“Is there another option?”
I told her that in addition to the pool on the lowest level—the one we were looking at—there was another on the top floor, plus an indoor pool somewhere. This place was so big, I couldn’t remember where I’d seen it.
“Rile said he slept above us. Where the pool is?”
I nodded. “You should see it.” Actually, I didn’t want her to. I pictured him there,
naked naturally, because a man like Cortez would surely sleep that way.
“So that one?” she pointed below us.
“I’m game, as long as it’s heated.”
“Wuss.”
I changed into my suit but left everything else in my bag. There’d be time to unpack later. I grabbed a cover-up and met Teagon by the lift.
“I feel like we’re back to being schoolmates.”
“Gawd, but we got in a heap of trouble then,” she said, shaking her head.
“Wasn’t that long ago.” I winked.
“Oh, boy.” Teagon laughed and rolled her eyes. “And I’m supposed to be protecting you.”
“About that…you don’t think it’s a bit over the top?”
She shook her head, and all evidence of amusement washed from her face. “Konstantine is dangerous, Kenzie. Don’t doubt it.”
When I rolled my eyes, she put her hand on my arm.
“I’m here to protect you, not to be your best mate. You need to remember that I’m working.”
The pool was heated, and the swim felt bloody fantastic—especially after Teagon’s scolding. I did a few laps, climbed out, and saw that Marta had left a stack of towels near the chaises. I spread one out and removed my bikini top, anxious for the sun to bake the stress toxins out of me.
A few minutes later, Teagon sat beside me. “You’re teasing the tiger, all right.”
“You can’t be serious.”
She laughed. “I’d love to see the look on Rile’s face right now. He’s probably swallowed his tongue.”
I shielded my eyes from the sun. “He’s European, Teag. Topless sunbathing isn’t exactly rare.”
“Your tits are so much nicer than mine.”
“Sod off.”
“I’m serious. I’m leaving my top on.”
I flipped onto my stomach and turned my head so I could see the upper levels of the house. Cortez was leaning on the railing of the top floor, and even from here, I could tell he didn’t look happy. He could bloody well sod off too. If he didn’t want me around, he had plenty of options. Like letting me go home, for example.
I turned away, and when I looked back, he was gone.
“What’s Cortez’s deal, anyway?”
Teagon sighed and rolled to her stomach. “I’ve heard rumors.”
I faced her and propped my head on my hand. “Share.”