Dreaming of Spain by Alli Sinclair

Author:Alli Sinclair [Sinclair, Alli]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

Wine flew up Charlotte’s nostrils, burning their insides, as she gasped then slammed her glass down. “You are Mateo Vives?”

“Sí. You are surprised?” He raised his eyebrows and poured himself a wine.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

He shrugged and popped an olive in his mouth.

“I feel like an idiot,” she mumbled, annoyed. The professor had warned her about the gitanos being difficult, but she hadn’t expected it would also pertain to this Mateo Vives clown.

“Do not be so hard on yourself. The waiter, Pedro, said a woman was looking for me. Many women come to this bar and ask for me, but they have intentions I am not interested in. I wanted to know if you are the same before I revealed my identity.”

Who did he think he was, James Bond? Charlotte crossed her arms, not sure if he was spinning a story, messing with her head, or both. Or, quite simply, he could be telling the truth.

“I’m not a groupie or a tourist looking for a Spanish lover, if that’s what you’re angling at.”

Mateo raised his palms in the air. “It is not necessary to be so defensive.”

“I’m not.” She narrowed her eyes, aware her actions were most definitely defensive. Making an effort to change her tone, she said, “Professor Fonseca said you could help me find the Giménez clan. I’m happy to pay for your time if you wish.”

Mateo’s body stiffened and he stared at her just long enough for her to realize she may have hit a raw nerve and this quest could be over before it got into full swing.

Damn.

“Mateo?” She kept her tone gentle.

“I . . . What has she told you about my association with this clan?”

“Nothing, really. She just said you were on good terms with them and that you might be able to assist me.” Charlotte tilted her head to the side, wondering why he’d had such a strong reaction.

“You do not need to pay me for my time.” He jutted out his chin. “Be aware that the Giménez clan do not like the foreigners, and I cannot guarantee my making the introductions will assist you in any way. That is, of course, if I choose to help. First, I must understand why you need to meet with them. If I do not think it is a valid reason, then you will not have my assistance.”

“Please, it’s very important. There’s no other way. There’s no—”

The woman in the white shirt and yellow skirt sashayed over and slung a long, beautifully manicured hand over Mateo’s shoulder. She gave Charlotte a saccharine smile while she leaned down and placed her glossy red lips next to Mateo’s ear. In a low voice, she whispered, “It is time.”

He stood, winked at Charlotte, and followed the woman, who glided back to the stage. Mateo and the rest of the group readied themselves, and Charlotte settled back in her chair, unable to leave the bar until she got a definitive answer. Pulling the phone from her bag

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