1 Prologue.

January 16th, 2016

Luke's POV

The time was 4:55 PM. I could see the sun set from the large glass windows. I tried my best to blend in with the crowd, I tried to look like I was waiting for someone who had just arrived. All around me, families held up signs, balloons, I should have brought flowers.

I cleared my throat and adjusted my cuffs before running a hand through my blond hair in an attempt to look presentable.

The radio in my ear crackled before a voice came on. "We have a positive identification. Subject has cleared customs, has retrived her baggage and is on the move. I repeat, Subject is on the move."

"Don't lose her, I want eyes on her from every angle."

I moved behind a large family, trying to conceal myself. It wouldn't do me any good to reveal myself before the time was right. I put my hands in my pocket and waited.

"Subject is wearing a red blouse and black pants, she has a scarf around her neck, a large black hat on her head and large sunglasses , covering her features. Subject is at your six and approaching..."

I wondered how she would look like in person, how she would feel like. It had been four years since I'd seen her, held her.

"Get ready...steady...Go!"

I fell in behind the lady who had walked past without noticing me. Her black heels clicked on the marble tiles as her curvy figure swayed, drawing eyes of men and women alike. She held a black birkin in her left hand and her suitcase in the other.

I sped up my pace so that I was almost walking besides her. I bent down and grabbed the suitcase. "Do you mind if I help you with this?"

She jerked the suitcase away from me instinctually and replied. "No, thank you."

She looked at me and paused. It took a few seconds for her to recognise me but when she did, her mouth stretched at the corners showing her white teeth in a bright smile.

"Luke!" She let the suitcase fall and threw her arms around me.

"Hi, princess." I pulled her in and squeezed, my face resting in the crook of her neck. "I've missed you so much." I said, taking in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the familiar scent.

I lifted her off the ground and spun her around, eliciting a little squeal. When I put her back on the ground, I took off her hat and sunglasses to really look at her. Honey topaz eyes stared into mine. She was certainly different, prettier in many ways than I could describe.

I held her at arm's length and my eyes wandered down, taking in every curve. She was no longer a little girl anymore.

She was accessing me the same way I was accessing her. I was about to make a witty remark when the radio crackled.

"Luke?"

"I've got her, round it boys."

Acts were dropped, disguises removed. Six men in black suits and dark sunglasses surrounded us in a circle. One bent down to pick up Ophelia's discarded suitcase.

"This way, princess." I slipped an arm around her waist and gestured with the other.

Outside the airport, three black Lexus RX SUVs pulled up. I walked Ophelia to the middle car where I held the door open for her to get in. I closed the door and walked to the other side where my own door was held open for me. I got in and the door shut. It didn't take long for the convoy to begin the journey. It would take 30 mins to get home but with the detours we took for extra precautions, it would take us an hour.

Ophelia was looking out the window, taking in the sites. I reached over and grabbed her hand. She turned to look at me and smiled.

"How did you know I was coming?" She asked.

"I know everything that happens within the Cartel, you know it's my job to do so. Even if someone sneezes right now, I'll know who and why. Did you really think your trip would escape my radar?" I tilted my head.

"It was Brandon, wasn't it? I swear, I'm going to cut his tongue out when I get back."

"Why didn't you take the jet?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise, now it's ruined!"

"No, it's not." I inched closer, turned her hand over and kissed her palm. "I'm pleasantly surprised."

"It's not the same thing."

"I know. But if it helps, your father doesn't know. You can still surprise him." I reached for her bun and took out the ties that held it in place. Then I unraveled it and let it fall.

"Why do you derive joy in messing up my hair?" She shook it out, letting it fall around her shoulders." It was longer now, it must be all the way to her backside.

"You know I like it this way."

She yawned, putting one hand over her mouth. She placed her head on my shoulder.

"It's good to be back home."

I stiffened.

If she only knew. This was a bad time to come back home, a really bad time but I couldn't tell her that, it wasn't my place and I didn't want to spoil the mood.

I placed my arm around her.

"It's good to have you back, princess."

-----------------------------------------------------------

It was a few minutes to 6PM when we got to the mansion. The convoy parked out front. I got out and went around to help Ophelia out the car just in time to see Antonio come out the front door.

His daughter rushed up to him as fast as she could in her heels and put her arms around him.

His arms remained at his side as he was shocked to see her. Today of all days.

He turned to look at me leaning on one of the convoy cars and gave me a dirty look, like I was the one who had ochestrated her trip back home.

I crossed my arms and returned the look with one of my own. He had no other choice but to tell her now instead of dropping the bomb on her when she would least expect it and wouldn't be able to dissuade him.

Nonetheless, It would be news she wouldn't be pleased to hear.