The anger inside Andrés grew at the audacity of the manager of his hotel. Despite her sudden meek demeanor, she was still far too bold in her attempts to ruin Chloe’s reputation.
“Fortunately, Señora Martinez, you run my resort well enough to make me forget this conversation ever took place.” Andrés turned toward the door and then strode from the room, his only thoughts now on finding Chloe.
Being back in Spain and walking along the Mediterranean was absolutely wonderful.
Chloe had woken alone in bed, her body still tingling from the intensity of their lovemaking. After realizing Andrés’ meeting with Señora Martinez was going longer than she expected, she’d left the penthouse to go walk on the beach.
Now, with the waves splashing against her sandaled feet and the wind whipping her hair into disarray, she could admit that Spain was in her blood. She loved it here. Loved being on the water or in the sprawling countryside, where Andrés’ villa lay.
Just thinking of him and the way he’d watched her with such brooding possessiveness sent heat spreading through her body.
Her chest tightened and she sighed. Maybe it wasn’t love on his part, but there was so much tenderness in him now that it completely tilted her foundation of what she thought she needed out of life.
The wind picked up and the breeze held a chill, a sharp reminder that she might be in the lovely city of Valencia, but it was still October. They seemed to have more overcast days than sunny, reminding her of Seattle. She was amazed to find she wasn’t homesick for the States.
Pushing a wayward strand of hair off her forehead, she turned and headed back to the hotel. When she spotted a familiar face, she waved to Carlos, the bellhop who’d been dating her roommate Betsy. The three of them had spent many nights swimming and enjoying the city.
“You have come back.” He grinned, throwing his arms around her in a friendly hug. “Did you miss working for that tyrant Señora Martinez that much?”
“I’m not here to work this time,” she murmured, and fought the blush that threatened. It would soon be common knowledge that she was here with Andrés Montero, but she hesitated to announce it. “Is Betsy still in Spain?”
Regret flashed in Carlos’ eyes. He shook his head. “No, she has returned to London for the time being. I plan to visit when I can raise the funds. I miss her more than I expected.”
Chloe nodded with sympathy, wondering if Estella Martinez had managed to drive the other girl away too. A shiver ran through her and she bit back a sigh. “I would stay longer to chat, Carlos, but I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a rush to meet someone…”
“Of course.” He nodded and lifted her hand, pressing a brief kiss on the knuckles. “Enjoy your stay, Chloe. Nice to see you.”
“Nice to see you too.” Chloe gave him another smile, then continued on her way to the resort.
A gentleman concierge opened the door for her to enter the hotel. She smiled in appreciation, trying not to feel self-conscious. It was different being in Diablo’s Paraíso as a guest instead of an employee. If she hadn’t been with Andrés, she never would have dreamed of staying in a hotel of this class.
She lifted her gaze toward the elevator and spotted Estella Martinez boring down on her. Tension ripped through Chloe and she clenched her jaw, not looking forward to the inevitable meeting.
She straightened her spine and forced a pleasant smile onto her face. “Good evening, Señora Martinez.”
“Good evening, Señorita Wilkinson.” The other woman stopped just inches from her, a warm smile on her face, but her softly spoken words were venomous. “You think you’ve trapped him, don’t you? Getting yourself pregnant.”
Chloe blanched and stumbled backward at the verbal assault, shock robbing her of her ability to respond.
The older woman grabbed her wrist and leaned in, her nails biting into Chloe’s skin and a deceptive smile still on her face. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice your fattening belly, puta?”
Whore. She translated Estella’s insult quickly and some of the shock subsided. The first burn of anger took root in her stomach.
“If you think he cares for you in the slightest, Chloe, you are dumber than you look. You are pitiable American trash,” she spat. “He will take your brat once it is born, and then you’ll be disposed of just as quickly as every other lover he’s had.”
“Like he did to you?” Chloe didn’t bother to hide her anger.
Estella’s nostrils flared, but that sickening smile stayed pasted on her mouth. “No, Chloe. Andrés knows that I have the experience to please a man.” Her eyes flashed with triumph. “And I can assure you that while he might be dallying with you now, once your body is distorted with a child, Andrés will be in my bed.”