Page 72 of Hostile Secret
“I have plans and I’m never late, that's all.”
“Okay,” she murmurs. “I have plans too. I’d like to take Daenis for a walk...” There’s a slight pause. “Am I allowed to leave Blackwater for a few hours?”
“No.” It rushes out of me before she can exhale. “I own the cove below the cliffs and a few miles either side of the manor. There are pathways and steps leading down to the beach and plenty of secluded trails to walk your dog.” And no way to escape.
She rolls her eyes and slips off the stool. “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at breakfast.”
Or maybe I’ll see you later.
21
INDIA
It’s been eight hours since I last saw Giovanni. During that time, I’d walked the paths around Blackwater’s grounds, doing my best to catch a glimpse of his real home.
It was impossible. Screening trees and a cliff face are natural defense barriers.
I’m not surprised he owns miles of land surrounding the Blackwater compound. He’s a dangerous cartel hitman after all, and privacy is paramount.
As I’d plowed through a sand-dusted beach below the rocky cliff, I recalled his tense response when I’d asked if anyone else lived with him. His jaw had clenched, and his pretty irises darkened.
There’s more to know, and I’m desperate for him to open up to me.
He never will, though. A dominating man like him doesn’t need to confide in a young girl like me.
Since returning indoors, I’ve tried to keep myself busy finishing off schoolwork and sorting out my bedroom. My stomach aches for some reason. Perhaps it's the anticipation of having breakfast with him in the morning or the intense buildup of knowing he’s going to be my first lover.
I realize how pathetic I’ve become when that stupid word passes through my mind.Lover.
Love has nothing to do with this. Giovanni is all about control, and I’ve become something else for him to contain in this coastal hideout.
After the sun had set, Daenis and I slipped downstairs to find the fire lit in the library. A few candles flicker on the dark stone mantelpiece and eerie shadows creep across the walls of old books.
This is the first time I've seen the fireplace come to life. I can’t help wondering if he’d asked the housekeeper to prepare it for me, or if he’d spent time in here himself.
Nevertheless, the woody aroma and friendly fire give this cold room a homey feel. Out of all the rooms I’m allowed to enter, I like this one the best.
I pad across a wide spreading floor cloth, skirting the couches and move to the crowded bookshelves. I’m in the mood for a gruesome tale of redemption tonight, having already finished a series of crime thrillers.
The atmosphere changes the further away I get from the heat. It makes the hairs on the back of my arms prickle, and then my heart starts thumping. I’m not alone.
I spin around, sensing eyes all over me. There’s only dark corners, ominous shadows, and heavy mahogany furniture. I squint, trying to focus, then notice Daenis’ tail is wagging.
A chill races down the length of my spine and I walk over to the couch where she’s sitting upright. Except her eyes are now trained behind me.
A trickle of fear tightens my chest and I inhale quickly before slowly rotating to face the books again.
“Giovanni,” I whisper, watching shadows pass over his bare chest as he quietly prowls closer. “You scared the shit out of me.”
He doesn’t speak, his intimidating presence stealing my breath. I start to back up, uncertainty making me nervous. Darkness kisses the coarse hairs on his jaw, making him appear wickedly sexy.
One hand settles on my throat to maneuver me against the shelves. My pulse goes haywire being this close to him again.
His mouth pauses before mine, the oxygen we both breathe becomes hot.
“What are you doing?” I say breathlessly.
He inhales with intentional control. “Reminding my beautiful little whore who she belongs to before school tomorrow.”
