need was almost violent.
Yeah, that had worked so well for his parents, hadn’t it?
He swallowed, his throat dry, his body taut with need. He couldn’t believe what he was about to do.
“Go back inside, Angie.”
She inhaled, then blew it out, nodding, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. She slid off his lap and without a word, turned away and walked toward the house.
He watched every step, the way her hips swayed, the way she held her head up high. She didn’t turn back to look at him as she opened the door and closed it behind her.
No, it wasn’t that he didn’t trust her.
He didn’t trust himself.
He knew exactly where the darkness lived. It lived inside him.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Out on the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, Isabelle could almost believe it was all hers. The yacht, the crew, the expensive diving equipment-all of it.
Someday, it would be. As soon as she found the underwater temples and made her fortune, she’d never have to rely on anyone else for assistance again.
Not even her sister. Then she could do it alone.
And maybe she should be alone.
“You’re deep in thought.”
She turned at the sound of Dalton’s voice, plastering on a bright smile. “I’m excited about the dive this morning. Just planning my strategy.”
“More likely planning how you’re going to spend that fortune you think you’re going to make when you find the temple.”
She laughed at the way he seemed to read her thoughts. She liked his honesty, and the fact he didn’t hold her treasure hunting against her, like Angelique always did. With Angie, she always felt like she should apologize for wanting. With Dalton, he seemed to enjoy her enthusiasm, her need for adventure, her honesty about wanting to find success.
Of course, she was lying to Dalton, but she was as honest with him as she could be. And she was relaxed with him, more so than she had been with anyone in a very long time.
“I don’t think I’m going to find the treasure. I know.”
“I like a self-confident woman.”
Just as she appreciated a gorgeous, rich man. “Are you diving with me today?” she asked, noticing he was wearing a wet suit. One that clung tight to his well-muscled body.
“Of course. I have to keep an eye on my investment, don’t I?”
“Bull. You’re diving for the adventure. You’re as interested in finding the temples as I am.”
He arched a brow. “I’ll have to make more of an attempt at being mysterious.”
She snorted, then turned to the railing, her nerves tingling as the yacht cut through the glassy water on its way to the designated location. When she felt the engine slow, she nearly jumped overboard in excitement, but maintained her outward composure. It wouldn’t do at all for Dalton to see her come undone. She was supposed to be a pro at this. But inside she bubbled over with a childlike thrill. This was her moment.
To calm herself down, she concentrated on inventorying everything for the dive. She focused on the tools, cameras, and equipment they’d be taking down with them.
Dalton was adept at ordering his crew. They moved like a well-oiled machine, lowering everything into the water.
Someday she’d be at the helm of her own crew, barking out orders. And they’d all jump.
She’d be their queen. They’d bow before her.
A thin veil of darkness covered her mind. She grasped the railing as a wave of dizziness overcame her.
Darkness. Queen. Minions bowing before her. Gruesome creatures, but they revered her. Sickening evil surged inside her. Everything was at her command. Wealth, immense power. She could control it all.
She blinked, biting back the bile rising in her throat.
Those weird visions again. That sense of evil, coating her like a splash of thick oil. She shuddered, shook it off.
Too much stress. Not enough sleep lately. She really needed to find this treasure so she could relax. She was starting to lose it.
It had nothing to do with the journal. Nothing at all to do with her mother’s words. She was imagining things.
Turning away from the railing, she focused on the tasks of getting ready for the dive. Soon, all was ready. She put on her tank and mask and lowered herself off the edge of the swim dock. Dalton followed, and they submerged, the crew following with the equipment.
Isabelle hadn’t done a huge amount of undersea exploration, but enough to be comfortable. And she’d always
