Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(53)

“Me too.” As she watched him saunter away, the bodyguard trailing him, she realized how true that statement was.

She found herself looking forward to something for the first time in weeks.

***

Gray was going home tomorrow. Thank God.

He was in bed, flipping through channels on the wall-mounted TV, when Simon strode in, a serious expression on his face. Whatever he had to say, it wasn’t good. Gray sat up too fast and winced in pain. He had plenty more healing to do when he got out of here and had to move cautiously.

“Careful, partner.” Simon took a seat by the bed. “You could rip something.”

“Don’t stall. Did you find out where Anna went?”

Simon blew out a breath. “Yeah. A resort in Aruba.”

“So what’s with the face? You look like someone just died.”

“Someone might when you find out the rest.”

Dread seeped into his heart. “Lay it on me straight.”

“Joaquin Delacruz is in Aruba. He arrived at the resort two days after Anna got there.”

Anger burned inside him, but he kept it in check. Facts first. “Is he going after her because of me? Because I helped take down Manny?”

“I don’t know, man. What I do know is he’s getting awfully chummy with her, doing his best to get close. Real close.”

Anger swept into rage in a single heartbeat, and he shoved the covers off him. “If he touches her, I’m going to kill that motherf*cker.”

“What are you doing?” Simon asked in alarm. “You can’t go after him. You’ll either set back your recovery or you’ll really kill each other.”

“That’s a chance I’ll have to take.” Standing, he fought off a wave of sickness and pain. “Get me my damned pants.”

“No. The only place you’re going is home, and even then you’re on bed rest. There’s no way you’ll be cleared to fly, much less out of the country, and you know it.”

The truth seeped in slowly, and it was killing him. Easing back into the bed, he clenched his fists in the sheets. “When I’m out of here, I’m going to take care of Delacruz for good. The question is, are you with me? If not, stay the f*ck out of my way.”

Simon’s jaw clenched. After a pause, he stated, “When you’re healed, I’m in. Somebody has to watch your stupid back.”

“Good enough.” That would have to do. For now.

Joaquin f*cking Delacruz. Using Anna to get to Gray. To take their hatred to a whole new level.

Well, Gray would play the billionaire’s game. Just this one last time.

Joaquin, going legit? He didn’t believe that for a second. He was going to find the elusive proof he needed.

Then Gray would bury that son of a bitch alive.

***

Anna discarded the third outfit in disgust.

There had to be something in her wardrobe suitable for an evening of dining out. Most of her clothes, though, consisted of beachwear and shorts since she hadn’t given much thought to socializing while she was here. She’d only wanted to be alone, sit in the sun, and watch the world go by.

Attracting a hunky millionaire, or whatever he was, hadn’t entered the picture.

Looked like her solitude was at an end, if only temporarily. If she was honest, she was terribly curious about the man. What harm could come from learning more about him?

Finally she located a breezy, sleeveless print dress she’d tossed in her suitcase at the last minute and slipped it on. Examining herself in the mirror, she debated whether to leave her hair down or up. Scooping the long, dark tresses in her hands, she pulled the mass on top of her head and gave it a twist. The look was too formal, she decided, so she let go and teased it to fall around her shoulders and frame her face. That worked better with the casual look, so she left it like that.


A glance at her watch showed it was ten minutes until seven. With the short walk to the restaurant, she’d be right on time. Grabbing her small clutch purse, she made sure she had the card key for her room and headed out.

The evening was still hot, and the sun had not yet dipped behind the horizon. Flowers were in bloom along the winding path through the resort, and she inhaled their sweet fragrance. As it did from time to time, a pang of regret hit her that Gray wasn’t here to share this with her, but she put it aside. She was here to forget, to move on. Her heart might need more convincing, though.

Joaquin was waiting for her just inside the open foyer and swung to greet her with a broad smile. He was considerably more clothed than earlier and looked scrumptious in a pair of slacks that accented his long legs and a loose, flowing blue linen shirt worn with the tails out. A lock of black hair fell into dark eyes that seemed to notice nobody but Anna.

“You look beautiful,” he said, taking her hand as she walked up to him.

“Thank you.” Giving him the once-over, she returned the compliment. “You look fantastic yourself, even with clothes on.”

He laughed softly and placed a palm at the small of her back. “Thanks. I’m happy to ditch them again, if you prefer.”

“Why don’t we play it by ear?” she teased.

“That’s fine by me.” The answering heat in his gaze told her that he wasn’t joking.

Lust hit her hard, and her breath hitched. When she’d met Gray, the attraction had been more of a slow burn as he flirted with her in the restaurant each day. But this? Never had desire slammed her so forcefully, so fast. And for a dangerous man, too, if Joaquin’s faithful shadow was any indication.