Page 89 of When He Defends
“Please allow me to thank you on behalf of the resort.” Hannah tapped on the keyboard near her. “I see that you have a massage scheduled to start soon, Mrs. Anderson. A massage and then you’re booked for a horseback riding session.” Her lips pursed. “Know what? I will comp that massage for you. A sign of appreciation.”
“That’s awfully kind,” Emerson murmured.
“We aim to please.”
Yeah, about that… “We’d originally wanted a couple’s massage,” Gray said. Because that was what River had done with her husband. “With Angel, because we’ve heard exceptional things where Angel is concerned.” River had raved about “touching heaven” with Angel as her masseuse. Gray didn’t know who had been the second massage therapist in the session with River and her husband. He hoped to discover that info, stat.
“Sorry. That’s just not possible.” Hannah was firm. “Angel is our most popular masseuse, and his schedule often books weeks in advance.”
Right. That had been why they couldn’t get the couple’s massage at the last minute. The longer, couple’s massage hadn’t been available, so they’d had to opt for the shorter, single “invigorating” massage. But, still, Emerson would have the chance to grill the masseuse who had been with River.
“But if there is any other way I can assist…?” Hannah stared at them with raised brows.
“When do we sign the honeymoon registry?” Emerson asked without missing a beat. “I’ve been wanting to sign, but no one has told me when we can add our names.”
Hannah took a half-step back. “I’ll be arranging the signing for you very soon. It’s a special event. One for those who have promised to love each other forever.” She cleared her throat. “As you can imagine, the, ah, discovery of those devices has caused a bit of a stir. Normal plans have altered.” A brisk nod. “But you are a priority for me, I assure you.” Her gaze darted to Gray, then back to Emerson. “You are both a top priority.”
“Thank you.” Emerson sent her a sunny smile.
“I’m afraid that I have to excuse myself for a few moments,” Hannah added. “There is a group who will be checking in soon for a large family reunion, and I need to make certain thattheir bags are delivered to their connecting rooms as quickly as possible.”
“Right,” Gray drawled. “You have to keep all the guests happy.”
She’d begun to turn away, but at his words, Hannah stopped. Her head angled toward him. “I began working here when I was eighteen years old. I’m twenty-eight now. I started by working as a waitress in the main restaurant. I learned this resort, inside and out. It is my home. The staff members who work here are my family. I love this place with all of my heart. Giving the guests what they need is always the most important item on my agenda. I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make certain that you and your partner have an unforgettable experience here.”
Emerson curled her fingers around Gray’s arm. “Thank you so much, Hannah.” Warmth filled Emerson’s voice. “I’d better get to that spa appointment. Don’t want to have Angel waiting.”
Hannah bustled away, heading straight for the luggage desk. Justin hurried from behind the desk and met her midway. They leaned together, talking quickly.
“I think we have a problem,” Emerson whispered to Gray.
Gray brought his head close to her, his mouth skimming over her cheek in what looked like a kiss, but he murmured in her ear, “She just called you my partner.” Partner, not wife. He’d noticed that slip, too.
Could have been just semantics. Could have been just a way of saying a husband and wifewerepartners but…Gray’s gut said no. His gut said she knew they were working undercover.
“We need to talk,” Emerson breathed back to him.
One hundred percent, he agreed. Not there, in the middle of the lobby, with all eyes on them. They needed some place private. Secure. Luckily, he knew just the spot. “Angel’s waiting,” Gray reminded her.
Another person to interrogate. Another suspect. Everywhere they turned, there was another potential suspect.Right now, Hannah is setting off every alarm bell in my head.How in the hell had she learned that he and Emerson were partners?
At that moment, Agnes and Trinity appeared. They were holding tennis rackets. Laughing. Their gazes swept right past Emerson and Gray.
And Rylan came strolling into the lobby, hauling a golf bag with him. His sunglasses hung from the top of his open Polo.
Their backup was casing the resort. Their team was there. They were safe.
So why was tension growing heavily at the base of Gray’s neck?
Because Hannah knows we aren’t married. Someone told her the truth about us.
Someone betrayed us.
And Gray didn’t fucking tolerate betrayal.
Chapter Twenty
“You think I’m gonna let anyone else put their hands on my wife? Hell, no. Those fingers will be broken long before they touch her. Count on it.”
