"But don't you think that's dangerous. I mean, Gabriel has his own security detail and anything that seems suspicious might set him off", Rita said.
She didn't really like the idea but Rodrigo was right. If they wanted to get whoever is behind this, Gabriel was their first suspect.
"We don't need to announce what we're doing. We need to be subtle, we should leave no trace behind. I have some guys who can be of help".
For a minute, Rita looked at him. Sometimes, Rodrigo brought out different facets of his character. For the life of her, she couldn't understand how Rodrigo was associated with these people.
"No, no. It's not what you think, these guys were of help when my sister was still with that douchebag. They helped me track her down when she went missing for a while only to discover that she was with the kid in an hotel so yeah, I think I trust them", he said.
"I'm sorry, I just have some trust issues especially with people I don't know", she chuckled.
"That's perfectly understandable. I would be the same especially with someone I don't know so well".
"So, how do we begin, do we contact these guys first?", Rita asked.
"You don't worry about that. Let me deal with this, if I need anymore information from to you, I'll let you know", he smiled.
"Alright, thank you Rodrigo", she said.
He walked towards her, taking her in his arms. She relaxed on his chest as he stroked her hair.
"When are we leaving tomorrow?",he asked.
"As early as possible to beat down the traffic or we can simply take the helicopter", she said.
"I think I want to drive, with you by my side" he said.
*************************
The next day, Rita woke up to an arm cradling her waist. The memories of the previous night flashed through her mind. She didn't want Rodrigo to leave her and she insisted he stayed with her throughout the night.
"Good morning princess", he smiled, nuzzling her neck.
He wasn't wearing a shirt and the hairs on his chest tickled her back. His hair was tousled which made him look all the more handsome. Sometimes, Rita wondered if perhaps he wasn't some sort of Greek god who had somehow fallen from the sky.
"Good morning handsome, did you sleep well?",she asked, tickling his jaw.
"Do that one more time and I'll have you under me in no time", he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"In as much as i'd love you to do that, we need to start getting ready if we're going to drive", she laughed, rolling off the bed.
Rodrigo laughed, stretching fully on the bed. His well defined muscle flexed under the bright chandelier. Rita had a hard time keeping her eyes off him. For one moment, she desperately wished that he was Edmundo then she would have no worries marrying him the instant he asked.
"Fine, I'll go prepare but remember, you owe me a kiss", he said.
"I know but that would be after the opening", she smiled, pushing him towards his suite.
Soon she was left all alone as she prepared for the opening. She adorned a black satin dinner gown over cream colored pumps. Her hair was tied in a severe bun, accentuating her face. She looked absolutely stunning as she checked herself in the mirror.
An hour later, she walked out, hand in hand with Rodrigo. Nobody would suspect a thing as it was the customs to escort a lady out in this manner. When they were in the privacy of the car, Rodrigo grabbed her preparing to kiss her but Rita stopped him, placing her hands on his lips.
"No kissing or you'll get my lipstick smooshed", she laughed.
"Danm the lipstick. You can just apply another one", Rodrigo groaned.
"I didn't bring the tube. So, stay put lover boy", Rita smiled.
"Urhghh.. fine, just for this time", he smiled, pecking her cheeks.
They got to the venue of the event soon and Rodrigo was surprised to see a lot of people already seated. It made him feel self-conscious that he didn't belong to this class of people. After all, he was poor and no one knew his identity. He belonged to the lower class, a class that wasn't given any respect.
Sensing his change of mood, Rita gripped his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Don't look at them Rodrigo, look at me", she said.
"I really feel that I shouldn't be here. Look at them, I don't belong", he said.
"No, you have every right to be here. You're just like them even better do don't feel as if you don't belong because you certainly do. And as a side note, if anyone threatens you, we'll kick their butts together", Rita smiled.
Rodrigo gave her hands a gentle squeeze, silently thanking her for her support. Rita was the cynosure of all eyes as she walked with Rodrigo to the space reserved for her. Camera lights flashed, taking pictures of her.
For a minute, she was disturbed due to this but she shrugged it off. Edmundo could go to hell for all she cared. After all, he did worse and she never complained.
"How lovely to see you Rita", an elderly woman said, kissing her cheeks.
"Oh Francisca, how lovely to see you", Rita smiled, hugging the elderly woman.
Francisca McDonald's was the wife of the former US Vice President and an elder state man. She was popularly known as the iron lady due to her habit of not taking something less.
"It's been long, five, six years?",she laughed.
"Definitely long. Please meet my chaffeur and my body guard, Rodrigo", she said, dragging him towards her.
"A pleasure to meet you ma'am", he said, shaking her hands.
"Likewise", she smiled.
When she left, Rodrigo kept his distance from her. Even though the woman was warm to him, that didn't mean she liked him. These people could make as well as break him easily, he wouldn't be fooled.
"I'll be back, I need to use the restroom", Rita said.
Rodrigo nodded, looking around for any threats. He watched her leave but there was a nagging feeling within him that something horrible was about to take place.
He hated having that feeling and he could only hope that he's instincts were wrong.