She Slips Away by Georgia Wagner

Author:Georgia Wagner [Wagner, Georgia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-04-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Forester's eyes narrowed as he peered through the window into the dark, towards the construction site located on the opposite side of the island.

He spotted movement on the top floor of the half-built structure.

An aquarium by the look of the large windows, glass dividers, and blue-painted concrete foundation. Plus, the would-be tourist spot was located near the harbor.

The scent of salt lingered on the air, and the quiet shush of waves lapped against the rocky walls.

"See anything?" Artemis murmured from the back seat, leaning forward to look towards the building.

Forester shot her a quick look. His eyes lingered on the bruises along her face.

He fidgeted in the front seat, his hand tightening on the steering wheel. He could still feel vestiges of anger, like some phantom limb, swirling in his gut.

Wade sat next to him in the passenger side of the front seat, arms crossed, his expression a mask.

So far, Wade hadn't called in to Auntie Shauna yet...

But even Desmond’s loyalty had its limits.

They were skating on thin ice with Forester's partner.

But he studied Artemis' pale features once more. His gaze taking in her mismatched eye colors, the gentle slope of her chin and neck. The way her coal-black hair hung loose, framing her pretty face.

Her clothing was a size too large for her, as if she didn't try on the items before purchasing. Or perhaps it was simply out of a sense of modesty.

The thought that anyone might hurt her...

Might take her away from him again... the way his deceased wife had been taken from him all those years ago.

He fidgeted once more, frowning.

She caught him watching now, and he glanced away quickly as if scalded.

He pointed through the window. "Someone's on the top floor. See that?"

More movement, then whatever it was disappeared.

The saline scent on the air, and the quiet, half-built aquarium created an odd, almost tranquil atmosphere. But it also felt abandoned.

Desolate.

The trees were thick on this side of the island. And the resort was no longer in view.

Quietly, Forester pushed out of the front seat of the car.

Artemis moved as well, and—in the mirror—he watched her wince as she did.

Another flash of anger jarred through him.

He scowled, partially wishing he'd given Kekoa a bit more to remember him by.

The hotel manager had been true to his word, though. He hadn't caused any trouble for them yet.

Forester supposed a man on top like that had far more to lose than either of his patrons.

Still... he'd tried to put the moves on Artemis.

Maybe would've gone further...

Forester's scowl deepened, and his hands clenched into fists. His temper was flaring.

A temper that had served him well in the cage, back in his fighting days, but caused more trouble than it was worth now.

He didn't glance back but began to move, stalking towards the aquarium.

"James Poole," Artemis was saying behind him. "Make sure it's Mr. Poole. We don't need trouble with anyone else."

He just grunted, nodding.

Artemis fell into step behind him. Wade took longer but reluctantly followed. Wade was often the quiet type, but his presence emanated disapproval.

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