Page 52 of Javier

“Ye fancy him and he really fancies yerself.”

I gaped. “He does?”

“Ye’re denser than a bowl of porridge, aren’t ye?” Sister Janet rolled her eyes. “Get on with it. Or don’t. Yer choice, but ye both need to stop pretending. Ye hear me?”

“Quit being ugly, you old coop.” Sister Elsa came to my defense. “Your sharp tongue will leave her with a mental concussion.”

“The wain’s not gonna break just because I tell her a few truths.”

I stole a look at Javier. “What if he doesn’t—?”

“There’s not a pot too crooked that a lid won’t fit,” Sister Elsa offered. “Go, become the person you’re meant to be. Love hard and love well. That’s how you find your purpose.”

I got to my feet, and bending over, gave each woman a heartfelt hug. When I was done, I zipped open my pack, slid out the communion bowl, and handed it over.

“Thanks for honoring our ways.” Sister Janet tucked it gingerly upon her lap.

I zipped my backpack and wiped off the tears. “I’ll miss you both.”

“We’ll miss ye, too.” Sister Janet sniffled, then wagged a stern finger at me. “Now, go. Whatever happens, don’t let the devil take yer soul and don’t yield to heaven’s call while it’s still yer time on this earth.”

Chapter Fourteen

Javier

A wall of silence stood between Missy and me. We rode in the same car, and yet she sat as far away from me as was physically possible, pressing her shoulder against the door. She seemed to be contemplating the countryside, but I knew she’d withdrawn from me. She’d closed herself inside her mind and refused me entry.

This is exactly how I wanted it. Wasn’t it?

Then why the hell did I feel so miserable?

I smothered an urge to apologize for my earlier detachment, scoot her up onto my lap, and kiss her silly. It was a bad idea. I called on my discipline to stem my impulses. Her proximity drove me bonkers. Anytime now, I was gonna explode out of my tight skin and reach out for her.

Thankfully, a big sign announced our arrival at the resort. The car turned into a private road and stopped at the guard gate, where a uniformed agent checked our passports and confirmed we had reservations. Only registered guests and employees were allowed on the grounds. It was good to know they had strict security in place and yet I couldn’t let my guard down. I wished I had a Marine battalion at my disposal.

A winding road led us through the forest and to the parking plaza. We pulled up to an open-sided stone building topped by a thatched roof weaved of dried palm leaves. I allowed a staff member to unload the suitcase, but I grabbed my duffel and carried it with me to the front desk, where, thanks to Kai’s arrangements, the clerk made quick work of our check-in.

“Here are your keys.” She handed me the plastic cards, laid out a map on the counter, and pointed with the tip of her pen. “This is the main pool. Poolside bar. The main restaurantoverlooks the lake. Lounge, gym, outdoor dining. These are the thermal springs.” She flashed us a toothy smile. “Enjoy your stay and congratulations on your marriage.”

Standing next to me, Missy straightened her back so hard I almost heard her vertebrae snapping. “Marriage?” she muttered under her breath.

“Cover story,” I guessed through stiff lips before I deployed the brightest smile I could muster on the clerk. “Thank you.”

Someone had to look the part and Missy wasn’t it. She actually looked a little ill at the suggestion. I didn’t blame her. Imagine her hitched to me. Or me hitched to anyone.Shit. Why was my mind going against traffic?

“Please follow me.” The bellman led us across the lobby, and carrying our single suitcase, guided us through the exuberant gardens.

The place was posh and most likely expensive as hell, I realized as we strolled by the well-maintained grounds and the different types of accommodations. There were standard hotel rooms near the main pool and small villas at the bottom of the hill. A gate separated the resort’s luxury area from the rest.

Treehouse Guests Only, a sign announced. The bellman swiped his card, and we tackled the steps etched into the hillside. As we climbed, I noticed private paths that peeled off and caught a glimpse of a few secluded structures peeking out from within the forest.

“Oh, hurry! Look!” Missy pointed up at the canopy. “It’s a sloth!”

“If it’s a sloth, there’s no need to hurry,” I grumbled, spotting the creature’s long claws and furry form clinging to a branch.

Missy blushed. In addition to dampening her enthusiasm, I’d made her feel silly. Fuck me. If only I could keepmy big mouth shut.

“You’ll find we share the grounds with many species of flora and fauna,” our guide was saying. “Here we are.”

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