Page 72 of Death

Chapter 21

CIARA

Dressed in a pair of cream slacks and a matching sleeveless top that ties around my neck, I’m standing in front of a full-length mirror. I wanted to check my reflection, but instead, I’m staring down at the ring Santiago gave me.

I glance over my shoulder at the shut bedroom door before I quickly remove the necklace. Taking the ring off, I hesitate for a few seconds before I push it onto my ring finger.

When it fits snuggly, a lump forms in my throat.

It was really meant for me.

Not that I doubted Santiago.

Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door, startling me. I swing around and shove my hands behind my back.

The door opens, and Santiago steps in partially. “Ready?”

I nod. “Uhm. I’ll be out in a minute. I just want to use the bathroom.”

He stares at me for a moment, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Take your time.”

When he shuts the door, the air wooshes from my lungs, and I quickly try to pull the ring off, but it gets stuck at my knuckle. My eyes widen. “Oh crap! No. No. No.” I hurry to the bathroom and open the faucet. Squirting some of the liquid handwash into my palm, I rub it over the ring, and when it slides from my finger, I let out a breath of relief.

I rinse the soap off the ring and quickly dry it before putting it back on the gold chain, which I fasten around my neck again.

I wait a few seconds for my heartbeat to slow down before I leave the bedroom that feels like it belongs in a hotel. It’s not as warm and big as the one in the villa.

I find Santiago standing out on the patio, his hands tucked into the pockets of the black chinos he’s wearing. He’s paired it with a black long-sleeved shirt, the top three buttons are undone, and the sleeves rolled up.

I stop near one of the couches and stare at him, taking in the very attractive sight of his broad shoulders, trim waist, and firm butt. My abdomen clenches hard, and I slap my hand over the area where the intense sensation is.

Santiago’s made it abundantly clear he wants a romantic relationship with me.

Since we’ve met, I’ve been a mess, for lack of a better word, but he’s been there every step of the way. Without me having to say a word, he’s known exactly what I’ve needed.

Santiago glances over his shoulder, and seeing me, a smile spreads over his face. He walks to me, and placing his hands on either side of my neck, he presses a soft kiss to my cheek before murmuring, “You look absolutely ravishing,mi vida.”

The butterflies are back in my stomach, fluttering like crazy. I have to resist the urge to touch the spot where the kiss is making my skin tingle.

Everything about Nolan filled me with revulsion, but Santiago makes me feel treasured and…like I could actually have a normal life again.

Wanting to tell him in some way that I find him attractive, I say, “You look very handsome.”

“Yeah?” He lifts an eyebrow at me, then glances down at his clothes. “Do you like the black?”

“Yes.” My mouth tugs up into a smile, but I hate the blush creeping up my face. “I like it a lot.”

“Now I’ll have to change my whole wardrobe to black,” he teases.

“No.” I let out a chuckle. “You look good in any color.”

His features soften with a tender expression, and it has my heart beating faster. Holding his hand up between us, he asks, “Are you ready for dinner,mi pequeño sol?”

I place my palm in his and nod. I’m equal parts excited and scared. I haven’t been to a restaurant for over a year, and I hope I don’t have a panic attack.

Santiago pulls me toward the door but then stops and says, “Let’s scan your handprint quickly.” He keys in a code, and when the scanner is ready, he presses my palm against the black surface and waits until there’s a beeping sound. “All done.”

He pulls the front door shut behind us and places his hand on my lower back. “If you feel like going for a walk alone, it’s fine. You’ll see guards and security cameras everywhere. Just carry your phone with you, so you can call me in case you get lost.”

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