Nova is having a day out with Moreno. He took at least one guard with him, possibly two.
I head for the front door, keys in hand, my purse slung over my shoulder.
Rhys catches sight of me as I grab the front door handle. “Where are you going?” he asks.
There’s a frown etched on his face. He seems unsure of protocol, which I use to my advantage.
“Moreno wanted me to run to the store to pick up some new supplies for Nova. Finger paints, a canvas, you know the usual art stuff that kids love.”
I turn the handle and open the door. “I’ll be back after lunch.”
“Is someone supposed to accompany you?” Rhys asks. “Don Ricci always insists that a guard accompany his wife off the premises.”
I smile reassuringly. “You don’t have to worry. I’m not Nikki, the don’s wife. I’m just the nanny.” With as much conviction, I try to let him know that he doesn’t need to babysit me.
There’s still confliction etched on his face. “Okay.” He answers a little too quickly. He seems to still be mulling it over in his head, his brow furrowed. “Maybe I should call—”
I’m out the door and slam it shut before he can finish his sentence.
If he does call Moreno, I don’t want to be around. I’ll handle his wrath later when he sees that I’m fine, and he was overreacting.
Hurrying to my car, I unlock the driver’s side door and hop in, starting the engine. I put the car in gear and back out, heading down the main path for the guard gate.
The guard opens the gate and gives me a nod without so much as a second thought.
That was easy!
I laugh under my breath, hit the gas, and head away from the cabin.
I glance in the rearview, expecting someone to chase after me, tell me that I can’t leave without a guard or Moreno’s approval.
Dust and dirt kick up behind me.
No one appears to be following.
* * *
Pulling into the parking lot, I head into the café and spot Ariella at a table. Her husband has the kids today, which is a nice break for both of us.
“I’m glad you managed to show up,” Ariella says with a warm smile. She stands and gives me a huge embrace. “I thought that you’d text to cancel on me.”
I’m not sure I want to tell her that I was worried that might happen too. “Well, I made it,” I say with a laugh.
I scoot into the booth, sitting across from her.
“How’s working for you know who,” she says and grins.
At least she knows how to be somewhat discreet and not announce the family’s name that I’m employed under.
“He’s a handful,” I laugh. “More than the kid.”
Ariella chuckles. “Well, anytime you need a break. You are invited to crash at our place. We have a guest bedroom that you can occupy.”
“Appreciated.”
The waitress approaches our table, brings us menus, and rattles off the specials. After letting her know that I need a few minutes to decide, she rushes off to help another couple at a table.
“How is Nova doing?” Ariella asks, keeping her voice down.