“Promise me, Iris. No funny business.”
“Trust me. I’d never do anything to get you in trouble.”
“You won’t get me in trouble—you’ll get me killed.”
The moment his tone slips to grave, the facility doors swing open. “Sal.”
I recognize the young woman who challenged the hatred I harbored for my stunning captor.Carina.
My head turns to the entrance. She’s all lean legs, fluttering lashes and sunny aura.
Sal turns his whole body, widening his arms to welcome his sister with a hug. A string bag swings from her right shoulder and a waterfall of glossy hair covers her spine like molasses. “What are you doing here?” he asks.
She fidgets with the woven strap digging into the skin by her neck. “He asked me to bring clothes.” Her gaze whips to mine. The slight drop of her jaw and soft gasp doesn’t go unnoticed. Then, just as quickly, she looks at her brother like I’m invisible.
“Of course he did.” Sal glances over his shoulder at me. “Iris, this is my little sister Carina… Cari, this is Iris.”
“Finally.” I smile up at her side profile, forcing myself to be courteous. It’s not her fault I’ve fallen from the sky and broken my wings. “Hey, it’s nice to meet you.”
The corners of her perfectly shaped lips hitch a fraction, and she crosses her arms over a bare midriff. “Yeah. Nice to meet you too.” Although she’s spoken, our eyes don’t connect. The golden glow fringing her curves turns brittle for a split second. “Aren’t you going to offer me a coffee, Sal?” She nudges her elbow into his arm, refusing to engage with me anymore than she has to. “And Papa wants to know when you’ll be home.”
“Iris, do you want a coffee?” Sal swivels in his boots, taking a few steps and then stopping.
I watch the sensual sway of her hips as she follows closely behind him. Wondering why she seems disinterested in me. Not that I expected us to ever meet or become gal pals. But I’m another female in a predominantly male environment. A woman. Surely that’s enough of a reason to be friendly.
“Yeah. Thanks,” I say as he reaches for a box under the coffee machine.
Keeping a distance, she ignores me completely. “When will you grace the family with your delightful company?” Carina quirks a brow and perches on the end of the reception desk. “They haven’t seen you in weeks. It would be nice if you showed your ugly face occasionally, you know. I’ll speak to el Fantasma. He’ll give you permission for a vacation if I ask him.”
“He’s not here, Cari. I’m in charge while he’s away.”
Her pretty face scrunches. “Where is he?”
The smell of roasted coffee fills the reception area as hot liquid spurts into an espresso cup. “None of your business.”
“Is he okay? He never leaves the Oasis. Is it her fault?” An accusing glare slides my way. “What happened?”
“Cari, take your coffee.” Sal offers her the hot drink. “Why don’t you show Iris what’s in your bag. I’m guessing the clothes are for her?” He avoids her snippy questions.
She takes a slow sip, musing over a response. “He asked me to bring her clothes for travelling in. Apparently, she’s leaving in a rush, and he didn’t have time to buy her anything new. So I picked out a few things from my wardrobe.”
“That was kind of you.” I project my friendliest smile, only to be left hanging. If she wasn’t Sal’s sister, I’d call her out.
“He’s giving me money to replace them,” she says, matter-of-factly. Her shoulders lift and drop in a beat while she stares down at the coffee. “It works out better for me. He’s very generous. Isn’t he, Sal?”
Laoch expels a contented sigh. Carina’s hair whips as her head snaps around so we finally lock eyes. “What was that? Did you just sigh at me?” Her brow furrows and lips pout in silent shock. A flash of uncertainty washes over her tight expression. I notice how her muscles stiffen, and she palms her belly like the tough exterior is ready to crumble. She looks lost and unsure. And ready to fight at the same time. Her defensive response reminds me of someone.
“It was this little guy.” I lift the corner of the blanket. “This is Laoch. The jaguar cub we rescued.”
Carina straightens her spine, narrowing her eyes. “You have a real cub?” she says to the breathing bundle of linen.
“Yeah,” Sal chimes in. “El Fantasma and Iris saved him this morning. Can you two keep out of trouble while I run to the cabana? The chef is being dramatic over supplies.” Sal sets a tiny mug on the coffee table adjacent to me. “I’ll bring dinner back with me and walk with you to the treehouse.”
I’m grateful for his thoughtfulness, but his pity chokes me. We’ve become allies in a formidable world––I’m leaving him behind too. The sooner I put all the heartache behind me, the easier it will be to return to normal. Whatever the hell normal is now. “It’s okay. I’ll make my own way there. He has plenty of fresh fruit and liquor sitting around.” I smirk. “Honestly, Sal, I could use the alone time.”
“I get it.” He stares right at me. “Okay, I’ll see you at sunrise. If you need anything––anything at all, use his radio transmitter.”
“Got it.” I nod once. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
