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“Jameson. What’s wrong?” he asked.
While I was unable to see who was standing at the door, it was obvious the two of them knew each other.
“There’s been an accident. A local girl fell. She’s in a lot of pain,” the stranger said.
I moved into the living room, Santiago noticing me immediately. “How bad is it?” he asked.
The man shifted his gaze as I approached. “Bad enough I’m not certain I can wait until the storm passes to get her some help. You have a doctor here.”
“I’m a veterinarian,” I said as I moved closer.
“But you have medical training,” the man insisted.
“Yes, but I don’t have any supplies.”
The man frowned. “We have some. Please, can you see what you can do? I wouldn’t ask but she’s in so much pain.”
“Where is the girl, Jameson?” Santiago asked.
“Her father brought her to the house.”
Santiago turned his head, his eyes telling me how much he wanted me to say no. That couldn’t happen. I’d taken an oath. Whether to an animal or to humans, I couldn’t consciously allow a little girl to remain in need of medical care and look myself in the mirror. Did I have it in me?
“Of course I’ll help,” I said then closed my eyes briefly.
Whether or not Santiago was angry with me couldn’t matter at this point.
The stranger seemed relieved even though my hero’s eyes could burn a hole straight through me. “Thank you. I owe you both.”
“Let me grab a jacket.” As I walked away, I heard Santiago’s heavy sigh. He followed me, jerking my arm so I was tossed against the wall.
“This isn’t a good idea.”
“Maybe not, but what would you prefer I do, allow the girl to die? Remember what you said to me. You would have walked through fire to save the lives of your fellow soldiers. There is no difference here, Santiago. This is something I must do, even if I’m terrified that I’ll fuck it up. The most I’ve had to do was perform CPR before an EMT came and took over.”
“I still don’t like it. This storm is dangerous.”
“Fine. I’ll go without you.”
“Goddamn it.” He glared at me as if he’d dare tell me no then released his hold. “Like hell you will. You belong to me. You’ll do as I say.”
Santiago was a complicated man, infuriating as hell, but this was the first time his comment had nothing to do with his requirement to protect me.
The soldier with the heart of gold and a darkness that would eventually eat him alive had just laid claim to his possession.
* * *
Santiago
The rain continued to come down in torrents, the lightning electrifying the sky. The island was surrounded by the storm, the fierce winds creating an eerie howl across the landscape. While I’d hurriedly put the top on the Jeep, the volume of rain drowned out all other sounds. Not that I had much to say to Willow at this point.
I understood why she’d wanted to be of assistance, and I didn’t blame her, but the weather event had brought out every ugly memory, the images blazing in my mind. The drive was treacherous given the lack of light and the way the trees were bending close to the ground due to the sixty-mile-per-hour winds. Even following closely behind Jameson didn’t make it any easier, his taillights disappearing in the light fog that had already formed.
I’d grabbed several weapons and while Jameson had raised his eyebrows, he hadn’t said a word.
Willow remained quiet, her breathing irregular. I could smell her fear, although I wasn’t entirely certain if her apprehension was all about the storm or the continuing anger she felt regarding her mother’s behavior.
I’d managed to find several articles and photographs of James Cavanaugh. He was a highly respected man, although a single article had raised a red flag. Insinuations had been made by a single reporter than he had connections to a well-known cartel. While I’d found nothing to corroborate the accusations, the oddity was enough to remain in the forefront of my mind.
