Chapter 27
FOUR MONTHS LATER
Ian parked in front of the pottery shop in Mezcala, his heart pounding with anticipation.
He hadn’t seen Maria since the night they’d spent at the hotel in Nogales.
And what a night that had been. The best of his life, by far. He’d been insatiable. She’d been right there with him, naked and trembling and whispering hot things in his ear. He’d done everything she wanted and then some. He’d had her on the dresser, in the shower, against the wall. She’d taken every inch of him, reveled in every touch. She’d told him she loved him over and over. He’d showed her he loved her with his hands and mouth and body.
When they were finished, he’d pleasured her with his tongue again. She’d climaxed one last time and pushed him away in exhaustion. He’d fallen asleep on her belly. He’d woken at dawn with his face between her thighs and her taste on his lips.
Damn. What a way to start the day.
He’d thought about that every morning since. He’d replayed it in his head while he showered. He’d jerked off to the memory a hundred times. They’d talked about it on the phone, and he’d begged her to touch herself for him. She’d done it, to his delight.
After he returned to San Diego, he’d attended his investigation hearing. Ian was cleared of misconduct and negligence, but not reckless endangerment. This was grounds for termination. If Ian hadn’t resigned from the DEA, he’d have been fired. He couldn’t reapply to that agency ever again. That was the outcome he’d expected, and it was more than fair.
The good news was that he could keep his weapon, his credentials, and his federal agent status. He could transfer to another agency at the same pay rate. The fact that he had a pending job offer with ICE probably made a difference. As soon as he left the hearing, LaGuardia booked him a flight to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.
Ian had completed basic agent training before he’d started working for the DEA. He’d done eighteen weeks in Quantico for the DEA. He’d also spent thirteen weeks in New Mexico for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He had more academy hours under his belt than most ICE agents, but he didn’t mind having his skills tested. He passed the physical and written exams with flying colors. He was in great shape, he understood immigration law, and his Spanish was excellent.
Although the ICE program was twenty-two weeks total, and the competition was fierce, they’d sent Ian home after twelve weeks. There was no need for him to take the same classes twice, or three times in some cases. He did the advanced coursework and tactical exercises. Then he went back to San Diego to wait for placement.
That had gone better than expected also.
Grinning, he exited the vehicle and walked into the shop. He hadn’t told Maria about the visit. He’d wanted to surprise her, and honor her family tradition of showing up unexpectedly.
Her mother was behind the front counter, alone. “Señor Ian,” she said, brightening. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“¿Está Maria?”he asked.
“No.” She came out from behind the counter to greet him with a kiss on the cheek. “I think she’s down by the river with Delfina.”
“I’ll go look for her.”
She clasped one of his hands between hers. “I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for Hugo.”
He hadn’t done much, so he just shrugged. He’d bought plane tickets for Maria and Hugo so they didn’t have to take the bus. Sarai had flown with them.
U.S. and Mexican authorities had agreed that she would be safe at her school. Now that her father was dead, the danger had passed. She took care of the burial arrangements before she went back to Taxco. There was no funeral, as far as Ian knew. Maria had visited Sarai twice to check up on her. Maria said the girl was quiet and withdrawn. She’d been exchanging emails with Hugo.
“How is his arm?” Ian asked.
“It’s healed. He’s already playingfútbolagain.”
“Good to hear.”
“If you don’t mind my asking…what are your intentions toward my daughter?”
He smiled at the question. “I intend to marry her, if she’ll have me.”
“I’m sure she will.”
He didn’t tell Maria’s mother that he’d already asked twice. Perhaps a third time would be the charm. Nodding goodbye, he left the store and walked down the cobblestone streets, enjoying the warm air. It had rained a lot in Georgia. The past week had been cool in San Diego. Mezcala felt warm and lush, like a lover’s embrace. He found a path along the riverbank, so he followed it.
High-pitched laughter and splashing led him to a swimming hole. There were children of various ages in the river. Someone had attached a rope swing to the branch of an overhanging oak. He watched them play for several minutes. Two boys were doing daredevil tricks, swinging from the rope to the deeper water.
He’d gone to his mother’s house the other day. He hadn’t seen her in over a year. She hadn’t looked good, and she’d asked him for money. It was a typical visit in many ways. His childhood home appeared small and shabby. She hadn’t changed, but he had. He told her he loved her, and she cried. Then he gave her the cash from his pocket. He’d felt lighter after he left.
