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She would be safe and happy when everything with her brother went down. That shouldn’t relieve me as much as it did. I was too close to her and cared too much.

“I am jealous. I’d love to snuggle sloths. They’re so cute!Maybe I should convince my parents to change their focus from children to animals.”

“That would be incredible! You’d love the sanctuary.”

In another world, where I wasn’t Emilia or Millie, I’d love to follow her, but that wasn’t my reality.

“Ama!” A man with a trimmed black beard, piercing blue eyes, and a shaved head approached us. “It’s been too long.”

“Pedro!” She abandoned me and threw herself into his arms. They held each other’s hands while speaking rapid Spanish, catching up on the past few months and complimenting each other on how great they looked.

As much as I wanted to continue to pretend like I wasn’t eavesdropping, this was my perfect opportunity.

Alessio wasn’t done with his meeting, but it had to be wrapping up soon. I could do a little flirting and see if word spread to him.

The security group of guys seemed like the obvious choice, but they were packed too close together.

I headed toward the beach, eyeing the volleyball court and smiling when I saw a few men on the side waiting to switch in. I slid off my shoes on the steps and gingerly crossed the hot sand.

Other women were watching the exciting game, so I edged close enough for anyone casually glancing to assume I was with them. Then, I sipped my drink and popped one leg to show off while waiting for any of the guys to meet my eyes.

It didn’t take long. The slit came in handy.

Predictable, sad creatures. A flash of skin, and I had one hooked.

He sauntered over with a bright smile. “Enjoying the show?”

I dipped my chin to look up at him through my lashes. “Are you?”

He chuckled and eyed me up and down. “As a matter of fact, I am.”

I took another sip as I focused back on the match.

“I’m Andre.”

I didn’t respond.

He cleared his throat. “I haven’t seen you around before. Friends with someone here?”

“Ama.” I kept my attention off him.

“Oh, yeah?” He glanced around. “Well, she isn’t being a very good friend, leaving you alone to fend for yourself.”

“I’m not alone now, am I?” I cocked a brow, and he laughed.

“No, I’m more than happy to show you around.”

“It’s too hot here. I could go for another of these.” I waved my empty glass.

“Why don’t we head to the bar? I could use a break.”

He started to turn, and I followed, keeping my head down while I searched for witnesses.

Lovely. Half of the security men were watching me. Even Terrance had his attention on me. I purposely didn’t laugh or smile for this reason. I also kept space between us while we spoke. Now I needed him to make a move.

I slipped, just a bit, in the sand and his arm went around my waist, steadying me. The fool kept it there until we were at the top of the steps, and I shifted away to slide on my shoes.

“This way.” He grinned, reaching for my hand, but I pulled back and held my empty glass with both hands.