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She pressed her hand against my chest, issuing a small sigh. I waited as she climbed into the back seat before grabbing a handgun, carefully slapping in one of the magazines, and sliding another into my pocket. At least he’d parked in an area of the airport that had few cars, wide open enough we could see any approaching vehicle.
That didn’t mean snipers hadn’t taken positions, able to make the shot. As soon as I climbed into the Jeep, Jeremy sped off. He maneuvered his way around other drivers, exiting the airport in less than two minutes.
“You still drive the same,” I said gruffly.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” His laugh was just as jovial as it had always been. He’d been the life of the party, steering a few of us into trouble. He could track it down without trying, even in a city he’d never been to before. As he drove through the streets, I could see why he loved the city so much. The steep city slopes and cobblestone alleys added to the picturesque setting with old-world charm.
“How long have you lived here?” Isabella asked as she shifted between the seats, crouching closer.
“Two years, give or take,” Jeremy answered. “I didn’t plan on staying but the lure of the people, the ocean. The women.” He laughed again, but I noticed he continually glanced into his rearview mirror.
“Are we being tailed?” I asked, glancing in the side mirror.
“Not that I can tell. How many do you think we’re talking about?”
“Hard to tell,” I answered. “But this isn’t over.”
“It never is with you. I think you’ll appreciate the vantage point of my house.” He shot me a look, still as mischievous as he’d always been, although time and guilt had erased his boyishness, replacing it with a harder edge.
We’d both suffered, recovering in our own ways. It was good to have him on my side. “Just get us to the whiskey.”
“Now you’re talking!” He shifted gears, pressing down on the accelerator.
After a few minutes, I sat back, able to feel the heat of her body even from inches away. I admired Isabella more than she knew. Her strength. Her resolve. She’d managed to follow my orders, even providing herself with a weapon. I took a deep breath, her scent lingering even after the long hours.
Only a few minutes later, Jeremy slowed down, making a sharp turn onto a winding driveway. As he drove up a steep hill, I was able to see the ocean in less than a minute.
“Wow. You live here?” Isabella asked.
“Let’s just say I’m allowed use the place while the owner is elsewhere.” He threw her a quick look before rounding another corner, jerking the Jeep to a halt in front of a stone house.
“This is gorgeous,” she added.
“A friend, eh?” I teased.
“A good friend. What’s that expression? Friends with benefits. One of my benefits happens to be a fully furnished house and pool overlooking the ocean. She’s an executive with some technology corporation and travels eighty percent of the year. I take care of the house and grounds.” He jumped out, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“I see you flirted your way into an impressive job. What happens when she finds out what a schmuck you really are?” It felt good to laugh for a change. While I knew it would be short lived, that would help ease some of the exhaustion. Or so I hoped.
“Ouch. I see your old age hasn’t mellowed you.” He backed away before I had a chance to grab him.
“I can tell why you two are friends,” she muttered, shaking her head as she climbed out.
Jeremy made a face. “Now, that’s an insult.”
I grabbed our personal bags while he tugged the two duffles full of guns out of the back before heading to the front door, unlocking it quickly. After ushering us inside, he tossed the bags onto the marble floor, turning to face us while backing up in encouragement to follow him. “The vivenda was built in the late nineteen hundreds, completely restructured and modernized twice while keeping the integrity of the architecture. The location is mint since there’s no road leading in and out and we have a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of the area. There’s limited chance someone will approach by way of the ocean as you will soon see. Given the curved roads and lack of light at night, those who don’t know the area will be surprised by how treacherous the conditions can be. Follow me.”
The man had always landed on his feet. He was also a true womanizer, capable of bedding six different women a week without hesitation. And somehow, they all fell for his charm. His fear of commitment was worse than mine, but the man had a true baby soul, good natured to a fault.
“I can’t believe this. It’s incredible.” For the first time, the light returned to Isabella’s eyes. She turned in a full circle, taking her time to admire the stone arches and intricate wooden furnishings.
“This is the more formal area of the house. Sofia insists. She uses it for her clients when she’s here.” He rolled his eyes, passing the group of three rooms slowly.
“I’m curious. How is your appearance mentioned?” I couldn’t help asking.
“I’m the pool boy. Hell, they buy it. I’m still buff.”
Isabella laughed, the sound doing the opposite of what it should. It felt as if a dagger had been shoved into me. When I’d walked into the restroom and found the burly Russian searching for her, I’d reacted without thinking, dragging him into the storage room next door within seconds. The women didn’t seem to mind I’d gotten rid of him.
