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My wobbly knees almost drop me in a pineapple bush. “Anything but that.”
His thick brows bunch. “Kind of running out of options, little buddy.”
The name twists my underbelly.
Even my toes curl.
Buddy?
Seriously?
That’s what does it for you?
Reese is too alpha to miss my sudden heavy breathing, but he doesn’t call me out—just grins slow and covers his smile.
I blink, trying to get back to the point.
Any point will do. “Why isn’t it safe?”
“We came a few years back to set traps.” Reese squats to tug flowers away from the post of the villa’s gate. After the brush is cleared, I spot the subtle scoring across the wood. “See that notch? We marked the gates where we rigged surprises.”
“What kind of surprises?” I peer toward the villa’s porch.
“Nothing too complicated.” Reese straightens, rubbing his beard. “We didn’t have a lot of time or resources, so mostly pit traps and falling logs. Probably all busted now. We’ll have to start from scratch.”
“So, you were always planning to stand your ground.”
“Eventually.” Reese nods. “Kairo was never going to give us an easy path to freedom.”
Wish I didn’t know how that feels.
Wish they didn’t know how it feels.
At least, now I have a project. “I’ll help you rig the island. I don’t know much, but I’m good at following instructions.”
“That so?” The corner of his mouth twitches.
Damn it, Reese. “What else is there to see?”
“Let me show you my favorite spot.” Reese navigates twisting golf-cart paths like an expert. I watch the scenery to keep from staring at his ass.
The island is small enough to walk around, so we’re never far from the beach. Reese heads for the central area, where overgrown plants stop at the plaza of the abandoned resort.
The buildings would fit in The Barrington’s basement, but repair the glass and signs, and drain the muck from the pools, and I can already see waitstaff running around serving drinks in coconuts.
Serafina will love it.
Sour, I fall behind Reese and give in to nature, wistfully watching the sway of his athletic hips.
It would be a crime to not appreciate that beauty while it’s mine.
Reese catches me watching.
His three-quarter smile scrapes my heart—equal parts cocky and shy.
What expression would he make if I dropped the act and finally did what I want?
Running leap into his arms.
