Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(71)

But overall life was sweeter than it had ever been. So it was a most unpleasant interruption when he received a call from Grayson Sloane the afternoon of the party. The contact wasn’t unexpected, but he still didn’t want to deal with the agent. Anna was outside by the pool, enjoying the last couple of hours before they had to get ready to go to the casino, and Joaquin was inside fetching them some bottled water. Since she was out of earshot, he answered.


“Hello, Agent Sloane. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Cut the crap, Delacruz,” Gray said in a cold voice. “You know at least one of the reasons I’m calling. Is Anna there? Is she all right?”

“Yes, Anna is fine, and if you have to call me to find that out, then it means she doesn’t want to speak with you.”

“Why should I believe you?” he snarled.

“There’s no law that says you should. But I’m telling the truth. Anna was hurt by how you deceived her, and if she were inclined, she’s had plenty of opportunity to return your calls and make up. I’m not keeping her from you. She’s free to go any time she pleases.”

Though he’d fight like hell to make her stay. Unlike Gray, he wouldn’t give up until the last breath left his body.

Some of the anger drained from the agent’s tone, but he sounded no less deadly. “If I hear that Anna’s in any distress at all, if she’s placed in danger because of your stupidity, we’re going to have serious problems on a personal level. Are we clear?”

“I can protect Anna,” he snapped. “Just do your job and there won’t be a problem.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do.”

“You hinted at another reason for this chat. Care to get to it?”

“Look, I need to meet with you in person. Not as a way to see Anna,” he clarified. “I’m not stupid enough to think that won’t make her even angrier at me than she already is.”

“So it’s FBI business? We’re back to you looking for ways to toss me in prison and throw away the key?”

“Not exactly. Let’s just say I’ve been thinking things over, and I want to have a talk.”

“I don’t know what else I can say to you that I haven’t already said before. You don’t believe a word that comes out of my mouth, so I fail to see the point,” Joaquin said tersely.

“That could change. Can we meet?”

God, what a stubborn *. “Fine. Come see me tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’ll be there. And in the meantime, watch your back.”

“Any specific reason?” he asked.

“We have credible intel that someone is gunning for you. I’d rather tell you the rest in person.”

“Understood, but that’s not exactly news, Agent. The line of people who want me dead might stretch around the globe these days.”

“But the number who’d actually follow through is pretty damned small. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Fine.”

After hanging up, Joaquin went back over the conversation in his head. The agent had seemed sincere about the reason for his visit. He’d also seemed genuinely concerned about seeing his job done properly—even if that meant keeping Joaquin from falling victim to his enemy. Interesting.

Grabbing the bottled waters he’d almost forgotten about, Joaquin took them outside to where Anna waited by the pool. He couldn’t help staring at her gorgeous body, but between ogling Anna and the distraction of Sloane’s call, he wasn’t watching where he was going, and he almost tripped over a lounger. He openly admired his lady, thinking that if Gray made a move to steal Anna, he’d have a nasty fight on his hands.

She peeked at him over the rim of her shades as he handed her a bottle. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re pissed and it’s my fault.”

Appalled at himself for causing her to think that, he set down his water and knelt next to her lounger. “No, darling,” he said, reaching for her hand. “I’m sorry I made you think that, but nothing could be further from the truth. I had an unpleasant phone call, and it was still on my mind, that’s all.”

Her eyes softened. “Anything I can help with?”

“Not at the moment.” He hated keeping the details from her, especially since she’d find out soon enough. But he didn’t want anything to spoil their day. “Thank you, though.”

“I worry about you. I’m afraid you’re taking on too much.”

“Maybe, but I’m not alone. I have Rio, and you.”

Their gazes locked, and for an instant he feared he’d gone too far, presumed too much. Perhaps she wouldn’t want a permanent place in his life, especially after tonight. The words hung between them, and he almost took them back.

Then she leaned into him and pressed her lips to his. Soon they were devouring each other’s mouths, and he wanted so much more.

Reaching past her, he lowered the back of the lounger slowly, until Anna was lying flat. He joined her, glad that the chair was sturdy and wide enough to hold their combined weight. Sprawled half on top of her, he ran his fingers over the swell of her breasts, enjoying how her nipples tightened under the sheer fabric of her swimsuit top.