Page 47 of Stone
He shook his head. “Let the past go, Dani. That was twenty years ago. I’ve moved on. You’ve moved on.”
“Yes, I can tell you have.” I studied the water again, noticing movement. “Oh, my God. Is that a whale?”
As he leaned over, crowding my space, another rise of heat flushed my system. I held my breath, longing for him to touch me.
“Humpback whales. They show up often. There are dolphins too.”
“Please tell me we can go snorkeling.” I had to remind myself this wasn’t some glorious vacation.
“We’ll see. Why don’t we get you settled first. Then you need to at least tell your dad you’re alive.”
“He knows I’m alive.” My voice couldn’t have been any more flat-lined.
“Yes, he does. You should also try and remember that this might not be over. And there is no confirmation Matis was caught in the attack.”
“What does he want?” As the sight of the small airport came into view, I wasn’t certain Stone was going to answer. The truth was that he didn’t owe me anything. The fact he’d brought me to his home on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean was admirable and going well above what he’d signed on for.
No matter what our history, my presence had to be an inconvenience.
He said nothing, only corresponding with the tower, finally touching down in one of the smoothest landings I’d ever experienced.
As he slowed his speed, rolling toward the tarmac, he finally removed his headset and looked over. “I don’t know what Matis wants, Dani, and that pisses me off. What my gut tells me is that the reason for your kidnapping wasn’t solely about money.”
“This is all about my father and his politics.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Not my place to say or get in the middle of.” As he pulled to a stop, I felt a sense of relief. “What I will do is keep you safe and you’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but you won’t leave until Matis is in custody or killed. So get used to it.”
“It just occurred to me that I have no clothes. I have nothing personal, including my phone or passport.”
“We’ll get you a burner phone and whatever you need. You should know your place in Paris was trashed.”
I studied him as the reality began to sink in. “I’ll never feel safe again. Will I?”
“Don’t say that. Matis will be caught. Until he is, we’ll figure out how to make you comfortable.”
“While the island is beautiful, it looks a little… rural.”
As he finally cut the engine, he allowed me to see the amused look on his face. “This might be a small island with few paved roads, but I think we can figure something out as far as something for you to wear. In fact, we’ll pick up a few things on the way back to the house.”
“A little cabin in the woods?” As soon as he unfastened his seatbelt and rose to his feet, he leaned over, placing his hands on either armrest.
Very slowly he lowered his head and I was certain he was going to kiss me. I even tilted my head, maybe hoping he would.
“I guess you’re going to need to wait to find out. Remember, Dani. Patience.” He tweaked my nose instead as he laughed.
Oh, the man was as infuriating as he was handsome.
A dangerous combination.
CHAPTER 12
Daniella
Shopping with a man was unique and something I’d had no experience with. Other than the one time my mom had dragged my father with her when we’d picked out my prom dress. The experience had been horrible. His idea of appropriate and mine had been completely different.
Watching the way Stone hovered around me yet kept his distance when inside the two general stores had been amusing. The quaint locations had been in the heart of the small city, clothes crammed together with everything from decorative candles and baseball hats to toiletries and books.
He’d insisted I stock up on anything I needed, ensuring I also purchased appropriate boots and shoes. When he’d tossed a bathing suit into the basket, I’d been unable to keep from chiding him.
