6. Daniela

“Has a doctor actually examined you?”

“I’m totally fine,” Rafael replies, evading my question. “We weren’t in the river long. I’m only here because Antonio insisted, and I’ve already pissed him off enough for one day.”

He doesn’t do it on purpose, but Rafael knows how to push Antonio’s buttons better than anyone—except for me. I press my lips together, to hide my amusement. “What did you do?”

“Right before the explosion, he told me to get to the pier, and I followed him to the boat, instead.” He wriggles his eyebrows.

Oh my God.“I’m sure he was upset that you walked right into the danger. He loves you.”

Rafael shrugs. Love is one of those damning emotions that makes the Huntsman men uncomfortable. “I didn’t do anything he wouldn’t have done. But he’s stubborn and refuses to see it.”

Stubbornness, like evading questions, must be in the Huntsman genes, too.

“Have you seen Antonio?” I ask.

“Not since the boat. But a short while ago, Lucas was looking for a doctor for him.”

Good. “Do you think he’s still in the clinic?”

“Probably. His shoulder’s a mess. And he can’t do business upstairs until they sweep everything. But you might want to stay clear of him. He’s a bear right now.”

I’m not afraid of bears.“You told the girls there was a malfunction on the boat?”

“More or less. I was vague. They were pestering Santi about it, and he won’t lie to Valentina—and he shouldn’t. Otherwise, trust will become an issue between them, and he’ll be no good as her guard. I was just helping him out. They don’t need to know every ugly detail.”

“I agree with you—and Santi. Although I don’t think Alexis bought it.”

“Alexis isn’t as innocent as Valentina. It’s a shame,” he laments, like an old soul. “Little girls shouldn’t have to worry about things blowing up around them, and people dying left and right. It’s no way to grow up. We should keep Valentina sheltered for as long as possible.”

I sigh heavily. As much as I’d like to shelter her forever, Valentina needs to understand the world she lives in. At least some of it. But I don’t argue. “Where’s Cristiano? I haven’t seen him at all today.”

“He has the flu or something. Didn’t make the boat. That’s why we lost.”

The flu? Hmmm. That’s odd. Lara has the flu, too. Stop. You’re becoming as suspicious as your husband.

I’d like to ask him about Alvarez, but I’m not sure what he knows, and I don’t want to betray Antonio, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Valentina needs to learn to swim,” Rafael says in a no-nonsense tone that is eerily similar to Antonio’s.

He’s right, though. We’re surrounded by water, and swimming is more than a recreational pastime.

“She will.”

“This is the waiting room.” He cocks his head toward the arched doorway. “You’ll be comfortable and safe here.”

A guard I don’t recognize appears out of nowhere and positions himself several feet from the door, with his back toward the wall. “I can see that.”

“And in case you’re a foolish woman who ignores sound advice, Antonio is in that room right there.” He points to a door that we passed across the hall.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to walk in on someone else.”

“Someone else would be better.” He shakes his head. “But you could always knock first.” Rafael winks at me. “He’s there. I asked Lucas where he was so I could stay far away. I’m no fool.” He smirks down at me.

It must have been quite an experience for Antonio when Rafael came to live with him. But good for him, too. Good for both of them.

“Whoever did this today,” Rafael says soberly, “they’re going to pay. Antonio will hunt them down like dogs, and before he’s done, they’ll be begging to meet their God.”

Chilling, but true.

“I’m going to see if I can find someone to sign me out. Do you need anything?”

“I’m all set.” I stand on tiptoe and place a small kiss on his cheek. “Valentina’s lucky to have you in her life.”

“And we’re all lucky to have you,” he murmurs, giving me a squeeze before lumbering down the hall in search of freedom.

I don’t bother to go into the waiting room, but I do ask the guard about a bathroom before I go bear hunting.

* * *

I’m aboutto knock on the door where Antonio is being treated, when I decide it might be better to surprise him. This way he has to tell me to go away to my face.

I slowly push open the door. It’s barely cracked when I freeze.

“He wants me to exchange Daniela for Cristiano? Fuck him,” Antonio snarls. “He can go straight to hell.”

The flu, my ass.

Exchange Cristiano for Daniela. What? Cristiano’s been abducted—or at least someone’s holding him. That’s what. And they want to make an exchange—for me.

Good Lord. What fresh hell is this?

“Daniela.” Lucas’s tone is almost accusatory, as he comes around the partition, blocking Antonio from view. His weapon is drawn.

I was careful not to make a sound, but they must have sensed my presence.

“I’m looking for my husband.”

“I’ll let him know,” Lucas mutters, holstering the gun. “Where can he find you?”

Oh no. We’re not playing that game.“I’ll find him.”

I march right into the room, and around Lucas, who doesn’t make any attempt to stop me.

Before I step behind the partition, I take a breath. All of a sudden, barging in seems like a bad idea. Too late now.

Antonio’s sitting on a stool, shirt off, while a doctor wearing headphones works on his shoulder.

He’s beautiful, with his sun-kissed skin and hard muscle. But his gaze is sharp and biting. “Is there a problem?”

“Apparently there is. I’d like a private word with you.”

His eyes narrow. “I don’t have time for bullshit. Say what you came to say. But remember your place.” His tone is so menacing that even Lucas flinches.

Remember your place. I have half a mind to grab the alcohol off the supply shelf and douse that ugly burn with the entire bottle.