Page 20 of The Devil

Santiago’s expression turns serious. “From what you’re telling us, it sounds like she’s been through some kind of trauma.”

“I think so too,” I agree. “But it can be anything from being abused to God knows what.”

“Patience wins the race,” he says, then he grins at me. “What are we eating?”

Unable to tell the men to leave like I would do with any other person, I suggest, “We can go out for a late lunch. I’m sure Leo and Cassia would like to join us.”

“Know any good places around here?” Dominik asks.

“No.”

Santiago lifts an eyebrow at me. “Then where do you suggest we eat?”

“Fine,” I grumble as I climb to my feet. “I’ll make something. Call Leo and Cassia and tell them to come over.”

“Whatever you’re preparing, make a lot of it. I’m hungry,” Santiago says as I walk to the kitchen.

I open the fridge and look at the steaks and chicken while thinking what will be best.

I hear the men come up behind me, then they peek into the fridge.

“We’re in America. We can have a barbecue,” Santiago mentions.

“Chicken and steaks. What do we add as side dishes?” I ask.

“I’ll tell Leo and Cassia to stop at a store for bread and salad ingredients,” Dominik replies while pulling his phone out of his pocket.

While he makes the call, I take all the meat out and set it down on the counter.

I had to drive two and a half hours to find a meat market that sold Wagyu, and I planned to make it for Jenna.

My eyes flick to the men, then I say, “I have plans for tonight, so this impromptu barbecue has to be over by seven.”

“A date with your woman?” Santiago asks.

I shake my head. “I like to watch her while she works.”

“Every night?” The corner of Dominik’s mouth lifts, and when I nod, he chuckles. “Didn’t take you for a stalker.”

I shrug. “It’s to keep her safe. The first night I got to town, a creep took a photo of her. I killed him and found hundreds of photos on his phone.”

Santiago gives me a curious look. “How many people have you killed since you’ve been here?”

“Just one. I think.” I begin to open the packs of steaks. “I’m not sure if I killed any of the bikers. I shot four and ran one off the road, so who knows.”

Dominik sighs. “Why do I get the feeling there’s going to be a lot of killing before you go back to Portugal?”

“At least you won’t be bored,” I mutter, making the men laugh.

Santiago opens the back door and takes a deep breath as he looks at the lake. “Are we barbecuing outside?”

“Sure.”

He disappears out of the house, and silence falls between Dominik and me. We’re both naturally quiet people, so it isn’t uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, during which I remove all the meat from the packaging before throwing some spices on, Dominik says, “I understand why you like to work alone.”

My eyes flick to his.