Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(62)

Other stories were more serious, like patrons being robbed for their winnings, though that was rare thanks to surveillance and security. For sure, Joaquin was in an interesting business with never a dull moment.

Soon they were in the quaint, pretty town a few miles outside of their resort. Their driver parked next to the market, and they got out of the car, ready to explore.

There were stands with all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Meat on a stick, fish, and sweets. Not so different from a state fair back home, with all of the smells mingling together to make one scent that was equal parts yummy and gross.

As they left the market and ventured toward some shops down the street, Anna was aware they weren’t alone. Henry wasn’t far behind. That was a comfort, too, especially when she spotted what she thought to be a familiar face in the crowd. She must’ve faltered in her step, because Joaquin squeezed her hand.

“Something wrong?”

“What? No. I thought I saw someone I recognized.”

“Who?”

“That man standing by those melons back there.” She nodded slightly in the man’s direction. “I could have sworn that man was sweeping the path outside your room this morning.”

Alarm darkened his expression. “Hang on.”

Joaquin went to Henry, and the two of them spoke in hushed tones. Henry nodded, but remained behind them. “I told Henry what you said, and he agreed. He saw the groundskeeper, too, and that is the same man. He’ll look into it when we get back”

“All right. At least I know I’m not going crazy.”

“Not a chance.”


In one of the shops, Anna selected a pretty blouse and a figurine for her mother, and a gorgeous handmade glass bowl for her apartment. She arranged to have her bowl shipped and they left the shop, happy in each other’s company.

In another store, Joaquin found a new shirt and some fine tobacco. Much to her relief, the latter wasn’t for himself, but to be used as gifts for business associates. He purchased some rare liquor to be shipped home as well.

All in all the morning was a success, and they capped it by having lunch at a local restaurant that served seafood—big surprise. But it was delicious, and she ate way too much and had to decline dessert.

By midafternoon they were in their rented car and on the way back to the resort. By mutual agreement, they parted and went to their rooms to change into swimsuits. They were to meet at the beach in thirty minutes.

Anna put on her bikini, singing one of her favorite upbeat songs. She could get very, very used to this feeling. She was happy and looking forward to what this time with Joaquin would bring.

Not once since this morning, she realized, had she thought of Gray.

She shoved thoughts of him aside to deal with later. Much later.

***

In his suite, Joaquin changed into a different swimsuit than the one he had on yesterday. These were regular trunks, not quite as flashy. But they looked decent on him, and he thought Anna would like them.

Once he was ready, he paced the living area, waiting for Henry to return. He hoped he was wrong about the groundskeeper, but he had a feeling he wasn’t. His fears were confirmed when Henry knocked and then let himself in with his key card.

“Boss,” he said, eyes hard. “I showed the management a picture of that groundskeeper I snapped on my cell phone this morning. He doesn’t work here.”

“I’m not surprised. Any word on who he might be?”

“I showed his picture around, asked some of the hotel maids. Nobody remembers seeing him before.”

“Think they’re telling the truth?”

“Yeah. After that I did some digging and came up with nobody fitting his description who’s been anywhere near Agent Sloane.”

“So he doesn’t work for Gray.” That was a kick in the gut.

“Doesn’t look like it. Which leaves one very good possibility, since a man who looks a hell of a lot like him is employed by Deno Santos.”

“That *? Dammit! Are you sure?”

“Almost one hundred percent. The guy is an enforcer for Santos, goes by the name Petrov. He’s a mean Russian sonofabitch who’d whack his own grandma for the right amount of cash. He’s a sadist, enjoys doling out torture first, making his victims suffer.”

Pushing a hand through his hair, Joaquin growled in frustration. “Shit. That * Santos has been waiting forever for a good chance to get me, and this Petrov guy hanging around, being so f*cking obvious, is him sending me a message—that he can get to me anytime, anywhere.”

“Watch your back. He and Santos won’t hesitate to make good on the threat when the time is right.”

“Oh, I will. And if he comes near my family, he’ll learn what it means to f*ck with me.”

Santos, Joaquin’s greatest opponent and threat to going legit, would not be allowed to ruin his hopes and dreams.

If push came to shove, he’d do what he must. As he always had.





3


Gray sat slumped in his easy chair, staring at the dust motes dancing in the light streaming through the window.

He wished he could feel nothing. Be nothing. Just let it all go. The sadness was so profound, all he could do was sit near the window and stare out at his yard and the trees. He could hear and see the birds, cars on the street, children playing, though not one of those things held any meaning or importance.