Page 82 of Lord of Vengeance
Okay, so I’d written some pretty scathing notes about him, trying to pin the murders on him because that was what I was required to do. It was strange that it felt as if I’d betrayed him and he was the one who’d kidnapped me.
No, he saved your life.
Fine. But he didn’t need to bring me to another part of the world.
After slamming one of the dresser drawers in frustration, I returned to the window, staring out at the waves as I’d done before.
There’d been a lovely young woman who’d brought me a delicious-looking sandwich and homemade pasta salad, the food awakening my hunger. She’d been pleasant enough, although she’d found it difficult to look me in the eyes or maybe she’d been told that she wasn’t allowed to. She’d told me that if there was anything I needed that she would get it for me and I believed her. Yet it was nothing but a continued reminder that I was under lock and key. I hated him for it.
Even though my emotions remained strong and bitter, there was no denying that I was alive because he’d saved me not once but twice. Maybe even more times that I didn’t know about. He’d appointed himself my protector when I’d become determined to do that for myself. Or maybe I should call him my beautiful tormentor, a dark predator who was determined to make me his. What was so bad about the concept?
Oh, yes, I remembered. The man was evil, a true monster.
I took a deep whiff of the salty air, trying to fill my lungs with something fresh as I awaited whatever fate the man had in store for me. I wondered how long he was going to make me wait, forcing me to suffer for not allowing the passion to erupt between us as it had done before. I pressed my hand against the screen, enjoying the way the breeze tingled my fingers.
There were so many feelings tearing through me, powerful emotions that were difficult to ignore. I remained where I was, staring at the stunning landscape as if the tropical foliage and gently rolling waves would provide me with answers as to why I couldn’t hate the man who held me prisoner.
After another couple of minutes, I returned to the bed, longing for the ache in my heart to leave, the tension in my muscles to vanish. And I wished for mental clarity. If there was even such a thing. I removed the robe, sliding under the covers, trying to keep from becoming emotional.
As I tugged the sheet over me, pressing my face against the soft material and closing my eyes, I could almost feel his touch, which was ridiculous.
It wasn’t a full thirty seconds later I heard the click of the lock, the quieter steps as he walked inside. There was no ignoring his intoxicating fragrance, the incredible combination of exotic spices and a woodsy and very masculine scent overwhelming my senses. Yet for about a dozen reasons, I wanted to ignore him until I found that mental clarity.
He said nothing but I heard his heavier than normal breathing after he’d closed the door, his presence palpable as he moved closer. I had no idea what to expect with him, but I wasn’t going to give in that easily. Not to him. Not to anyone.
The man continued watching me, daring me to start the conversation. To hell with him. I wasn’t a puppet he could control. I kept my eyes cinched shut, trying to keep my breathing even. The crackle of electricity we consistently shared was stronger than before, making it difficult to remain silent. My pussy throbbed from his closeness, my nipples taut. I hated how easily my body always betrayed me when I was around him.
“I know you’re awake, mi flor inocente,” he breathed a full minute later.
If he really believed I was an innocent flower instead of a capable and very strong woman, then he didn’t know me at all.
“Go away, Diego. As you said, I need my rest.”
“It’s time we talk. Unless you’d prefer this riddle to continue.”
“This riddle has nothing to do with me. I simply managed to land myself in the crosshairs of your brutal family.”
“You’re still as rebellious as ever. I’m glad the bastard of a man intent on taking your life didn’t rob you of your abilities. I prefer to bed a wildcat to a quiet kitten.”
I could swear the man was goading me on purpose. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t allow myself to fall prey to the taunt, but I was frustrated and exhausted, tired of being used as a pawn. I rolled over, glaring at him with all the venom I could muster. I kept one hand firmly wrapped around the thin sheet, doing my best not to fall haplessly in lust with the gorgeous man who hovered over me like a handsome vulture. He was amused at my behavior, the waning sun highlighting the twinkle in his eyes even more than usual.
He was gloriously handsome, more so in his casual attire. Not that a man like Diego Santos would ever appear but so comfortable in his own skin. He would always be a prowling predator. Still, with his olive skin and mesmerizing eyes, it was difficult to take my eyes off him.
“Well, lucky for both of us that you’re not going to be allowed to touch me again.” No matter the wicked, provocative smile on his face, he remained intimidating, more so now that I was in his environment.
“Come now, sweet Sabrina. Why should we continue to play games?”
“I’m not playing games, Diego. That’s not my style. You should know that by now.”
The smirk on his face was one that I wanted to wipe off with my fist. “Be nice, little flower. I did save your life.”
“You also invaded my privacy. You stole my fucking iPad, perhaps even managed to get into my secure phone. What else is next, a blood test?”
“You were insistent that the Apple product was important to you, which meant you were working on the case.”
“You’re damn right. That’s what I do. I am a sheriff, a law-abiding citizen.”
He remained amused that I was challenging him. He had no idea what was coming. “We need to work together, belleza seductora.”