Page 53 of Perfume Girl

“His mother gave us full authority,” said Renaldo. “Let me see what strings I can pull. Astor would do well at such a prestigious school. He’s advanced.”

The Dean turned his fiery glare back on me. “How’s your hand?”

“Fine, sir, thank you, sir,” I replied, lying for the first time.

“No more writing letters home,” he said. “Your mother has been through enough. Am I clear on this subject, young Beauregard?”

Father Renaldo’s eyes glinted with kindness as he conveyed to me that the right answer was “yes.”

I did not return to America for many years. And when I did, time had wedged its way between me and my family. Though there had been a benefit in that grand education. So, all in all, this shell of a place no longer mattered. Soon this property would be mine, and I would tear down these walls.

And maybe, just maybe, quiet these inner ghosts.

With that comforting thought, I strolled down the cobbled street glancing at the new storefronts that had sprung up and the bright smiles of the locals who valued life and love and all that flowed between.

A flower shop caught my attention and I went inside.

I made my way back through the revolving door of the Hotel Inglaterra and paused to chat with Sergio, the concierge, and asked him to arrange dinner for two to be sent to my room. He told me the chef’s special was the snapper, but I was in too much of a hurry to decide.

Raquel was a rare treat I would allow myself for now, and though there remained suspicion surrounding her, I couldn’t deny myself the pleasure of her company. Her demeanor was refreshing and I could sense her vulnerability. I knew firsthand what it was like to fight my way through the chaos.

Once Raquel admitted what she was doing at my company, I might even forgive her.

Inside the elevator, I lifted the bouquet of flowers I’d bought for her and breathed in the scent of bougainvillea, perfect for the woman whose layers were seemingly endless.

The elevator doors opened.

Raquel stood there looking disheveled and full of confusion, clutching her handbag to her chest.

“What’s wrong?” I stepped out and faced her.

“I thought…”

Realizing what she meant, I pulled her against me. “Raquel, I would never have done that to you.”

She trembled and I hugged her tighter. I deserved her doubt after I’d walked away from her at the harbor, but surely all we had shared since had given her some comfort. Our intimacy had been astounding and our chemistry was unquestionable.

I stepped back and offered her the flowers. “For you.”

She accepted the bouquet and brought them to her nose, breathing in the heavenly scent. “They’re beautiful.” Her hands were shaking.

“Come inside.” I reached into my pocket for the keycard and waved it before the lock. Giving the door a push, I ushered her inside the room.

Her questioning stare told me she still wasn’t convinced. I was incapable of giving her what she had needed above all else… a sense of trust. I shouldn’t have left her alone in the room, but those haunting memories had found me and I hadn’t been able to sleep. A late night meandering stroll usually cleared my thoughts and inspired me, though this time the loneliness had clung heavily.

Sheinspired me, and seeing her affected by my actions brought on a wave of doubt that I would ever be what she needed.

“I’ve ordered room service,” I told her. “Hungry?”

“Not really.” She lowered the flowers to her side. “Can we go back?”

“If you wish.”

“You have a shower on your yacht?”

“Of course.” I looked around to make sure we didn’t leave anything behind. “Want to talk first?” I offered.

“No, people are expecting me.”