Page 61 of Savage Obsession

“I suppose it translates as a ranch. Or a farm, perhaps.”

“A farm?” I gape at the back of his head. “You live on a farm?”

“As I say, you’ll like it. Now, enjoy the ride.”

Short on options, I settle back and try to do just that. Incredibly, I manage to fall asleep at last.

CHAPTER 15

Baz

Aleksy’s presence at the airport was a relief, and an indication that I might yet be back in the good graces of Kristian Kaminsky. At the very least, he hasn’t withdrawn my privileges and authority, the men still obey my orders.

I phoned him from Caraksay. At least he took my call, but it wasn’t an easy conversation. My boss took my sudden departure from my post hard, and even though he seems to be more accepting of my reasons, for which I suspect I have Janey to thank, he was frosty to say the least.

“Oh, you’ve decided to come back, have you? And how do I know you won’t be fucking off again at a moment’s notice?”

“Boss, I?—”

“Is the girl all right?”

“Yes, thankfully.”

“Well, I suppose that’s something. Her mother will be glad to have her home, and now perhaps you can concentrate on what you’re paid to do.”

“Of course. I’ll be back on the island in a few hours. And I’ll be bringing?—”

“I’m on my way, too. Had to cut our trip short, thanks to you.”

“I’m sorry about that, but I?—”

“I expect to find everything as I left it. I spoke to Feliks, he sounded nervous.”

“You know what he’s like, scared of his own shadow. I’ll have a word with him and do the rounds myself.”

“You do that.” He ended the call without so much as a passing nod at civility.

I suspect I’ll have my work cut out to get back into his good graces.

My mood lightens, though, as I gaze out at the Tenerife landscape. I’ve come to really love this place and the lifestyle the island offers. The climate, the beaches, the wealth and power of my position here. Yes, life is good, and now that I have my daughter with me…

I spare a glance at my sleeping wife. I’m less certain how that’s going to go. Julia and I got on, briefly, when we were first married, but that soon deteriorated into resentment, bitterness, disappointment, and eventually, toxic dislike. It was a relief to finally separate, and I get the impression nothing much has changed, at least as far as Julia is concerned. I did briefly wonder, when we tumbled back into bed together, but it seems that was a blip.

Still, never mind. The hacienda’s big enough for us to ignore one another, and if she prefers to move out and live alone, that’s fine by me. If she decides to go back to Poland, well, that’s her choice, too, but until Lily is old enough to make her own decisions, she stays here, with me, where she’s safe.

Lily lets out a whoop when the limo glides through the gates onto the hacienda. “Wow! Is this where we’re going? What is this place?”

“It’s called Los Viñedos. It’s where I live.”

“It’s huge,” she shrieks. “Do you own all of this?”

“Well, technically,” I begin, ready to explain that the actual owner is Kristian Kaminsky, but she’s already gushing over the racehorses grazing in the extensive paddocks.

“Oh, you have horses,” she cries. “You never said you had horses.”

“They don’t all belong to me. We offer stabling and livery.”

“Can I ride them?”

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