thought of myself as a Gavarreen this whole time, but I do want to be sure our son has your last name and not—not Robert’s.

You’re going to walk the aisle pregnant? his eyes were huge as his eyebrows rose high.

No, I scoffed, we don’t need another ceremony. We’ll just re-apply for the marriage license and restate our vows at the courthouse.

We’ll re-apply tomorrow morning, but I want Pastor Anderson to renew our vows. And besides, I know if we did them at the courthouse a reporter would somehow end up in the mix.

I can’t believe it’s taken you this long to realize this, I giggled.

You mean you’ve been waiting for me to—

I’ve been waiting since the morning I woke up in your arms in California. I was starting to get a little worried you weren’t going to get around to this, and I was hoping I wouldn’t have to remind you just before the delivery room.

Why didn’t you say anything?

"Hey, you’re the one with the photographic memory. I just couldn’t believe that detail slipped your mind."

Micah frowned.

That was when I understood just how troubled his conscience was over his former job.

Church ended up being a big surprise for me. I hadn’t been back to my home church since D’Angelo sent me running. Everything about my life that the tabloids published had been lies, but apparently a lot of people read those things and put at least some stock in the stories. Our reception was strained and somewhat chilly as church members gave us some odd looks. Whispers were being shared all over the auditorium.

I seemed to be receiving the coldest shoulders, where as Micah was given more looks of sympathy than anything else. As I reviewed everything in my mind, I figured out it was because, from the tabloid’s point of view, everything was my fault. They said I ran away with another man days after my marriage, and that I’d had at least two lovers since I’d left Micah (which they said I bounced between trying to make up my mind). My pregnancy took the front page with three possible fathers, and now I was back here with the poor soul I ran away from in the first place. My reputation I once cared so very much about had been absolutely trashed so the tabloids could sell more magazines.

Mom, I could tell, was getting extremely annoyed over what should have been a homecoming of sorts, but was now more like gossip central. Micah held it together, but I could almost see the steam rising from him as he too considered I had been cast in a worse role than the proverbial Biblical prostitutes.

Pastor Anderson even looked a little confused, but happy nevertheless, to see us. As soon as he came to shake our hands, I had to ask him if he would have some time to speak with us privately.

Yes, of course. I usually go out for lunch right after the service, but I can wait for lunch if this is important.

Yes, it is, I said, sounding a little more desperate than I expected.

As soon as the services ended, we went into his office to wait for him to finish shaking hands and saying goodbye to other church members. Micah was about to come unglued by the time we entered the solitude of his office.

Leese, I can’t stand the way they look at you! I wanted so badly to stand up in the middle of the service and set them all straight. You don’t deserve this kind of treatment, he snapped as he paced the floor.

Micah, the truth always seems to find a way to come out at some point. It’s just that right now I happen to look like the bad guy. But, it’s okay.

No, it’s not! You are the most sacrificial, unselfish, caring person, and you should be recognized for that instead of shunned and shamed like you’re some hooker off the street.

I gave an unintentional laugh, I’m afraid a hooker off the street might get a better reception.

The door opened and Pastor Anderson entered the room. I couldn’t help but notice he seemed very uncomfortable.

You’ve got to let everyone know it’s nothing but lies that have been spread about Leese, Micah blurted to the Pastor as he turned to face us.

Micah! That’s not what we came here to discuss.

Well, I’m not going to discuss anything else until this is settled. Pastor Anderson, Leese has been faithful to me. She only left me because someone from the mob threatened my family and—

Micah, stop it! He was ready to spill everything without giving much thought to whether it was safe to say or not. "Please," I emphasized.

Micah, Pastor Anderson spoke up, trying to calm the situation, please have a seat. Take a couple breaths and let Leese decide if she wants to tackle the same subject you do.

I was surprised that Micah actually obeyed without resistance, but I could still see it in his eyes; he wasn’t going to calm completely until my reputation had been reestablished, at least with the pastor.

I reached over and gently gripped Micah’s hand, Although this isn’t what we originally wanted to see you about, I admit I was shocked by the way people treated me today. So, if you don’t mind this being longer than planned, can I catch you up on what happened between the two of us?

Now the delicate part began. Pastor Anderson knew it was rumored that Micah was a mafia member before we married, but we’d never came right out and confirmed it. He also had no idea what role Micah would have played in the mafia if the rumor were true. I couldn’t lie—I was so afraid if I even bent the truth, Micah might unravel, but a version, softened as much as possible, was ready to unfold.

I confirmed what Micah already blurted; someone from the mob didn’t approve of our marriage and threatened Micah’s family if I didn’t leave him (I just left out the fact why he wanted Micah back so badly). I explained that Ryan was my best friend and what looked bad at the time was simply him helping me escape. I explained there was never any truth to the rumor about having a relationship with Sadarius. But, it was the ending I was having the most trouble tying up.

Micah thought I left him for someone else, and I thought Micah hated me for leaving. We finally got together in California and—and reconciled. He learned the truth and so did I—we still loved each other.

And you are expecting and Micah is the father, and the only man you’ve had this kind of relationship with, correct?

He didn’t need to know the pregnancy happened months before the reconciliation. I wasn’t lying. The timing of the pregnancy hadn’t been questioned, so I was hoping Micah would remain silent.

Correct. Micah is the father and the only man I’ve had sex with.

So what happened to the man who was threatening Micah’s family?

Micah’s mouth opened, but I squeezed his hand with all the might I possessed and continued, He recently passed away. That’s why we can go out in public again without being worried something awful might happen.

Wow, I can understand why you’re so upset, Micah. I’ve always known Leese is a very special young lady, but I’m even more impressed. He turned to me and continued, Leese, I’ve married a lot of people, but I don’t know if I’d ever seen someone quite as in love as you obviously were with Micah, and then for you to set your heart’s desire aside to protect his family—well, that is very special.

I could hear Micah sigh as the slow smile spread across his face. As much as I once thought I cared about my reputation, it seemed Micah truly cared more.

I know what’s going around the church is bothering you, Micah. I’ll see what I can do to change their perception, but don’t expect it to vanish by next Sunday. It may take a little more time—unless I turn you into a Sunday Sermon, Leese.

No, that’s okay, Pastor. I think a gradual change would suit me just fine.

I could tell by the look on Micah’s face he liked the Sunday sermon idea better, but there was no way I would agree to that.

So, you said this wasn’t what you actually came to see me about; are we ready to tackle the next subject?

Micah leaned forward in his chair, his head seemed to lower and his face was troubled once again.

If it’s okay with Micah, I’d like to speak for him. At least for a little while and then he can take over when he’s ready.

Micah nodded.

"In the time we were apart, Micah returned to his way of life before salvation. He’s consumed with remorse for things he’s done and, although I explained that God doesn’t expect a perfect life, and that all his sins were forgiven, he can’t seem to forgive himself for what he’s done. He was raised Catholic, but—"

Confession, Micah spoke up, is something Leese thinks is unnecessary in the Baptist church.

I’m afraid you’re wrong, Leese, Pastor Anderson stated.

My heart jumped to double-time. Please don’t tell him to start confessing, I screamed inside my head. This could turn ugly very fast.

But, I’m not the person you confess to, Micah. Prayer is our direct link to confessing our sins before God. You don’t need a priest, pastor, or rabbi; you need time on your knees with God.

My sigh of relief was audible.

I don’t need to know what your sins are, but I do have to know that you are ready to turn away from them—whatever they are. You’ve got to make a conscious effort to avoid them at all costs.

I could see Micah’s head begin to wobble. I know he was wondering how he was going to avoid murder when his boss already told him he wasn’t released from the mob until he helped straighten out the mess he helped create. Some of the ‘straightening’ might involve a Glock and his particular brand of deadly accuracy.

"Let me put it this way: I don’t know what your sins were, whether it was drinking, drugs, sex, pornography—it doesn’t matter, you’ve got to show God that you are willing to make a change. If you don’t try, then perhaps coming forward was just lip-service without intent, but only you know that answer.

Here is an example I use a lot: Let’s say you’re an alcoholic and you were recently saved. You know it’s wrong for you to go back to drinking, but you decide to at least go back to the bars where your old friends hang out. No problem. You’re just going to have a coke. You say it isn’t the alcohol you miss, but it’s the friends and the night life. What’s going to happen if you put yourself back in that situation?

I would eventually start drinking like everyone else.

Right. If you know where your weaknesses lie, show you’re honestly trying to avoid them. Does that mean you will never slip? Will you suddenly be this perfect, superhuman without flaw? No. Sin will happen, and when it does ask God for forgiveness, but don’t come begging forgiveness if you plan to turn around and actively go back out and look for ways to find sin.

Micah nodded slowly.

Did you mean it when you came forward, Micah? Were you sincere? Did you really want to become a new creature?

Micah looked up with tear filled eyes, More than anything.

"Then there are a couple of things I want you to do. First, pray. Seek the only one who knows if you’re sincere in your remorse. Second, we haven’t baptized you yet and, even though it doesn’t wash away sins, it does signal that you’ve made an inward change. Many people feel like the baptism is the point where they really start over fresh and new. And last, make every effort to leave your old life in the past. Don’t drag it into your new life. Avoid it. You’ve got a beautiful reason sitting beside you to make this an honest effort at change—and I know she’ll support you the whole way."

Micah looked at me and squeezed my hand, and then his eyes went large, You’ve got to remarry us, he tossed out suddenly.

You divorced?

I annulled the marriage when she left me.

He glanced at my stomach and then back to Micah, Leese kept her vow to be faithful to you Micah, and, although I really don’t want to dig into whatever this sin is that’s bothering you, I have to ask if you kept your vow to her?

Yes, I did—she’s been the only one.

The pastor looked relieved.

Technically, our baby was conceived out of wedlock, but I could tell by his expression the commitment we made to each other weighed more.

I’ll be happy to do a vow renewal ceremony, if you want it. Legally, the marriage license is sufficient. You’ve stated your vows and you’ve kept them.

Yes, we want to renew. Could we do it right after the baptism? Micah asked.

Suddenly, I could see the real beauty in what he was asking—we would re-pledge ourselves right after Micah’s newness of life experience. I liked this idea—a lot.

When would you like to— the pastor began.

I would be ready today, but we need to reapply for a marriage license, Micah stated.

That’s a good thing, because I wouldn’t do it today. You need a little time to take care of your personal confession with God, before the baptism. What about next Sunday? We can do it at the end of the service. You can invite family, friends, anyone you’d like to witness this commitment to change.

Micah looked at me; I smiled. He squeezed my hand and tearfully said next Sunday would be perfect.

Wonderful. Is there anything else you two would like to discuss?

No, Micah stated, rising to shake the pastor’s hand, but we appreciate your help.

Micah was silent as we left the church. We told Mom we would call her as soon as we were done, and then meet at a restaurant for lunch. I had just taken my cell phone out of my purse when he spoke.

Leese, when you suggested this, I honestly didn’t think it would help, he began. I knew I was going to walk out of that building today and feel just as guilty as when I walked in, but—thank you. Baby—I can’t tell you how much… Well, lighter is the only word I can think of to describe what I’m feeling. I don’t know what I’m going to do about my boss, but at least I feel like I can really, truly see the end of my old life. He leaned over as we stopped in traffic and kissed my cheek, Je t'aime, mon ange, he whispered in my ear.

You know I really miss you speaking French to me. You do it so beautifully.

He smiled as he looked back toward traffic and began moving the car forward, The next time I make love to you, I’ll give you an all night French lesson.

Goosebumps covered my skin as I considered his promise, J'accepte.

Call your mom, he reminded me.

I’d been sitting there holding my phone, thinking about having Micah speak French to me as we made love, and Mom had been completely and totally forgotten. I couldn’t remove my intense smile as I finally began pushing buttons.

CHAPTER TWO

That afternoon, once we’d returned home from lunch, Micah surprised me by saying he was leaving for a little while.

Take me with you, was the first thing out of my mouth. I had some fears about him going off by himself that weren’t totally irrational—the last time he did this to me, D’Angelo met a sudden end, and Micah nearly met his as well. I was certain, after everything we’d discussed over the last two days, he wasn’t going to go kill someone, but I was afraid to turn loose of him.

No, I need some private time, he said softly.

But—

Prayer time, he added.

I’ll pray with you.

Not this time, baby. This is just between me and my Maker. He kissed me softly and then said he’d see me later, but not to worry if it was really late.

Not too late, I begged.

We’ll see, was all he said, and then he kissed me again and left.

It was ten when, to my relief, I heard the Corv

ette pull into the garage. I determined I was going to wait up for him, no matter how long it took, but I was exhausted and had been dozing as I lounged on the couch. I heard the door from the garage open and shut quietly. I listened for the faint sounds as he set the house alarm and then the sound of his footsteps as he headed for the staircase.

Hey, mister, I called gently as he raised his foot for the first riser.

He turned and peered into the dim living room.

I could see a large smile on his face as he moved toward me.

You shouldn’t have waited up, baby—but I’m glad you did. I had the most incredible afternoon and I was hoping you were awake so I could tell you about it.

I couldn’t believe the change in the tone of his voice. All the heaviness and sorrow, all the regret and pain had vanished and he honestly sounded happy. I hadn’t heard him sound this way since the few days we had together right after the wedding. I reached out and stroked his cheek as I rose from the couch. I’ve been nodding off for the last forty minutes or so, but I wouldn’t have been able to sleep without you. Do you want to talk down here or lie in bed and talk?

How about something completely different?

Like what? I asked with a little wrinkle to my forehead.

I don’t feel like being inside right now, but I know you’re tired. The apartment off the pool deck has French doors from the bedroom to the pool. How about we open the doors and lie in there for a while? You get to be in bed and I still get to be somewhat outdoors.

Sounds good to me, but you’ll need to turn off the main alarm or we’re going to wake up everyone when we go out the back.

Minutes later we were lying on a comfortable bed with a gentle breeze blowing into the room through the open doors.

I like this, I confessed, a little disappointed I hadn’t come up with the idea. Tell me about your afternoon—I can tell you enjoyed it.

He had taken off his shirt and was lying on his back with this hand under his head. My head was resting on the inside of his bicep as I rolled toward him with my leg draped over his leg. He was still wearing his big smile.

Come on, I coaxed, you’re grinning from ear to ear and I want to know why.

He turned his face toward me and kissed my forehead.

Where did you go? I begged. I had my suspicions he might have gone down to St. Bernard’s Monastery, but I would wait for him to tell me.

I never do anything without planning it out first, but I just got in my car and started driving. I probably looked like a nut because I started talking to God the minute I got behind the wheel and didn’t quit for almost two hours. But, when I did stop talking, I didn’t have a clue where I was at.

You were lost? I quipped. He had a navigation system in the car, but he evidently didn’t bother to turn it on.

Yeah—I was lost, but I ended up in the most beautiful place.

I smiled, Tell me about it.

I went up I-95 and cut over on highway 192 and somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I turned down a dirt road and ended up at a huge lake. It has massive, old oaks, and the lake is lined with cypress trees—I swear it was like I had driven all the way home to Louisiana.

Sounds beautiful.

It is—I want to take you there tomorrow. How about a picnic?

I kissed the inside of his arm and then tipped my face up to him, Romantic. But, do you know what sounds even better?

What? he whispered.

Your voice right now. You sound genuinely happy, Micah—and I love that sound more than anything else. I take it your prayer time really helped? He wasn’t answering me, but I could hear the sound of tiny bubbles being caught in his throat. I knew it well because I’d experienced it many times as emotions would tangle midway in my neck and block my ability to speak. I reached up and put my fingers against his struggling lips. You don’t need to talk, baby. It’s coming through loud and clear from your heart.

We spent a long time holding each other, and I was about to drift to sleep when he finally spoke. I want to go home this week. I’ve got business to take care of—and I’d like you with me.

That was a surprise. Those two parts of a sentence never came out of his mouth together. He never wanted me involved where his ‘business’ was concerned.

Of course I will. What are we going to be doing?

How about we call it a mortgage burning party?

My eyelids were heavy, but I still managed to lift my sleepy head toward him and give him a very puzzled look.

Go to sleep, Leese, he whispered, I’ll explain everything tomorrow.

I blinked long and slow, my eyelids feeling as if it took every muscle in my face to pull them back open. But the effort was in vain as his lips came softly to my eyes, forcing them closed as he tenderly kissed each lid and stroked my cheek. Sleep would be deep and relaxing tonight.

When morning came with unusual brightness, I woke with a little confusion as to where I was, but then I looked out at the light reflecting off the pool and remembered we were in the apartment. Micah’s eyes were open and he was giving me that unnerving solid stare.

What?

Are you ready to marry me again?

"I’d tell you I’d race you upstairs to see who can get ready the fastest, but I’m afraid, given my—pregnancy, I wouldn’t stand a

Reviews for Untraceable

[sharonhd-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I admit I have had trouble with this series but I had to finish the story and find out what the author had in mind for a conclusion. I am not sure if I am happy it is over, furious at some of the plot points or just frustrated by an unsatisfying read. This story was good enough to get me to invest the time in finishing all 3 books. This series is a solid 2.5/3.0 star read with glimpses of 4 and 5 star greatness. Those glimpses into great love, forgiveness, faith and trust are just enough to sustain your interest in an otherwise outrageous plot.

[saders18 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Promises can be kept if you try hard enough and change is always possible. This book make my heart break over and over for Micah, secretly fall in love with Jonathan, hate sharon with a passion, miss Ryan desperately, and wish that Micah and Leese could just get their happy ending. With things finally settled down and Leese pregnant with Micah's baby, things finally seem to be looking up, despite the fact that Micah isn't getting out of the Mafia as easily this time around. Leese is happy with Micah by her side and knowing Ryan is insanely and desperately in love but still always there for her. Things are almost perfect.. almost.. until the fatal car crash that takes the life of both Annalisa and her and Micah's unborn baby. Micah is heartbreaking and falling apart and can't accept that he's lose his love and his treasure.. until the phone call that informs him.. Annalisa was not the one in that car.. someone has her.. someone is holding her to control Micah and Micah is outraged. With Micah being black mailed to keep his wife and baby alive, he's finding that some promises he won't be able to keep.. and once he finds them and gets them back.. he's gonna have one angry wife when she finds out Ryan's been dragged into the Mafia as well. I found myself laughing and crying and being so unbelievable angry at times and falling in love with unexpected people. I LOVE THAT RYAN DELIVERED THEIR SWEET LITTLE BABY! It made is so much more special.