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“We’re a team,Princesa. We haven’t quite found our way. We still work together like rabid dogs. But we’ll figure it out.”
She nods, but I’m not sure she believes it. I said it, but I don’t really believe it either. It would take a goddamn miracle for us to make it work. And I’ve never been a big believer in miracles. “Have you decided what you’re going to tell Valentina about us?”
Her body is rigid. “The truth. We’re more than friends. We’re married. But it might need to wait until tomorrow. I’m going to play it by ear and see how she’s holding up after I tell her about Isabel.”
“When will you tell her the truth about her mother? The mother who carried her in her womb and gave up the coveted title so the little girl could be happy and safe? When are you going to tell her about the mother who risked life and limb, and everything in between, for her daughter?”
All the color has drained from her cheeks. “I’m not telling her any of that. Ever. And don’t you dare tell her, either.”
“It’s not my story to tell.” I’m not sure it registers, or if Daniela even believes I’ll keep her secret. Getting to Valentina seems to be her focus.
She takes a step toward the door, and I grab her arm. “I realize you want to get to Valentina, but you need to think of your own safety too. That’s non-negotiable.”
Daniela doesn’t say a word, but when the all clear signal comes from below, she barrels down the stairs, toward Gray, who’s on the tarmac.
I let her go. The advance team is on the ground, and they sent word that it was safe to land. Besides, Gray wouldn’t be standing in a danger zone. He doesn’t have that kind of death wish.
My stride is twice hers, and I’m just a few feet behind her when she reaches Gray.
“Where’s Valentina?” she asks, panic in her voice.
“You must be Daniela. I’m Gray Wilder.”
“I’m sorry.” She’s breathless. “I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“Valentina’s just fine. She’s asleep. Delilah stayed on the plane with her.”
At the top of the airstairs, an attractive blonde, who doesn’t look like she does difficult extractions for the government, is propped against the door. When Daniela looks up at the Wilder plane, the blonde waves.
“And no apology necessary. You have plenty on your mind.”
Daniela squeezes Gray’s arm. “Thank you. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“Don’t worry about it. This guy,” he says, jerking his chin toward me, “is getting the bill.”
Today has already cost me plenty, not in cash, but in emotion—a resource much more scarce.
“Thank you, Gray,” she calls over her shoulder, as she takes the airstairs, two at a time.
I put out my hand, but Gray shoves it away and embraces me.
“I owe you.”
“Big time,” he quips, but he doesn’t mean a word of it. “Send me a case of your best Port and we’re even. Preferably the one my brother, JD, called you about.”
“You’re going to share?”
“Not a fucking chance. I’m going to rub his damn nose in it.”
I snicker.
“I read about your wedding. The big bang is supposed to come after the ceremony. What the hell happened?”
20
ANTONIO
“We don’t know.” I spew the bitter words, my hands fisted at my side and the tension rising.
