‘It’s erasing the evidence of my activities here.’
‘Wow, you’re not part of the CIA, are you?’
‘I could be if spies are your thing.’ He gave another of those wicked smiles and her mouth dried.
‘I’ll pass, thanks. Although I’m curious what you have to do to belong to a club like that.’ She took the watch off and examined its multifaceted detail.
‘It involves a lot more than chicken bones and goat sacrifices, I can assure you.’
Against her will, a smile tugged at her mouth. Letting go, she laughed. He joined her, his perfectly even teeth flashing in the sunlight. The deep sound echoed in the enclosed space and wrapped itself around her.
Danger! Her senses screamed again. But it was a seductive danger, akin to knowing that extra mouthful of rich, decadent mousse was deadly for you but being unable to resist the taste.
And she’d quickly discovered that if she let herself fall under his spell, he would completely bypass her hips and go straight to her heart.
‘Here, take this back.’ She held out his watch, stressing to herself that she didn’t miss having something of his so close to her skin.
‘Keep it. It’s yours.’
‘Are you serious?’ she gasped. ‘But what about its value—’
‘I wasn’t thinking of its monetary value when I offered it. And if you’re thinking about pawning it, think twice.’
‘I meant its sentimental value to you, of your visit here? And I’d never pawn a gift!’
‘I’m happy to hear it. As for sentiments, I prefer mine to be warm-blooded.’ He took off his mask and laid it on his knee. ‘Luckily, I have you.’
The statement sent equal parts of apprehension and excitement through her. She slowly slid the watch back onto her wrist, and watched as they approached the Pearl River. Luxury super yachts in all shapes and sizes lined the marina.
The limo drew to a stop beside a sleek speedboat and Narciso helped her out. The driver held out a leather case, its velvet inside carved in the exact shape of his mask. Narciso placed the mask inside, shut the case and handed it to the driver.
Seconds after their luggage was loaded, the pilot guided the boat towards the open river.
‘I’ve spent a lot of time asking you where we’re going but I need to ask you one more time.’
‘Don’t you trust me?’ he asked with a mockingly raised brow.
‘No.’
He laughed again. And again, the sound tugged deep inside.
‘We’re heading to the airport. My private jet will fly us to Belize.’
Nodding, she watched the disappearing skyline of Macau City. It’d earned its name, Vegas of the East, but there was also soul in this place, and in other circumstances Ruby would’ve loved to explore a lot more.
She turned to find him watching her. The hunger was back in his eyes, coupled with a dangerous restlessness.
‘What?’ she demanded when she couldn’t stand his intense scrutiny any longer.