Page 59 of Death

I need to get her some jewelry.

When the living room comes into view, Pedro stands up from where he is sitting on the couch. I still haven’t had a chance to introduce him to Ciara.

She moves partially behind me, her other hand gripping my bicep.

“This is Pedro,mi sol,” I say. “You will always be safe with him. I trust him with my life.”

Pedro comes closer, then he tilts his head and even leans down a little to make himself look smaller.

The corner of my mouth lifts because he’s being so considerate with Ciara.

“It’s nice to meet you officially, Ciara. I’m very happy to see you’re doing so much better.”

She presses even closer to me but at least whispers, “Hi, Pedro.”

I give my friend a thankful look, then he says, “Call me if you need anything.”

I nod, and as he heads toward the front door, I lead Ciara out onto the veranda. When we sit down, I have to let go of her hand.

I lean back in my chair and let out a tired sigh. Because we had to attack at night, I only slept an hour on the plane during the flight home.

“Where are the women you saved?” Ciara suddenly asks.

I turn my head and look at her. “At the hospital with Dr. Pires.”

She glances at the view of the village. “Will they be okay?”

“With time,” I murmur.

Ciara turns her head back to me, and her teeth tug at her bottom lip before she asks, “When will they come to stay here?”

I shake my head. “They won’t. I’ll arrange a cottage for them to live in.”

A light frown forms on her forehead, then she tilts her head and asks, “Will I live in a cottage?”

Again, I shake my head. My eyes imprison hers before I say, “You’ll stay with me in the villa.”

Her gaze lowers to my chest. “Why?”

Because you’re mine.

When I don’t answer her immediately, her eyes dart to my face again.

I search for the right words that won’t scare her, but I can’t come up with any, and instead murmur, “I’ll answer that question at a later stage.”

Her teeth tug at her bottom lip again as she stares at the hill.

Astrid comes out with a tray, holding a fruit platter and two glasses of juice. When she places the tray down on the table, she smiles at Ciara. “Is there anything else you would like? Maybe some tea?”

Ciara glances at the light breakfast. “Can I have coffee?”

“Definitely. How do you like it?” Astrid asks.

“Uhm…two sugars and cream, please.”

“I’ll bring it out in a minute,” my housekeeper replies before rushing back into the house.

The corner of Ciara’s mouth tugs up, and she actually begins to look excited.

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