But it’s so good!
Suddenly I don’t care about my circumstances. Yes, he still has that photo of me on his phone. Yes, he’s figured out too much about me for comfort. Yes, I should be working on finding a way out of this situation.
But right now, I’m enjoying myself.
I could easily be one of those girls on the beach here in Ibiza for the summer, enjoying some fun in the sun.
Dad would have never allowed it.
Even though I’m a damn adult.
I sip some more sangria, enjoying the symbolic thrill of it. I’m not even old enough to drink in America. But here in Ibiza, I can indulge in all the things I’m not allowed to, even beyond the scope of the law.
I take another bite and then another sip.
This is so much fun!
I think about Ricardo referencing Sister Ana. How does he know her? When was he ever at the convent?
Just mentioning her with regard to that hole had me picturing her trying to squeeze through it. It’s hard to imagine such a mean woman being a servant of God. She’s never had a nice word to say about me being there, and made damn sure I felt as unwelcome as possible. It would serve her right getting stuck.
I giggle, only realizing after the fact that I did it out loud.
“Something amusing? By all means, feel free to enlighten me. I could use a good laugh.”
I twist my lips at him, but can’t help the smile that contorts it.
He’s so handsome.
Like some prince in a fairy tale.
No…that’s silly. He’s more like a movie star. I can’t put my finger on a specific one, but definitely something from a romance. One with a bad boy as the hero.
I’m getting swoony.
I hiccup a giggle before taking another sip of this yummy sangria.
“An arranged marriage.”
I pull the glass away to give him a confused look.
“No, that’s not what you’re hiding from,” he says with a subtle smile.
“You killed a man and ran away to avoid prosecution.”
I smirk and roll my eyes.
Keep playing twenty questions, Romeo—or should I say, Ricardo?
“You’re hiding out because someone is after you.”
I draw the glass back up to my lips and sip. I should really stop this. He’s getting too close to the truth, and my wits are rapidly drowning in this glass.
But it’s just so good.
His smile broadens. “I’ll get the truth out of you somehow.”
I set my glass down and stick my tongue out at him.
Really?
What am I, five?
I think about his massive dick and how hard it pressed into my ass cheek as he held me in the water. No five-year-old could accomplish that—at least I hope not! I recall the way his eyes crawled over me after he ripped the sheets away from me in his boat. There was no need to interpret that look. Definitely all woman here. The thought sends a wave of pleasure through me, followed by a ripple of giggles.
“Very mature,” he says with a laugh. “My guess is, you’re feeling that sangria.”
I shrug and nonchalantly take another sip.
“Have some more,” he offers, picking up the pitcher and reaching out for my glass.
I really shouldn’t. Maybe some more of those meatballs to soak it up will help.
He manages to rescue the glass from my hand and fill it to the top again. I notice that he isn’t even halfway done with his own glass.
I pop a meatball into my mouth and eye the sangria with suspicion.
“Don’t worry, I’m the one driving, so feel free to indulge. Or we could spend some time out there in the water. It’s nice this time of year.”
My eyes once again fall to the group of girls topless on the beach. How do they have the nerve? It’s one thing swimming naked when I’m alone—and fully expected to remain that way.
But this, right here in full view of everyone? There are children on the beach. And old men leering at them. And young men leering at them.
Maybe that’s why?
Or maybe they just don’t care?
Oh, to be that carefree.
I sip my sangria and eye them with envy. I could never.
Could I?
If Dad ever found out…
The sangria goes down hard, like a liquid boulder in my throat.
Before I take another sip, I consider that.
Dad has no idea where I am. Hell, Mother Agnes probably hasn’t even told him I’m gone yet. Not until they do a thorough search of the island.
There goes my secret lagoon.
She’ll probably have the cave leading to it sealed up. No more escapes to go skinny dipping. In fact, I’ll probably be kept on an even tighter leash. Sister Ana will have a field day bossing me around.
I sip some more sangria.
It does a fine job of bringing me back to the present. Where no one knows who I am. And no one knows where I am. And no one has to know what I do.
A smile curls my lips and I look at Ricardo with eager eyes.
The wicked grin he returns tells me he reads my mind perfectly.
“Well, let’s go then.”
Chapter Fifteen Enrique
The sangria definitely did the trick.
I don’t mean in terms of heading out to the beach, though that certainly sweetens the deal.
I now know someone is after her. Just as it was for my mother and me, Santa María de Atlántica Convento is a refuge from danger for her.
The only question is, who is after this one?
I catch Julio’s attention to pay for the meal and drinks.
“Can you watch my things? We’re going out to the water,” I ask in Spanish as he clears away the plates.
He grins and nods.
One thing the Americans have taught me is that tipping well, even in a country where it isn’t standard, pays for itself in dividends, especially at a place I frequent. This is a favor I’ve asked of him before if someone in particular at the bar or the beach catches my attention. A little fun in the water,
