Page 76 of Wicked Intention

As Finn’s arm tightened around her waist, Al said, “Relax, Zofia. Some men enjoy a whirlwind.” He shrugged—a gesture that clearly indicated he was done with the topic. “Where is the disk? My men have searched you and your belongings and found nothing.”

“Where is Tia Izel?” Zo countered. Finn squeezed her waist again, but this time it was in warning, not affection.

“Zo is worried about Izel Alvarez,” Finn stepped in before Al could respond. “You’re aware of how close they are.”

“It’s why I have Señora Alvarez as my houseguest. It was acertain way to bring Zofia here.” Al never took his eyes off of her. “Where is the Disk of the Gods? I want it.”

“Why?” Zo demanded, ignoring the almost painful grip Finn had at her waist.

Al came to his feet, and with his hands resting on the desk, he leaned forward. “My grandfather dedicated his life to locating that artifact. I want the disk,” he repeated slowly, his voice brooking no disobedience.

“Apologize, loquita,” Finn said. His voice was quiet, but in the deafening silence, it sounded as loud as a shout.

Swallowing hard, Zo said, “I’m sorry. I know how much the artifact meant to Señor Ramos.” She tried to stop there, but the rest escaped anyway. “He’d want it in a museum.”

“So he would,” Al said, but Zo couldn’t read him. “I’ll build a museum in his honor. When I have the disk.”

“I’ll give you the disk once Tia Izel is home safely with Tio Luis.”

Ramos shook his head. “That’s not the way it works. You will give me the disk, and once I’m satisfied it’s genuine, I will return Señora Alvarez to her home. Youdohave the disk, correct?” The implications of that question made it impossible for Zo to find her voice.

“She knows where it is,” Finn said, “but I need your assurance that you’ll release my woman as well as Señora Alvarez if she hands you the artifact.”

“You’re in no position to bargain, Señor Rowland, but I can assure you I have no desire to have either woman under my roof for longer than strictly necessary.” Al checked the time, pursed his lips, and then sat down behind his desk again. “My men will accompany Zofia to reclaim the disk. You will wait with me for her return, and we’ll proceed from there.”

“Zo won’t be able to find the disk without me. We both have different parts of the location memorized.”

Ramos frowned, but Zo didn’t think he looked surprised. “Then, the two of you will go, accompanied by my men, and Izel Alvarez and I will wait for your return.”

“Zo needs to get some sleep first. She’s in no condition—”

“No condition for the two of you to attempt an escape while you’re retrieving the disk,” Ramos interrupted.

“It’s unsafe for her to be out in the rainforest while she’s this tired.”

“We’ll caffeinate her, and she’ll be fine.” Ramos turned to one of his men. “Tell cook to brew a pot of coffee for Zofia.”

“But—” Finn tried.

“Señor Rowland, I’m done with this discussion. Zofia will rally her resources to do what’s necessary to keep Señora Alvarez safe, isn’t that right, Zofia?”

Chapter Thirty

Lima, Peru

23 Months Earlier

FINN TOWEL-DRIED his hair as he walked out of the bathroom. They’d recovered the tumi and handed it off to the Paladin League contact in Lima. Zo’s part of the mission was finished, and they’d be headed back to LA tomorrow. Thank God.

Archer hadn’t been exaggerating her need for a bodyguard. Zo wasn’t reckless, but she did take chances. A lot of them. The man’s comment about her valuing an artifact more than her own life wasn’t the load of bullshit Finn had believed it to be.

The lights were off in the suite, but the drapes were open, and there was a bright enough glow from the city that he easily made his way from the bedroom to the sitting room. He spotted Zo on the balcony, but he hesitated instead of joining her. Would she want him out there? They’d been arguing, and she might prefer to be alone.

Dropping the towel over the back of a chair at the dining table, he decided they needed to settle a few things. She looked over when he opened the slider to the balcony, but she didn’t say anything. The knot in his chest grew larger.

The two wicker chairs were close enough to share an ottoman, and Zo had taken the one on the left, her feet on the beige cushion. He took the other seat and propped his feet next to hers. Their skin brushed, but Zo didn’t move away from the contact.

He decided to try conversation. “For a non-profit, the Paladin League sure pays for some expensive rooms.”

---