Page 65 of Whispers in the Dark
“Excellent, sir. All the kids are healthy and in school, and my wife is getting prettier by the day, so no complaints here.”
“That’s good to hear.” Leo intertwines his fingers with Scarlett’s, giving her a tender glance. “I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Scarlett. Scarlett, this is Emanuel, the head of our security on this island.”
Emanuel dips his chin politely. “A pleasure to meet you, and congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Scarlett smiles warmly. “We appreciate you arranging everything at the last minute. I hope it wasn’t any trouble.”
“Not at all,” he answers with a grin. “My wife loves it when I have to stay here for work as she gets to come along with me.”
“Then we’ll have to stay here more often,” she answers.
Leo turns toward the rest of us. “You know Mauro, of course.”
“Of course, sir. Always good to see you.”
Mauro dips his chin, calm and composed.
“And this is his wife, Alina.”
Emanuel’s grin broadens. “Well, my congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you,” I answer, nervously fidgeting with my ring.
“You know, Madeleine,” Leo continues, “and this is her husband, Eli.”
As the others exchange pleasantries with Emanuel, Mauro glances down at me, one brow raised.
“Just a little nervous,” I admit quietly with a slight shrug. “I’m…”Terrified we’ll break a rule and ruin everything between us.“Well, I guess—”
“Should I show you to your rooms?” Emanuel voices.
“I think we can manage,” Madeleine responds.
“Of course.” He checks his watch. “If anyone should need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” He turns and departs, and a few men step forward to collect the luggage.
Mauro hands my suitcase to one of them, then entwines his fingers with mine, keeping me close as he leads us toward the cabanas.
“We’ll stay in this one,” Madeleine announces, heading directly to the first house. “We’ll meet you guys at dinner.” She opens the door with Eli right on her heels.
“Wait!” Scarlett calls out.
Both of them freeze.
“Aren’t we going scuba diving?”
Madeleine bites her bottom lip, suppressing a smile as she looks at Eli.
Eli shifts, facing us. “Give us an hour.”
Madeleine elbows him in the stomach.
“Make that two. And then she’s all yours. Promise.”
“Fine.” Scarlett crosses her arms, amused as they scurry inside their cabana and shut the door. She turns to Leo. “I suppose you’re not interested in scuba diving?”
“Not in the slightest.” He pushes her hair over her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her bare skin. “But there are other things I would like to explore.” He scoops her up bridal style, and her surprised squeal echoes as he carries her toward the next house.
Vin hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be at the bar.” He strides off, disappearing down a shaded path.
