Run To Rome

He shrugged his right shoulder. “I’ll live.”

“You should go to a hospital and have them stitch you up.”

His smile vanished. “Too many questions at a hospital.”

“But what if your arm gets infected?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Trent—”

“No hospitals.” His abrupt tone closed the subject.

“Then at the least I’ll change the bandage before we leave for the consulate.”

He nodded and she finally took a sip of her coffee. The strong brew woke up her taste buds and she closed her eyes with a low, appreciative, “Mmm.” One more drink made her slump down in her seat as she savored the flavor on her tongue. In the ensuing silence, it dawned on her she enjoyed the drink a little too vocally.

Trent stared at her as if he’d been in the desert for a week and she was a cold glass of water. Oh God…how she wanted to be the water.

She straightened and stated in a matter-of-fact voice, “Good coffee.”

He blinked and rose to his feet. “We should get going. I’ve got a surprise for you before we head to Milan.”

His gruff, abrupt tone and the word surprise set her nerves on edge. Halli shoved aside the blanket covering her lap. “Surprise? What is it?”

“Not a surprise if I tell you.” He vaulted up onto the dock.

“I’m still not so sure I can trust you.”

He spun around with a frown, clearly not appreciating her attempt at humor to diffuse her own unease.

She held up a hand. “I’m kidding. Geez.”

“There’s a new toothbrush on the sink and a towel if you want to freshen up while I go get us some breakfast. I didn’t want you to wake up all alone.”

But she could be alone now? She turned away to hide an instant, overwhelming surge of panic and told herself she’d be fine. No one knew they were here. Perfectly safe.

Of course, that’s what they’d thought about his villa, too.

“I’ll be right back,” he added.

A firm nod did nothing to alleviate her anxiety. Her fingers clenched on her mug. Stop. You’re not helpless. She took a drink, mentally straightened her spine and reminded herself they’d be separated in a couple hours anyway, so she may as well get used to being by herself. Well, she’d have Ben and Rach—

“Halli.”

Trent’s softened tone made her turn around.

“I’ll be right over there.” He pointed down the shoreline. “And I’ll be able to see the boat the entire time.”

For the first time she noticed an open air market near one of the wharves. She rose up on her tiptoes for a better look. Hopeful curiosity took a stand next to her apprehension.

“Can’t I just come with you?”

“Ah…” He squinted toward the market while pulling a black ball cap from his back pocket. As he tugged it low over his eyes, he shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

She grinned with anticipation. “Give me five minutes.”

Before he could change his mind, she hurried below deck and did what she could to freshen up with soap and a washcloth, a comb she found in a drawer, and the very welcome toothbrush. She took an extra moment to survey her hair. Oh well. At least it was still shiny-clean, not greasy-shiny. Thankfully, she had an easy style that didn’t require a hair dryer like Rachel.