Giovanni?
I tie the hoodie sleeves around my waist and stare over at the cave-like entrance in all its glory. Large water droplets plop on my head, starting sporadically and quickly turning into a heavy rain shower.
It would make sense to turn around and leave, but my gut has other ideas. It’s telling me Giovanni is hiding in there and I’d miss the chance to see his face––kiss his lips––hold him next to me and never let go.
Weighing my options, I remind myself he’s the only one with full access to the miles of private land around his compound. Which makes this cave the ideal hiding place.
My heart flutters at the thought of Giovanni being within touching distance. I wouldn't tell a soul if I found him or reveal his location. But he knows that. After all, we’ve already shared so many secrets during our time together. One more would only crystalize my loyalty.
Adrenaline spurs me on, and the fact I'm starving. Not for food or nourishment––for him.
Hurrying from compacted wet sand to dusty grains, my senses are heightened. Roosting gulls chatter from sharp ledges and waves crash off boulders.
I gawk at the rock formation, a natural entrance fit for a titan king. Taking shelter from the downpour, I move from dying daylight to dancing shadows.
The hairs on my scalp lift. Whispers carry in the immense hollow, swirling above a sturdy, man-made wooden staircase dropping into the belly of a huge cavity.
He’s not alone?
Using the dim light from behind to guide my footing, I count forty-three steps on the way down. A gusty draft pushes me along, the scent of briny water all around. My heart is thumping by the time I reach the bottom, the soles of my sneakers landing on smooth stone.
Voices continue to mutter, the collective murmur growing louder since I’ve ventured farther inside. I quickly check over my shoulder and continue to follow the irregular shaped wall, staying close to the rock.
Rounding a gentle bend, the enclosed feeling disintegrates when I look up at the soaring cavern. Thin jagged columns hang down from above, making it look like a gothic styled pipe organ created for the devil to play.
I slap a hand over my mouth to catch the gasp, my gaze settling on military dressed soldiers lined up in rows.
Who the hell are these people?
After a quick mental count, there are twenty-two identical figures. Their side profiles are lit up like demons lurking in shadows under the lit candles they each hold out before them.
Why are they here, and most importantly, where do the tunnels behind them lead?
Panic races through my veins, and the sweat on my back turns ice cold. I search the darkness beyond them, but I can’t see anything––not even Giovanni. I can’t even tell if he’s one of the twenty-two.
Returning my gaze to the figures, I study the dark face coverings hiding their features from eyes to throat. I continue to look for him, but he could never stand in a crowd as a sheep.
What if these people are planning an attack on Blackwater?
Knots tighten in my stomach. I recognize the tactical night vision goggles in place on their foreheads, ready for action at a moment's notice. Reno and I had used similar style goggles when we’d play gun wars with spring air rifles.
The temperature dropped inside the cave, making me shiver and realize my yoga bra is soaked through. Untying the hoodie sleeves, I quickly pull it over my head and drag up the hood to help me blend into the shadows better.
Only then I freeze. A familiar Spanish timber catches the attention of the entire group, its gritty texture my undoing. All the soldiers immediately stand to attention and the following hush gives me goosebumps.
Peering around the rock, I see him. Giovanni Souza, fully kitted out in obsidian utility pants and a black long-sleeved t-shirt, standing on a raised boulder, high above his minions like the sovereign of this underworld.
Inky hair drapes his brow and fresh wounds on his gorgeous face are illuminated by the wobbling flame under his chin.
My heartbeat thunders in my ears and my legs jerk to run to him. Though I don’t, because the strangers staring up at Giovanni are waiting for him to speak. Besides, I’m curious too. Why are they here—in his territory?
My eyes slip over his self-assured demeanor and the emotionless expression he wears. There’s no hint of weakness in his authoritative stance or exposed soft flesh for his enemies to find.
“Listen up,” he addresses them, and my heart rate goes berserk. “Some of you are here because we crossed paths in the past, others recommended, and some have… connections.” I frown at the displeasure in his tone and inch a little closer.
“Regardless of the reason, you’ve all sworn your allegiance to me… to The Covenant and to each other. Disloyalty results in automatic death. This trial is about skill and aptitude. Earn your place. Fight for it. Fucking bleed for it.”
He pulls a black balaclava down over his face, so only his eyes are visible and the outline of something stitched into the fabric. He’s too far away for me to see it clearly, though.
