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“Are you going to tell them who you are and why you’re there?” he asked.
“No. I’ve got my answers. She’s good. Actually, better than good. She has a family now. That’s more than I expected to find.”
“Funny. There is something in your voice that sounds a little disappointed. Were you hoping that she needed rescuing?” he questioned.
No. Yes. Well, maybe just that she needed me.“I never would want her in danger of any kind,” I replied firmly.
“Doesn’t totally answer my question. But I do believe that you want the best for her. If not, I never would’ve taken the case. I’m glad to hear that everything has worked out. So, when are you flying back to the States?”
“Not sure yet. I might stay a couple of days.”
“Interesting.”
“Listen, Jones. I didn’t hire you for sarcasm or advice,” I stated firmly.
“No charge for either. But I will warn you that the FBI does not know you are there on a peaceful or personal mission. If they suspect you are a threat, well to put it lightly, you’re fucked. There won’t be anything I can do to help you. I advise you to either be honest with your intentions or get the hell out of there,” he warned.
I couldn't do either. Not now. Venus would have many questions as to why I had been looking for her and I wasn’t ready to provide her with any answers, at least not truthful ones. It would probably only make me look like some stalker or creep, when in fact, all I had been trying to do was make sure she was okay. My best option right now was the plan I had just thought up. Be in a strategic position when Venus comes to pick up Draven. One look at her and then I’d be out of here. No harm done. Everyone can go back to their normal lives.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said. “As I promised, you have your update, and it seems I won’t need your services any longer.”
“That’s a good thing. But you have my number if anything changes.”
I ended the call and slipped my phone into my pocket. My plan had been to unpack, but it was time to go meet Draven in the bar.Why unpack when I’m leaving immediately?
When I got downstairs, he was already sitting there with his back to me. I walked over and took the seat beside him. “Tell me what’s good on tap.”
“Guinness. At least for me,” he held up a tall boy.
I ordered one for myself. There were plenty of topics I wanted to discuss but had to avoid. Playing it safe, I went right back to the boats. “Have you done any sailing while here?” I asked.
“No. Please tell me you sailed here,” he said, looking hopeful.
“Sorry. I flew in. I’ll have to remember that next time. My boat is actually docked in Portland right now.”
“Maine?” he raised a brow. I nodded. “But don’t you live on the west coast? I mean that’s where O’Leary’s Schooners is located, right?”
“I do. My family lives in Portland. It’s where I grew up. I was visiting them before I came here for...vacation,” I stated.
“Portland,” he murmured. It was as though he was trying to put something together. I needed to break that train of thought before he did.
“I only go there to visit family. You know how mothers are. If you stay away too long, they think something is wrong. They like to nag you in person occasionally,” I force a chuckle.
“I know that feeling all too well.”
It worked. His face relaxed and he was back to sipping his beer. I needed another subject but before I could, I heard a woman’s voice from behind us.
“Draven, I hope you don’t mind that I came early but I was already out,” she said.
He turned around and said, “Of course not. I was just sitting here enjoying a beer with a guest who just arrived from the States. Declan O’Leary, this is Venus Prada.”
Fuck.I didn’t want to turn around. I could only imagine what she was going to think. I took another sip and then turned. My heart felt like it was pounding and when my eyes met hers, it felt like all time stopped. Neither of us said a word. our eyes locked and everything around us vanished.
Damn it. You’re even more beautiful than I remember.Her dark eyes had always drawn me in. But it was the smile that had sealed the deal. Although she looked surprised, she didn’t seem upset. That's a positive.
“Do I need to make the introductions again?” Draven asked.
It snapped us back to reality, a place I didn’t want to be. “No. It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Prada.”
