Page 32 of Gabriel

She shot me a sidelong look. “I’m backpacking in the South American jungle. Obviously.”

“Bullshit.”

She tilted her chin in defiance. “It’s not. I’m here, aren’t I? In a jungle that’s in South America.”

I let out a sardonic breath.

“Your dream was to backpack Europe, not South America.” Surprise flashed in her eyes and I smiled smugly. “What? Don’t tell me you’re surprised I know everything about you.”

“You need to find another hobby, Santos,” she muttered, her cheeks staining red, and Amara blushing was a sight to behold.

“You like my attention,” I drawled.

Her stride slowed a bit before she shot me a glare full of defiance and resumed walking.

“I detest your attention,” she grumbled.

“Let’s agree to disagree,” I purred, then decided to cut straight to it. “Are you here for your stepbrother?”

This time her stride didn’t pause and her breathing remained unchanged, but a flicker of darkness passed across her expression.

“You ask too many questions, Santos.”

“Why aren’t Satan’s twins with you, protecting you?” She didn’t answer, and I didn’t think mentioning that I knew Elira was back on her yacht would win me any points. “You know, whatever you’re doing… I can help,” I offered. “Two heads are better than one.”

She scoffed. “Depends on what two heads we’re talking about.”

Amara had such a fucking knack for insults. I’d be offended if I weren’t so fascinated with her.

“You look like you need some sleep,preciosa,” I drawled. “We could get some rest together.”

“Aren’t you scared of being killed in your sleep?” she asked.

“As long as you’re the one doing the killing, no.”

We walked toward the road, two shadows drawn into the same endless game of cat and mouse we’d been playing for years. It was a dance we knew by heart.

Amara

The engine growled beneath us as Gabriel steered his black Jeep down the dusty road, the jungle thinning into barren red earth as the last streaks of sunlight died out.

I kept the gun close on my lap, wary of the silence.

It felt too still.

I had another two hours before my time expired. I debated whether to send a text to Elira now or wait until I was away from Santos.

He cast a glance my way, a crooked grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Not many people stroll into my territory covered in blood and flashing a blade like they own the place,” he said, voice smooth as aged whiskey.

I snorted. “I like to leave an impression. Something to be remembered by.”

He chuckled, darkly amused. “As if anyone could forget you.”

I looked sideways, not surprised. Gabriel never played coy when it came to his interest in me.

“You did,” I said before I could stop myself. The bitterness laced the words like venom. “A whole eight months since Revelation, and nothing from you. Not even a peep.”