Chapter Twelve
For six days, Mariel didn’t see Carlos. Someone in the Hideaway had whispered that he was gone on business. It felt odd to her with both Jack and Carlos elsewhere. She wondered about Jack, but only for a time, and took the whispered rumors of Carlos at face value, looking forward to his return. In the meantime, Ancha gave her assignments: in the kitchen, on the grounds, in the rooms, sweeping and dusting, which was an endless task in this tropical climate.
When Carlos returned, everyone in the Hideaway was instantly roused, excited and scared. Muriel’s heart leapt to her throat. She could feel him, the pulse of his body, his groin throbbing as though he was ready for her, and would come for her at any moment. Hours passed and he didn’t appear while Muriel’s longing for him
