Page 26 of Gabriel

“Alright, let’s see what kind of trouble he’s got himself into.”

I glanced out at the ocean one last time, feeling the tension coil tight in my chest, then folded the map carefully and slipped it into the inner pocket of my jacket.

Elira stood by the helm, fingers twitching and grinning darkly.

“What if you run into Santos?”

“I’m hoping that doesn’t happen. Ideally I find this location and get lost before Santos or his men spot me.” I tried to keep the worry out of my voice.

“It ishisterritory,” she pointed out.

It was what worried me too, but I didn’t voice that. Instead, I just said, “I need to figure out what Jet was doing with him. If I run into Santos, I certainly hope it’s after I learn whatever Jet wants us to know so I can call him out on it. Although I hope it doesn’t come to it. It would do no good to start a war with the Santos Cartel without facts to back us up.”

The expression on Elira’s face was lined with worry. “And if you run into Santos before you figure out what Jet was doing?”

“I’ll have to play coy.”

Although, being coy with Santos had never been my strength. He seemed to know how to frazzle me and distract me with his words and beautiful mouth.

My phone buzzed again and I pulled it out, my thumb hovering over the screen.

Skye: Whatever it is you’re up to, if you need help, just message us on here. We’ll send a rescue squad. Or memes. Probably both, just to be safe.

Penelope: Ditto. And if you get kidnapped, send a picture of yourself with a badly drawn smiley face taped over your mouth. That can be our secret code.

I laughed, my heart a little lighter.

Me: Why am I not surprised you girls are onto me?

Penelope:

Elira glanced over my shoulder, smirking. “You and your college nerds. They’ll blow our cover.”

“They’re just being idiots,” I told her. “They have no idea that we’re not in Europe.”

“What do these emojis mean?”

I shrugged. “I’m assuming that our secret is safe with them?”

“What secrets? You didn’t tell them anything.” She arched a perfectly shaped brow. “Did you?”

“I didn’t, but they still have my back.”

Besides, it wasn’t as if I had something important to tell my friends. We didn’t know what the hell Jet was up to or what we would find in the jungle.

“Do you want me to drive you?” she offered.

“No, I’ll have one of the crew handle it.” We had limited staff on board, and best of all, they were discreet and trustworthy. Their only job was to ensure we were fueled up and we had more than enough supplies while we traveled the oceans.

“I’ll call you to arrange the pickup for me once I’m ready,” I continued when Elira didn’t object. “In the meantime, you hold down the fort—well, the yacht, I guess.” My attempt at humor landed with a thud. “I’m leaving tonight. The drive’s nearly a full day, and I still need to pack my weapons.”

“Okay,” she said, a little too easily.

I blinked. Elira was usually a control freak—protective to the point of smothering. Letting go wasn’t her style. But this time, she just… let it happen.

She held my gaze as I said, “If you don’t hear from me in forty-eight hours?—”

“I know, I know. Call Kian,” she finished.