Declan narrows his eyes. “How do you know she’s not working for the Russians?”
I bark out a laugh. “Because she thought my rings were buried treasure! What kind of spy mistakes jewelry for archaeological finds?”
“A clever one,” Declan mutters, but I can tell he’s wavering.
Kori looks between us, confusion evident. “Russians? What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” all three of us say in unison.
She takes a step back. “You know what? I think I’ll just head back to my cottage. Thanks for the... interesting morning.”
“Wait,” I say, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “Please. I know this sounds crazy, but I could use a friendly face right now.”
Something in my tone must convince her because she hesitates, then sighs. “One hour. That’s it.”
I turn to Declan with a triumphant grin. “She’s coming.”
He throws his hands up in defeat. “Fine. But she rides with you and Rory.”
“Deal,” I agreed quickly before he could change his mind.
“I need to return my metal detector first,” Kori says, pointing back down the beach where she left it.
“I’ll get it,” Rory offers, already heading down the path.
While he’s gone, Declan pulls me aside, his voice a harsh whisper. “What the hell are you playing at, Kane?”
“Nothing,” I lie smoothly. “Just being friendly.”
“We’re looking for evidence that my dad faked his death and is hiding from Russian mobsters, and you want to bring a complete stranger along for the ride?”
I shrug. “She saved me. I owe her.”
“You don’t owe her anything except an apology and a goodbye.”
“Too late,” I say as Rory returns with the metaldetector. “She’s already involved.”
“If anything happens to her—” Declan starts.
“Nothing will happen,” I interrupt. “I’ll make sure of it.”
The truth is, I’m not entirely sure why I’m so insistent on bringing Kori along. Maybe it’s the lost look in her eyes that reminds me too much of myself. Perhaps it’s because she’s the first person in years who’s looked at me like I’m worth saving.
Whatever the reason, as I watch her climb into the backseat of our rental car, I can’t shake the feeling that Kori Blake is somehow important—not just to me, but to whatever mess we’re about to uncover.
As I slide in beside her, Declan gives me one final warning look before getting into the lead car with Wren and Kat.
“Ready for an adventure?” I ask her as Rory starts the engine.
She gives me a look that’s half fear, half exhilaration. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to regret this.”
I grin, settling back against the seat. “All the best decisions start that way.”
Chapter 10
Kori
Sliding into the back seat next to a half-naked man I just dug out of the sand was definitely not on my Irish vacation bingo card. Yet here I am.
