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“You’re insane.” She looked to Zach. “Tell him he’s insane. He’ll get himself killed.”
Zach’s dark eyes regarded her steadily. “Lopez sent men to kidnap you and tried to kill Caleb. He won’t let up until he gets what he wants. If we lure him here, we have the advantage. I know this terrain. Caleb and I know how to fight.”
“Trust us—trustme. The people here need you, and I know you want to stay. It’s the only way you get your life back.” Caleb’s quiet voice carried a confidence she clung to with the desperation of a drowning woman.
She stared at him.Her life.
But at what cost? Losing Caleb would haunt her forever.
Damn you, Vincente.
Not a day went by when she didn’t think about that night on the yacht. She’d promised Vincente she’d never speak of it. That it would die with her, even as it left a black stain on her conscience.
But Vincente wasn’t letting her move on. He was burning every safe place she found to the ground.
Caleb’s phone rang. His mouth tightened when he glanced at the screen. “Dìleas. I’llbe right back.”
“Exam room two when you’re done.” Gia hadn’t missed the wince when he stood. “I want to see for myself that you’re,” she used finger quotes, “fine.”
His grin sent her heart in a spiral. “Yes, Doc.”
She tracked him as he slipped out the door, not wanting to let him out of her sight.
“You’re attracted to him.”
Gia blinked, her attention shifting to Zach.
Resignation shadowed his face.
She remembered Jennie’s words.Zach has a thing for you. Surely you’ve noticed.
“I’m sorry.” She winced at how inadequate her apology felt. Zach was a good man. But she’d never considered him more than a friend.
“Just don’t end up with a broken heart.”
“I won’t.” She’d be crazy to fall in love again.
Again?
Had she been in love with Vincente, or simply allowed herself to be seduced by his flattering attention and money?
Allowed herself to be treated like an object for his pleasure.
Right now, she hated him with a passion that ran soul deep.
Caleb had once again stepped into the role of her protector and, even though he could have died today, he wasn’t running.
No one had ever done that for her. Ever.
This isn’t about you, it’s about his mother.
Caleb wanted revenge. She’d do well to remember that.
Still, it didn’t change the fact that he was in danger because of her.
And she had one card left to play.
Her stomach cramped hard. Cold prickled her skin.