Impossible Odds

27

Just inside the thick, carved wood doors, the entry was magical in an old-world sort of way, like stepping through a time warp to an age of wooden stoves and horse-drawn carriages. There were modern touches, but he’d kept the charm of the original structure—arched doorframes and thick wooden beams in the ceilings. Some walls were done in rough stonework with iron sconces in stark relief against the pale hues of the stone and mortar. The furniture suited the home perfectly. It all looked to be either excellently cared for antiques or well-crafted replicas. With the dark brown Saltillo tile floor and an open, spacious layout, the house was a masterpiece. “It’s gorgeous, Primo,” I said in awe, still gaping at all the intricate details. “I’m glad you like it. Let’s get you to your room, and you can explore it tomorrow. I know I can’t be the only one who’s hungry and more than a little tired.” He led us to a curved stairwell with an ornate wrought-iron railing, then down a hallway to a bedroom accented in sky blue pillows and curtains. “This is perfect, thank you.” I glanced around, my gaze anxiously finding its way back to him. “Can I see where you’ll be staying?” Primo nodded without a word and led me down the opposite end of the hallway. Inside, the master suite was breathtaking. Not because it was particularly grand, but because of the accordion-style doors that opened the entire wall to the patio overlooking the ocean. I wandered closer, drawn to the shimmering moonlight dancing across the water. “I can’t wait to see everything during the daylight,” I murmured, entranced by the surreal beauty. Primo eased behind me, his warmth enveloping the length of my back. “Hmm,” he mused. “Perhaps, but the moonlight casts shadows that capture every dip and curve. There’s really nothing like it.” He traced his hand over the curve of my shoulder and down my arm, then swept my hair over one shoulder and placed an achingly sweet kiss on my neck. “Thank you for bringing me here.” The words lingered in the air, and Primo grew inhumanly still before pulling away from me. In place of his warmth was a chilling emptiness. I turned to face him, confusion knotting my brow. His gaze avoided me completely. “I’ll bring up a tray with dinner. You should get settled in your room.” His voice was cold and distant, a far cry from the lusty rumble seconds before. What was going on? His moods were so turbulent that I was getting whiplash just trying to keep up. I got the sense he wanted me but was conflicted. Why bring me here just to push me away? “Can I not stay here … with you?” Primo’s lips thinned. “I think some space would be best. It’s like you said—everything looks different in the light of day. This has been a major change for you, and I’m unsure how tomorrow will unfold. When the newness wears off and the dust settles, you might find you prefer to have a room to yourself.” “I’m not sure I understand, but if you think that’s best.” My voice took on an icy bite of its own, chilled from his suddenly cool demeanor. Primo only nodded and slipped from the room. OceanofPDF.com Chapter 14 Primo I sent Santino with a tray of food up to Giada instead of going myself. Maybe it was cowardice, but I needed time to think. I needed breathing room to get my head on straight. I’d been so overwhelmed with the desire to hang on to Giada that I’d glossed over the realities of bringing her back with me. Once I had her there in my house, I was assaulted with doubts. There was no use questioning whether I’d done the right thing. The point was moot. I’d brought Giada with me, and now the only question was how to move forward. After laying restlessly in bed for hours, I decided on a course of action. I constructed a viable explanation I could feed to Naz in order to gain his compliance and keep him from upsetting Giada. I rallied enough confidence in my plan to finally calm my nerves and allow sleep to take me. The first rays of morning light drew me awake, anxious to get through the tricky conversation ahead. I spent two punishing hours in the gym that morning, seeking some clarity of mind. Whenever my self-discipline wavered, exercise helped realign my priorities and energized me to stay focused. By the time I showered and joined Giada in the kitchen for breakfast, I was far more confident in my current course of action. Her hair was heaped in a messy bun on top of her head, and she wore a gauzy long-sleeve shirt rolled up to the elbows with loose linen pants. The look was relaxed and natural, an effortless beauty that was breathtaking. It was no wonder I’d risked my life descending into chaos in order to keep her near me. “I see you’ve met Alma,” I said as I joined the two women. Giada gazed up at me warmly from where she sat at the bar, and Alma quickly got busy at the sink, ending her conversation with Giada. “I have, and she’s hooked me up with a lovely breakfast. Would you like some eggs?” Giada had a plate full of scrambled eggs, fruit, and papas, which she held up in offering. “Thanks, but I’ll get my own plate. I’m sure Alma’s prepared one.” “Of course, Señor,” Alma chimed in. “I was just keeping it warm for you.” She brought over a heaping plate of food, and I joined Giada at the bar. “Did you sleep well?” It annoyed me to ask the question. She should have been in my bed, getting little to no sleep. After I talked to Naz, I would rectify that immediately. “I did, and seeing the ocean this morning was an amazing way to wake up. If I could figure out what I did with my phone, it would be the perfect morning.” I shoveled in mouthful of eggs, chewing to avoid comment. Santino stepped in from the porch, drawing our attention to him. “I just got word from the gate that Señor Vargas is here.”