Page 39 of Death

We head downstairs, but as we near the sliding doors that lead to the veranda, I see Marc and Pedro talking outside by the front door that’s straight ahead of us.

I quickly glance over my shoulder, and when Ciara’s eyes widen on the men, I say, “Don’t run. They won’t hurt you.”

Her body tenses, and she fists her hands at her side, but then I’m surprised again as she moves closer to hide herself behind me.

“Pedro, close the front door,” I order, my attention focused on Ciara. When I hear the door shut, I say, “They’re gone. Okay? Let’s go outside to the veranda so we can get some sun.”

Her body doesn’t relax, but she follows me onto the veranda. I gesture at the chair near mine. “Take a seat.”

I wait for her to sit down before I sink down on my favorite chair.

Instead of staring off into the distance like I’ve done so many times while I was waiting for Ciara to come into my life, my gaze rests on her beautiful face.

“Astrid, my housekeeper, will bring the food out soon. Don’t be frightened.”

Ciara glances around her, and I get the feeling it’s because she’s on guard and not because she’s admiring my home.

My words aren’t even cold when Astrid pushes a cart out onto the veranda. Her eyes lock on Ciara, and a wide smile spreads over her face.

Astrid’s been with me for fifteen years. She’s one of the first women I saved, and she refuses to leave my side.

When she’s close enough, I say, “Ciara, this is Astrid. If you need anything, just ask her.”

“Yes,” Astrid agrees. “It’s so nice to meet you, Ciara. Welcome to our little slice of heaven.”

Ciara’s gaze lifts to Astrid for a second, then she murmurs, “Hi, Astrid.”

There’s a burst of pride and happiness in my chest because of the small step she just took.

“She does look like a sunrise. So beautiful,” Astrid practically coos while taking the silver domes off the plates. “I madelomo saltado. Enjoy.”

The dish is a type of stir-fry that consists of marinated sirloin strips, rice, onions, tomatoes, fries, and various other ingredients. It’s one of my favorites.

“Thank you, Astrid,” I say. I wait for her to head back into the house before I pick up a plate from the cart and put it down on the table so it’s near Ciara. “You can move your chair closer if you’d like to eat by the table.”

I place a knife and fork beside her plate before helping myself to the other plate and relaxing back in my chair.

Ciara watches as I hold the plate with my left hand while spearing a strip of sirloin with my fork. When I take the bite, she reaches for her plate and sets it down on her lap.

Struggling to keep from staring at Ciara, I eat half my food before I say, “I’m sure you’ve seen the armed guards.”

Ciara’s tongue darts out to lick her lips, and she keeps her gaze on her plate.

“I’ve attacked crime organizations and the cartels to free the people living in the village. The guards are here for everyone’s protection. They won’t hurt you, so please don’t run when you see one.”

She doesn’t give me any indication that she’s listening, but I keep going. “The man you saw yesterday is my second-in-command, Pedro. His wife, Ramona, manages the storage room where we keep all our food and supplies.”

Ciara’s features grow tense, and it has me asking, “Do you have any questions?”

She hesitates for a moment, but then the words fall soft over her lips. “Do I have to eat everything, or can I stop when I’ve had enough?”

“You can stop whenever you’re full.”

I watch as she carefully places the plate back on the cart before sitting tensely beside me.

I take a chance and ask, “Do you have any other questions?”

She grips her hands together on her lap, drawing my attention to them. They’re beautiful, but I notice her nails are all different lengths.