Though still unnerving as hell, the helicopter ride back to Riverstone was somewhat less harrowing the second time around. She knew what to expect and was even able to find some enjoyment in the high-flying experience. But, she noticed, as she marveled at the view, Cortez was watching her instead of the scenery. At first it made her feel self-conscious, but then she observed how he relished her reactions. When she’d pointed out the sun’s dazzling reflection off the lakes and rivers, gold on glass, he’d commented, “Beautiful,” though his eyes were on her face. Later, she’d gasped as they’d flown through a patch of low-hanging clouds. She’d been amazed by the sense that, were she not barred by the thick windows, she could reach out and touch them. His grin had only widened at her exuberance.

Back on the boat, he’d been just as delighted with her excitement, when an adorable school of dolphins began following them, bounding and splashing through the waves like living torpedoes. Arching out of the water as if to say hello. She had been utterly enamored, squealing with delight every time one of their sleek bodies caught air. Cortez had seemed bored with the show. He’d only had eyes for her, a self-satisfied curve to his lips, acting as though he’d scheduled the display purely for her amusement. “Ah, right on time,” he’d said, glancing at his watch and then shooting her a teasing smile.

She considered his intense interest in her reactions to what had to be pretty mundane activities for one such as he.

Vampire’s lives were measured in decades rather than years. Cortez surely must have seen it all, as they say. It was entirely possible he was jaded by this point in his life. Bored. Was she providing a vicarious experience for him? Showing him the world through fresh eyes? Was he finding renewed joy in old pleasures that had long since gone stale? Is that why he’d taken her to his private island? To his coveted sanctuary? Because he’d grown bored even with his personal paradise? He’d sworn to have never brought another there. So why had he dispensed with convention and shared such a wondrous place with her?

Something Dante had said resurfaced as if her subconscious had been holding on to it until this very moment. She’d asked him why he’d decided she, of all people, should spy on Cortez. Cryptically, he’d replied that she was unique. That Cortez would be drawn to her, though Dante hadn’t elaborated as to why exactly he felt that way.

Was Dante psychic? Or did he just somehow know Cortez’s type? Which would be a surprise since his own employees had been boggled by his attention to her.

Three times Cortez had invited her into his private spaces, places that were off limits to others, apparently: his hotel suite, the roof of Ever Nights, and his private island. Man, he had a lot of private spaces. What would make such a successful man like Cortez feel the need to isolate himself so much? Going from outgoing club owner to wealthy shut-in didn’t compute in Naia’s mind.

Did it have something to do with his alleged mindreading? He valued his solitude. Was that because on a daily basis he was hammered by everyone’s internal jabber?

Curiosity needled her, but she was too afraid to breach these topics with Cortez. The more he opened up to her, the more she felt guilty over her secret investigation. The more she wanted to confess. But if she did, would it only confirm his worst fears? That she was exactly like the other women he’d dated. A liar, a user, a disappointment?

She feared he’d hate her for it. And it would undoubtedly expedite their separation. Or worse. Would he retaliate? What would a man like Cortez do to someone who went after him or his people? She didn’t have to ask to know he was fiercely loyal and protective of his people.

The helicopter began to descend, interrupting the frightening thought.

Did he really need to know she’d been sent to betray him when she’d already decided in her heart that she never could? As it was, their week was nearly up. What would happen to her then? Would he send her on her way with a hey-kid-it’s-been-fun pat on the shoulder? Would he think of her from time to time?

Her stomach twisted, and sorrow seeped into her bones. It snagged in her chest and pulled at her heart. She gulped, knowing what that little twang of anguish meant.

The coming separation was going to affect her more than she should have allowed.

Even over the loud thwamp of the helicopter’s blades Cortez somehow detected a change in her mood. Maybe a subtle shift in her expression, her breathing, or perhaps her heart rate when she’d imagined leaving him.

He squeezed her hand, his gaze curious. Then he smiled with a comforting reassurance, and she realized he thought her anxiety was inspired by their declining altitude. She leaned into him, he hugged her close, and she mentally cursed.

Somehow Cortez had burrowed into her heart, carving out a little home for himself there. And when he was done with her, a part of her would be left hollow and empty and lonelier than ever. The dreaded time was coming. There was no doubt about it. She just didn’t know when.

At least she’d have Cole to lean on, she reminded herself. He always knew what to say to lift her up. He’d grouse, “He let you go? What an idiot!” And she’d be inclined to agree. If she wasn’t worth more than a week, then Cortez wasn’t worth her tears. She would make that her mantra.

Thinking of Cole reminded her of their monetary problems. What were they going to do about the twins? The seven grand Dante promised? Well, she had nothing for him to hold over his rival’s head. Moreover, she wasn’t planning to continue her investigation. Even if she did continue, she was too close to him now to be partial. If she happened to discover something illegal going on, she’d only bring it to Cortez’s attention so that he might deal with it internally.

She wouldn’t confess that little tidbit to Dante, however. Though she would need to tell him something. He must be wondering why she hadn’t checked in yet. After she informs him she can’t continue this spying game, would he still pay her? She seriously doubted it. She wasn’t about to count on it either. Which meant she had to proceed as though that seven grand was permanently off the table.

Back to plan B.

She leaned her head on Cortez’s shoulder and sighed. So much for opting to stay in Riverstone. Now their only option was to run, or else wind up on the sharp, pointy end of the twin’s wrath. At least they had nearly another week before those two came looking for payment. Plenty of time to rack up miles between them. To disappear and start again in a new town. Where would they go this time? She grew tired just thinking about it.

Shortly after the helicopter landed, she was ushered into another stretch SUV. The siren in her squirmed almost violently within her, growing desperate with the sense of more humans nearby, but she clamped it down and held it together.

Cortez started making calls from the confines of the back seat, checking in with his club’s manager on duty. While he was occupied, she discreetly texted Cole: Initiating Plan B. Time to hit the road. Make sure you’re packed and ready to go. She paused, debating. Then added: We leave tomorrow.

Pathetic, she thought, pocketing her phone. Though she should be making plans for their future, she was going to stay one more night with Cortez, use up as much time with him as she could…because she had it bad. The thought of leaving him scorched a hot fissure through her chest. She knew it was a risk to stay, but she just couldn’t let it end. Not yet. One more kiss to tide her over. Just one last perfect night. It wouldn’t be enough, but it would have to do.

This week with him had been her happiest in a long, long time. She’d forgotten what it meant to simply relax. To feel secure. Safe. To have the bearing of responsibility striped from her shoulders after struggling under its weight for what felt like forever. This week had been a dream, just as she’d told Cortez. A sheer fantasy in the flesh. But dreams didn’t last. Nothing did.

Once she and Cole left, it would be back to scrounging for jobs and hustling for cash. Non-stop work to rebuild their lives somewhere far away, during which she’d do what she must: conceal her breaking heart from Cole till she was ready to let him see her pain. She didn’t want him in any way feeling guilty about uprooting her. Her heart would have to wait to shatter completely. She’d replace the ruined appendage with fortified steel if she had to. She’d walk away from her home with her head held high and a smile on her face, strained as it might be.

Cortez hung up his phone and wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head as if it were the most natural thing to do. He pulled her closer, and for a heartbreaking second she let the fantasy wash over her, let herself believe everything would work out, that they’d find a way to pay the twins, and that maybe, just maybe, Cortez might want to keep her.