Page 37 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"We did," Andrew said. "I hope you'll invite us back when the rest of these display cases are filled."

"Definitely. By the way…" Victor paused, looking toward the door as his wife ushered the others out of the room, and it was just the three of us. Ethan had disappeared and the other security guard had stepped into the hall. "I wanted to let you know that our security systems are back online in the main building, and our team will be on higher alert as we move forward. I'm sorry we weren't able to find the person who vandalized your suite, but Martin will continue investigating and interviewing our hotel staff. We pride ourselves on providing a safe as well as luxurious five-star experience, so any news to the contrary would be damaging to our reputation."

"We understand," Andrew said. "We won't say a word."

"I'm glad to hear I can count on you both." Victor hesitated, as if he wanted to say something else.

"Do you have a question?" I asked as the silence between us went on a little long.

"My investigator, Mr. Stark, has always had questions about your story the night of the fire," Victor said.

My gut tightened. We were suddenly going to talk about the elephant in the room.

"We're aware of that," Andrew said. "We've given him our answers, but he seems determined to find something that isn't there. And it was my understanding that the investigation ended months ago."

"It did, and I told Ethan to back off, but as he reminded me, he doesn't work for me. One of the few people around here that doesn't," Victor added, an edge to his voice. "At any rate, I have to work with him to ensure the safety and insurability of my collection, so he'll be here, and he'll be assessing security on every level. I understand that his questions might make you uncomfortable, but it is what it is. He's part of the security team, and he's looking out for my best interests."

"We have nothing to hide," Andrew said with such clarity of purpose in his voice that I was reassured as much as Victor was. "In fact, if there's anything we can do to help, we will. Both Lauren and I are extremely grateful for everything you've done for us, Victor."

"Well, you're doing a lot for me, too. I know you have a busy afternoon ahead, so we should go downstairs. I hope you'll enjoy your trail ride. There are some spectacular views from the hills above the resort."

"I know we will," Andrew assured him, squeezing my hand.

I put on my fake happy smile and followed them both out of the room.

ChapterNine

"What did Paula talk to you about when she took you upstairs?" Andrew asked as soon as we left the villa.

"She doesn't like that Allison is an attractive woman cozying up to her husband to get a job. Paula wanted to know why you were pushing Allison on Victor."

He frowned at my words. "I wasn't pushing Allison. I made an introduction. That was it."

"Well, Paula doesn't like her. She says that Victor has a weakness when it comes to beautiful young women, and she won't have him taken advantage of. By the way, Bennett told me the same thing. He said that attractive young women working with his father doesn't usually work out well for his mother."

"Good God!" Andrew said. "Allison is trying to get ahead in business. She's not after Victor personally. She's a pretty woman, yes, but she's not some supervillain adulteress. I don't know why everyone is getting so worked up about her."

His defense was far too passionate for my liking. "You asked me what Paula said, and I told you. And I wasn't the one who brought Allison up to Paula or Bennett. They asked me about her because she's your friend, and she's on this island at your invitation."

His jaw tightened. "All right. I get it. I'll talk to Allison."

"I could go with you. I'd like to get to know her better."

"You can get to know her another time. You have a lot of feelings about her, Lauren, and I don't want any more drama."

I frowned at the sharpness of his words. "She's the one causing drama, not me, Andrew."

"We don't know that she has done anything." He paused. "You need to trust me, Lauren. I don't know why it seems like you don't anymore."

"Maybe because it feels like you're not being completely honest."

"I've told you everything you need to know about Allison."

I thought his choice of words was telling. Everything Ineededto know, not necessarily what Iwantedto know. But I was tired of arguing about her. "I'll meet you back at the room. I could use some time to myself before I have to get on a horse, which I am not looking forward to doing."

"You'll be fine. I'm sure there will be a nice calm horse for you to ride."

"I hope so." I gave him a pleading look. "I don't want Allison to come between us, Andrew."

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