Page 65 of Gabriel

“Sure thing,” she chirped happily, ignoring my silent scolding.

There was a pause and then a sharp inhale from the other end. “Good, good. You know how I worry about you all.”

“I know. But there’s nothing to worry about,” Elira said, smooth as silk. “We’re just enjoying some quiet time. European waters. No drama. Just seagulls and sunscreen.”

I stared at her. She smiled at me likeI’ve got this, and mouthed,You’re the one who brought up the yacht.

“Send me the name of the boat so I can track it.”

Elira lifted her brows in slow horror, folding her arms and mouthing,Your move, genius.

“Hello? Girls? Can you hear me?” Mother Liana snapped.

“Yes, we’re here,” I said quickly. “We’ll… we’ll send it. Promise.”

The line went dead, and for a beat, the room was still.

Then Elira snorted. “We’re so screwed.”

I exhaled and slumped into the chair. “Why did you tell her that Jet will call her?”

“I panicked,” she grumbled, then shrugged, slipping her knife back into its sheath. “Let’s just worry about today and make sure Mom never learns what Jet’s doing.”

“Wedon’t even know what he’s doing. And anyway, if we get caught in Albania, she’s definitely going to know.”

She smiled optimistically. “But the good news is that Albania is in European waters, so technically we won’t be lying.”

I slapped my palm against my forehead. “Jesus, are we really going for a technicality here?”

“Unless you have a better idea.”

“This is reckless and stupid, following these dumb clues and kidnapping the heir of the Santos Cartel.”

“Probably,” she agreed. “But it’s too late for regrets, so…”

This would no doubt end in a disaster of epic proportions.

Gabriel

Islipped the handcuffs from my wrists again, easing them discreetly onto my pillow.

I winced, hearing the soft sound carry in the silence, but no footsteps followed. There was just the ever-present creak of the sea pressing in against the yacht’s hull.

In the past three days, my jailers had developed a routine. They would come in the morning so I could use the bathroom and the shower, then change. They’d keep me company while I ate, engage in small talk, and be back several times throughout the day to repeat.

Once they went on with their day, I’d go exploring. By now, I’d done it on multiple occasions. I had yet to find anything, although I did get a sense for the girls’ routines outside their hours spent visiting me.

Elira was probably up on the sun deck, planning something deranged with a mimosa in hand. Amara would be below or pacing along the aft deck.

Dammit, how that woman tempted me. She called to me like a mermaid’s song.

Luis was right. I was so goddamned doomed. Maybe I should have bought earplugs too.

I moved into the bathroom and splashed cold water over my face, chasing off the fog of sleep. Truthfully, I was going stir-crazy after three days of confinement, but there were worse things in life.

Meeting my expression in the mirror, I noted the exhaustion. Ironic really, considering I’d been more or less resting most of the time.

I stepped quietly back into the main cabin and made my way to the door that led outside.