Page 113 of Liar

I roll up to a sitting position. Watching the fragile relationship we’ve built over the past two weeks feather and fray under the pressure of whatever is happening miles away. He still hasn’t said the words I love you. This is who he is, I remind myself. Fierce. Demanding. Loving. Physical in body, yet emotionally reserved.All in good time, I keep telling myself.Be patient.

Judging by his conversation, our time together is running out.

“And his kids?” There’s a slight pause. “Jesus. Lock everything down until I get there.”

I don’t ask him what happened. Or if he’s leaving—because of course, he is. I mean, I knew he had things going on in Rome even if I didn’t fully acknowledge how he is in charge there too. The question foremost on my mind isn’t if he’s leaving—but when orifhe’ll be returning.

When he disconnects, he doesn’t immediately pack.

He just looks at me.

He doesn’t want to leave me.I feel it deep within my bones. But he’s going to ... he has to, I suppose.

I climb out of bed then place a kiss on his cheek. “Whatever you need from me, I’ll do it.”

“Try again to reach your brother.”

“I don’t understand why he’s not answering.” We spoke three days ago, and Diego mentioned a shipment of dynamite had arrived. I’d rolled my eyes. Anything that makes a loud boom, my brother’s onboard. Maybe he’s inside the tunnel? Poor reception? It’s very likely that’s the case.

Hayden moves away and hastily packs a bag. Not everything, just a few suits and some toiletries.

Question answered. He’ll be back.

It doesn’t make his departure easier. He hasn’t even left, and I feel the distance between us growing. Will he miss me curled up against him at night? Will he miss the way I sass him when he’s too bossy or tease him when he’s too beautiful to ignore?

“Please. Whatever you are involved in, come home safely.”

His attention shifts toward me. “Luciana.” My name sounds like a wish rather than the promise I’ve grown accustomed to hearing. And I wait ... wait for him to admit it.

Say it, damn you. Say it.

He snatches hold of me then pulls me in for a long, deep kiss, not letting go until I’m completely, utterly devastated.

Then, dressing quickly and with the smell of me still on his skin, he leaves.

* * *

Icall Hayden two days later in a panic.

He’s “in the middle of something” though still answers on the second ring. It’s a cause for concern considering the late hour in Rome, though whatever he’s involved in doesn’t stop his barrage of questions about my welfare. I get a lump in my throat from his concern over me. I quickly voice my concern about Diego and how he’s not answering my calls.

“Your brother is where he is supposed to be.”

I bite my lower lip then slowly release it. “How can you be sure?”

“He’s north of Tijuana and close to the border, completing my orders. I pulled up his location on my phone. Like we discussed before, he’s probably inside the tunnel.”

“You’re tracking him on your phone?”

“Don’t look so surprised.”

Wait. Look surprised? Can he see me?

“You’re lovely in that blue dress.”

I scowl at my phone and then at the camera high on the wall of the lavandería.

“Lovely and smart. The tracking app is the same one used to monitor your business.”