Page 38 of Walking the Bird

Mashing the button several more times, she stood back as the tone announced an arriving elevator. A gasp left her throat when her eyes locked with Derek’s.

“Eleni?” Surprise turned to concern as Derek took in the disheveled state of the beauty he’d watched sun herself all afternoon. “Are you hurt?”

Sobs riddled her body as Derek checked her over. “Not physically, no,” she hiccupped, not caring how vulnerable she appeared.

“Let’s move this to somewhere more private, where we can speak freely.”

“I need to book a flight.”

He needed to find a way to stall her, find out if his dream had come true. “My office then, there is a computer there you can use to arrange travel.”

Alex pumpedhis arms as he chased the bastard across the beach, through a patch of mangroves and around one of the shacks beyond the border. When he disappeared behind the door of one of the boathouses, Alex smiled a Cheshire grin as the poor bastard was right where they wanted him.

Cade spearedhis fingers into the crown of his head, pulling at the roots as he tried to think of what to do.

“Bash are you available?” Shifting his eyes to Melinda, who had her radio to her mouth, Cade lowered his arms as he listened.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I need you to suspend all taxi service coming in or out of the resort.”

“What do I tell the guests?”

“Tell them there’s an issue with the gates and we’re waiting on a repairman.”

Shoving her radio into her back pocket, “Now that I’ve put my job in jeopardy, please tell me you know where Alex is?”

Unable to believe how incredibly witty Melinda was, Cade canted his head to side, “I do, follow me.”

Eleni began shiveringfrom the chill of the air conditioning as she stood waiting for Derek to unlock his office door. She mentally began to make a list of things not to forget, the pillbox on her nightstand going to the top of the list.

“Oh my god.”

“What’s wrong?” Derek questioned over his shoulder.

“My credit card is in my purse upstairs.”

“It’s okay, we have the card you used to check in on file.”

Relief washed over Eleni. She wanted to make a singular trip to her room, sign the divorce papers, and then catch a taxi to the airport.

“I’ll pull it up for you once we reach my office.” Derek assured as he pulled the metal door open, motioning for Eleni to enter the dark space.

“Thank you, Derek, you’ve been so kind to me. How can I ever repay you?”

Derek closed the door behind them, placing his thumb on the keypad to lock the door. “It is I who should thank you, Beautiful Eleni. Your presence here brings me such joy.”

Eleni felt uneasy hearing those words from a man who wasn’t her husband but remained silent as she followed Derek down a flight of stairs, into what she assumed was his office.

“You can have a seat there.” Pointing to the sofa sitting against the wall, Derek rounded the wooden desk, sliding fluidly into the executive chair.

Eleni followed Derek’s directions, tucking her dress under her legs, grateful the temperature inside the office was much warmer than the hall. Scanning the room, her gaze landed on a series of photos on the credenza. Not wanting to appear nosy, Eleni dropped her gaze to Derek.

“Can I get you something to drink? A glass of something to calm your nerves, perhaps?”

“No, I’m fine, really.” Eleni lied, knowing there wasn't anything strong enough in the world to take away the pain of a shattered heart.

“Alright, then.” Tenting his hands under his chin, leveling Eleni with a gaze he hoped was friendly. “Tell me why I found you in such a panicked state and why you have to leave my resort?”

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