Page 16 of Sapphire

“I’m excited for you to see our house,” Mateo tells me as he pushes me through the hospital in the wheelchair while Tomas brings the car around to the front.

“I bet it’s gorgeous. You seem to me to have great taste. I’m just happy to get some fresh air.”

“We have plenty of that. We also have a pool that overlooks the ocean.”

Sounds like paradise, one that I would happily give anything to enjoy in any other life.

We roll through the exit doors of the hospital and toward a slick, black Mercedes.

Tomas is standing beside it, looking like he’s a model in a car ad. Dressed in dark jeans and a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up showing off his tanned olive skin and corded muscles, dark Aviators hide his curious hazel eyes. His light brown hair is the only thing rumpled about him. He seems very strait-laced and serious compared to Mateo, who is like an excitable puppy, wearing his emotions on his sleeve.

“Are you ready?” Tomas asks, holding out his hand to me.

I smile, taking it in my own. This is the first physical contact we’ve had with each other. He helps me into the plush car, making sure I don’t overdo it. Mateo is fussing over me also. I’m dressed in a white sundress and sandals, something Mateo brought in for me to get changed into. My clothes had been taken by the police for DNA testing to see if they could work out who had attacked me. They cleaned under my fingernails, they even tested me for rape and any sexual diseases, and thank God that came back negative.

“Thanks,” I say to him as I take my seat. Tomas stares at me for a couple of moments as he holds my hand, something is on his mind, but he shakes it away and drops my hand quickly as if it burned him to touch it.

Maybe leaving tomorrow isn’t quick enough for him.

It isn’t long until we’re pulling up in front of a gorgeous white mansion.

“Home, sweet, home,” Mateo says, jumping out of the car and opening my door.

My jaw hangs open. “You live here?” I can’t believe it.

“Yes,” Tomas answers seriously.

“Come on, let me show you around.” Mateo links our arms together, and we enter through a large wooden door. Everything is white, sleek, glass, and designer. Who are these two men that they can afford something as beautiful as this?

“Let me show you the best bit.” Mateo pulls me through the living room and toward a wall of glass. In front of me is a turquoise pool, the dark blue ocean, and the medieval rooftops of Ibiza.

“It’s beautiful.” I gasp before I wobble on my feet.

“Come, come, you need to have a rest, that drive has taken its toll on you,” Mateo says, gesturing toward a large, double cocoon-style day bed.

He fluffs a couple of pillows for me then tells me to sit before he joins me, his large, hard body pressed against mine in the small space. I can feel my cheeks becoming flushed.

Tomas joins us moments later, his hazel eyes looking at the two of us sitting comfortably in the chair, his eyes narrowing on my glowing cheeks. I think he’s guessed that I’m finding Mateo attractive.Reel it in, Zoe.

“Tomas, you can be our pool boy. Grab us some drinks, please?” Mateo teases him.

Tomas flinches every so subtly.

“No, Tomas, you don’t have to. I can get it myself.”

I feel bad—I’ve already imposed on their lives so much. He doesn’t have to slave after me also.

“No, you’re still recovering. I’ll get us drinks, then we can help you get settled into your room,” Tomas says curtly before disappearing inside.

“That was rude. I’m sorry. He’s in a mood today,” Mateo explains.

“You don’t have to apologize. I’m the one that should be. I’ve invaded your private space.”

“Would you stop that? It is no trouble at all. Plus, I like hanging out with you. You’re not as moody as Tomas,” Mateo jokes.

“Hey, don’t be mean,” I say, playfully slapping Mateo. “Making him wait on me isn’t going to make him feel comfortable around me.”

“Don’t worry about him. Tomas is surly to everyone, but once you break down his walls, he’s a good guy.”

---