Page 70 of Devil's Bride

I leaned forward in the seat, cognizant Jago was watching my reaction. As usual, he wore a smirk. Did he think taking me to a dilapidated castle was going to impress me? He was a fool if he did.

“I don’t know, sweet sissy. Maybe it’s just a pile of stones and guillotines.” I was being far too snarky since he’d come to my rescue and was providing a safe place to live, but I couldn’t make right the threat or his offer in my mind.

“It’s an eighteenth-century castle held in my family’s name. I had it renovated several years ago, Bella,” he told her. “I think you’ll find it acceptable.”

She barely looked at him. “I think it’s creepy.”

I bit back a laugh, but Jago didn’t.

“She’s very much like you,” he told me.

“Both my siblings are, although Marco is much more like my father. I would watch out for him if I were you. There’s nothing quite like the wrath of an angry young man.” Marco had chosen to ride with Antonio in one of our vehicles. I couldn’t blame him. The air in the SUV Bella and I had been forced into was stale.

Although from the moment I’d eased onto the seat, I’d gathered a distinct scent of Jago, the fragrance that had enticed me the first time. While I was tingling, I doubted it had anything to do with desire. I was still running high on adrenaline. At least I’d been able to take a quick shower, scrubbing the bloodstains off my skin.

The driver pulled to a stop and I gripped the edge of the seat next to me. This felt wrong, but there was little I could do.

We were led inside and I immediately concentrated on the sound our shoes made on the tile floor. Everything was scaled larger, the ceiling in the foyer at least sixteen feet high. While I’d expected furnishings that originated from the era the castle was built, I was at least pleasantly surprised only the entrance felt cold and oppressive.

When we walked into the massive living room, I was struck by the wide-open appearance and the choice of furniture.

Yet this wasn’t my home and certainly wasn’t somewhere I could feel comfortable.

“Benito. Take Marco and Bella to their rooms. I’m certain they’d like to get some sleep. Kruz, you can go. Make certain the security is in place and begin a patrol around the property.”

Jago’s voice held an authoritative tone and his soldier immediately reacted, motioning my brother and sister from the room.

Kruz eyed me warily. I could tell the man didn’t like me very much. What a shame. I didn’t like him at all.

Bella looked at me helplessly and I nodded. At this point, I needed to spend some time alone with Jago. I might not like it, but at this point, I had no other choice.

“It’s okay, Bella. Just try and rest. We’ll explore the castle in the morning.” I had no idea what time it was. I remained partially in a fog, time and space holding little meaning.

She nodded, trying her best to keep from crying. I noticed the intense lines on her face as exhaustion combined with fear.

“Emiliano, go with Kruz and check the grounds. You need to learn the security.” I didn’t look at my commander, instead keeping my eyes on Jago. He wasn’t going to play the God-almighty card with me. I would have a say with my men.

Even if so many of my choices had been ripped away.

Jago nodded to Kruz while I felt Emiliano’s tense stare. Why did everything need to feel like a standoff with the men?

Why was my mind playing with me, screamingdanger,dangerover and over again? Because Jago was dangerous and I was mixed up in a world I had no business being in. However, I needed to shove that aside and get down to business.

He was awaiting an answer. While I still had a few hours until D-day, neither one of us were in the mood for a long, drawn-out game.

Yet he wanted to play the anticipation card, already heading toward the other side of the room. Meanwhile, I stood where I was, feeling a strange draft and wondering if it was from all the ghosts that had likely lived and died in the place.

Before he made his final approach to a gorgeously ornate bar, he stopped long enough to turn and look at me. Did he think I was going to try to escape? I wasn’t even certain I could find my way back to my father’s estate at this point.

“If you’re cold, I can start a fire.” His words seemed heartfelt, but I didn’t trust his generosity. Unlike the men I’d met in cartels, he was suave, so much so I knew it was used as a weapon. My guess was that his fake sophistication was a hit with the ladies. I’d envisioned him with dozens of them, including right now.

Why did I care if he’d slept with every woman in Barcelona? Well, maybe not every woman. I bit back a nervous laugh and glanced at the fireplace. The massive arched opening gave way to the chimney following all the way to the vaulted ceiling. “Are you also a big mountain man too? Do you wield chainsaws and mauls with ease?”

He didn’t seem to take kindly to my morbid sense of humor.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Just exhausted.”

“I can imagine.” Every time he provided me with a longing look, a feeling of being on fire replaced the chill. His footsteps echoed as he brought two similar-looking glasses, keeping a decent distance as he handed one to me. “We should put ice on your face.”

---