“Oh?”
“I’ve missed you.”
“Me too, darling. You’ve been busy.”
I stroke my fingers over his cheek, sighing contently. It’s odd how quickly I can relax when he’s near. I don’t really know what to say to him except, “I’m sorry.”
He reaches up to press his hand against mine, keeping my fingers against his cheek. “Not your fault.”
“What have you been up to?”
“Renata’s been keeping me busy.”
“Really? Doing what?”
He makes a face, like he’s not sure how to describe it. “Consultation work. She has a few raids planned, and she wanted my expertise.”
Something close to guilt tugs at my heartstrings. The irony isn’t lost on me. An ex-Navy SEAL working for the cartel? Lawful good working for chaotic evil? It doesn’t sit right with me, this world I’ve accidentally exposed him to.
Zane frowns, huffing to himself as he inspects my knuckles. They’re bruised and cracked from all the punches I’ve been throwing. “I’ll get you some ice.”
Before he can leave, I thread my fingers through his. “Later. Just… Will you stay for bit?”
“Of course, darling. Anything for you.” He brushes a few loose strands of my hair away from my face. “You know, I’ve been doing a little exploring.”
“Is that so?”
“Just around the property. Did you know there’s a small river near here? Just down the hill. How about we take a walk?”
“Ugh, more moving?”
Zane chuckles. “The view is beautiful. A change of scenery might be good for you.”
“And if my legs give out halfway?”
“I’ll carry you on my back.”
A smile stretches across my lips. “A walk sounds lovely.”
Chapter 28
Zane
The grass is taller near the riverbed, the gentle current trickling over smooth rocks and pebbles that make up the shallow shoreline. We are downhill from the hacienda. No doubt a strategic decision, building up where its residence has a vantage point in all directions. Down here, though, the tree line is thick and the paths rarely used. The property's edge goes on for another few yards, but Willow and I are effectively alone.
One look at Willow is all I need to know that she’s thriving. Before, when Arturo had her under lock and key, she was pale and thin and sluggish. Now that she’s free and able to spread her wings, I can’t help but notice the light in her eyes and the joy in her soul. She’s developed a lovely tan with all her time spent training with Natalia in the courtyard. There’s a gorgeous flush to her cheeks and an unrivaled brilliance in the way she smiles. She’s toned up, too, everything about her stronger and prouder than before.
She is, and always has been, a force of nature.
“Is this where you’ve been coming the past week?” she asks me, stepping toward the water’s edge. Willow allows her shoe to hover just over the river’s surface.
“Not all the time. There’s a library in the east wing. I’ve been spending my afternoons there sitting in on strategy meetings.”
“There’s a library?” she asks, incredulous. “How did I not know that?”
“Too busy being bullied by your aunt, I think.”
“That’s probably it.”