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ChapterNine
SAVANNAH
Ishoved at the strap of the dress, trying to get comfortable in the outfit I’d chosen for my so-called date. It wasn’t as if I’d had much to choose from after only shoving a few outfits into my bag while hurrying to get away. The summer white dress with grey and silver stripes, spaghetti straps, and modest knee-length, would have to do for dining with Donovan Darman.
Last night, he’d held the power because his arrival had thrown me off guard. I’d hoped to have intel on him before I’d engaged in what felt like a cat-and-mouse game. But it hadn’t gone down that way, and my unexpected reaction to him had turned me inside out.
He’s playing with you,I reminded myself again.He’s either suspicious of your arrival or thinking he can get his leg over the fresh meat passing through.
That thought helped steel me against the memory of his kiss; the way I’d come against my fingers with him on my mind.
No. I straightened with resolve.
Focusing on what mattered, I had no choice but to use the date to get under Donovan’s skin and sneak past his defenses. As soon as Grace fixed my truck, I’d ask him to go out dancing. Maybe someplace out of town. If I got lucky, he might even say yes to a night out under the stars. There, I’d drug his drink, pile him into my truck, drive him back to Gideon and focus on Plan B.
Easy, freaking breezy.
But it wasn’t. The thought of seeing Donovan again, deceiving him, rattled my nerves. The butterflies in my stomach had me checking my watch fifty times, and I needed to gain control. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to complete the task. And this was more serious than sex with a gorgeous man who’d crawl his way into my mind and never leave if I allowed it.
Pull yourself together, Savannah.He’s a bounty and nothing more.But my pathetic attempt at reassurance didn’t work. All of it felt surreal, hard-hitting, and nothing like the jobs I’d done before now. But even as my palms sweated and my head spun, I had to face it head-on. I had to get the target off my uncle’s head.
Noting the time neared seven, I grabbed my purse with my gun shoved in a secret compartment and made my way downstairs to Lilly’s reception. It paid to be cautious.
Donovan stood chatting to Lilly, ready and waiting for me, looking too damn good with a simple shirt over his jeans—smart with a rough edge, and it worked.
“Here she is,” he smiled, his eyes lighting up with interest at the sight of me. “I hope you’re looking after our guest, Lilly.”
The older woman laughed. “Miss Bellows is a wonderful guest. We chatted a while earlier about my planters out back, didn’t we, dear?”
“We sure did,” I replied with a tight smile. “The flowers sing for her.”
“Sing for her?” He raised an eyebrow. And I realized I’d forgotten who I was supposed to be portraying for a second.
“I’m an artist,” I explained, trying to keep the topic light. “I’ve learned to see beyond what we see with our eyes. And Lilly’s flowers thrive beneath her care.”
“Told you,” Lilly said, sharing a look with Donovan. “Total sweetheart.”
“Yes. She is, isn’t she?” He dropped a light kiss on Lilly’s cheek, then put his arm out for me to take. “Are you ready to dine, my lady?”
Rather than rolling my eyes, I couldn’t deny the genuine smile. I fed my arm through his. “I’m ready, kind sir. Let’s eat. Bye Lilly.”
“Have a good evening. Don’t hurry back.” She winked, throwing us a wave and leaving us to it.
“Everyone here is so lovely.” I sighed, entering the dusk of the outdoors. “They’re all so welcoming.”
“That’s how we are in Moonlight Creek. We look out for one another.”
“And the need for secrecy?” I asked, feeling it to be a natural question. But it also intrigued me.
“We’re not a secret,” he replied. “We’re just not big enough to be represented on any map.”
He guided me across the road, heading in the restaurant's direction. “I’m taking you to an Italian restaurant called Il Bel Lupo. It won’t take long to walk there. But walking gives me the chance to have you to myself for a short while.”
I shuddered, my body responding to him with glee. “So, do many know about this place?” I cleared my throat, changing the subject back to the town.
“Not many.” He frowned. “We don’t advertise. We like the fact we’re secluded, away from the world. And we operate well enough without people trailing through.” He smirked at me. “It’s nice when we get the odd surprise, though.”
Oh, he’s too good at this.I needed to up my game.
