Page 20 of Rio

“She’s more than that.I need to know if she really hates me, or if she’s playing hard to get.”

“You did say you liked the chase.”

“This woman has me doing marathons.”

He chortles.“Maybe she’s finding it hard to forget you.”

“It’s possible.I’m unforgettable.Comes with the charm package.”I flash him a grin.“Some people call it arrogance.I call it a public service.”

Dex rolls his eyes.“Then,come.Show up as a surprise.”

“That’s what I was aiming to do, like she did at your date with Dani, remember that, dude?”

“Often.”He grins.“And based onthatevent, and where we are today, miracles are possible, brother.They’re possible.So, yeah.Come along, but act surprised when you see us.Make out like you happened to be there by chance.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not sure Dani would think it’s a good idea either.”

I can’t believe how smitten this dude is.He obviously doesn’t want to be in Dani’s bad books.“Don’t worry.I won’t land you in it.”But secretly I’m thrilled, bordering on ecstatic.

I’m going to Miami, to meet the woman I haven’t been able to forget.I thrive on the thrill, the quest, the race to conquer, and no woman has ever denied me like Raquel has.

Chapter 6

RAQUEL

After an awful day in the office with that scumbag who passes for my boss, I’m looking forward to seeing Dani tonight.

Dex, too, I suppose.Though I’m still a little uneasy about them being back together again.I’m hoping this weekend sheds some light on what’s going on with them.

They’re staying at one of the top hotels in Miami—of course they would.I’m surprised the Knights don’t have a holiday home here.They’re going to take me to a fancy new restaurant for dinner.

We’ve arranged to meet at the restaurant , and I go there straight after work.As soon as I walk in, I see them.Dani is hard to miss.She always looks like a movie star in a crowd of people, and the best thing?She’s so modest.

They’ve got one of the best tables, by the window.Dani gets up as soon as she sees me, and waves me over.I rush towards her and we throw our arms around one another and hug.I hold her for longer than normal, because I’ve been worried about her.Because I’m so happy to see her.Because a weekend with my bestie drowns out all the work and Pierce headaches.

Last night we met a client over dinner, and even after the client left, Pierce wouldn’t let me go.Said he wanted to talk about my career goals.I hated every moment of sitting across a table from him, counting the minutes and the seconds, wondering how I could escape from him.

“You look good, hon,” I whisper.

“I’m so happy to see you!”

We’re still hugging.“Tell me you’re happy, Likereallyhappy?”I whisper.“Wink, if you’re here under duress.”

She roars with laughter.We pull away, hands on each other’s arms, examining one another.

“Duress?Hon, you have the most vivid imagination.You think Dex is holding a knife to my back?”

I have to say, she looks magnificent.She always does, but there’s an inner glow this time.She’s bubbling with happiness.She hugs me again, arms going around my neck as she clings to me.Then I see Dex standing behind her.

“Anything is possible with these Knights,” I murmur, before flashing a false smile at Dex.He stands there.Hands in his pockets, looking nonchalant and relaxed.Giving me and my girl our own space.But I can’t forget what his family did to Dani.I can’t forgive what his father put Uncle Arminio through.And now I’m supposed to forget all of that and accept this happy-ever-after?

Not so quickly this time.

“You’re hilarious, hon, but I know you mean it.”Dani dismisses my concerns easily.“That’s why I needed to come and see you, to make you understand that we’re good.”

“I’m so happy that you’re here.”I move shake hands with Dex.It’s cold and clinical.Like I’m meeting a new client.This man has to win back my trust and respect.