Page 10 of Rebel Protector
Dominguez had passed whatever test this was.
He was now part of the crew.
"Becca, show Mr. Dominguez to his room," Markov instructed, his voice casual. "He’ll be staying with us for a while."
Her stomach knotted as she stood, but she smiled, slipping into her professional role. "Of course. This way, Mr. Dominguez."
“There are some house rules,” Markov added in a no-nonsense tone. Dominguez turned slowly, his movements deliberate, like a predator sizing up its prey.
"No weapons on the premises. That includes knives. Carlos will take care of anything you’ve got."
"Understood," Dominguez replied, his voice cool.
“Also, you are welcome to any member of my staff, should you get the urge, but my assistant, Becca, is off-limits.”
Becca flushed. She knew it was for her own safety, but it gave their guest the wrong impression. Dominguez scowled, but didn’t glance at her. He gave a tight nod.
Becca’s face burned as she led the way out to the terrace, trying to keep her breathing steady. The sun was beating down, glistening off the swimming pool.
"How long will you be staying, Mr. Dominguez?" she asked, keeping her tone polite as they walked around the pool.
"Hard to say," he replied vaguely. "I’ll be coming and going."
That was new. Guests weren’t usually granted that kind of freedom. Even she needed clearance from Carlos to leave the hacienda.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your stay," she said, her voice strained.
They walked down a narrow trail toward the beach, the vegetation brushing against their arms and legs. "Can you believe this was cut back just last week?" She swiped a branch out of her way. "It grows like wildfire."
He didn’t respond. Of course he didn’t. Guys like him didn’t do small talk.
She led him toward a clearing where the guest cabins stood on stilts, all in a neat row. "The beach is through there," she said, gesturing toward a wide, sandy path. "And the only way back to the main house is the way we came."
"Unless you cut through the bush," he countered. She sensed a hostility in him that wasn’t there before.
She gave him a glance. "Well, sure, if you like creepy crawlies."
"Nothing I haven’t seen before," he muttered, his eyes scanning the dense foliage.
Tough guy, huh.
Of course. She bet he’d be comfortable living in the jungle for weeks on end. “You can try that, if you wish, however, there are security patrols operating on the premises. I wouldn’t surprise them, if I were you.”
“I’ve seen them.”
She smiled. “Hard not to.”
"Doesn’t it bother you?" he asked suddenly, his gaze piercing.
“Doesn’t what bother me?”
"Being trapped here, on the estate?"
"Not at all," she lied. "It’s part of my job." She lifted her chin. "Besides, I’m not locked in. I can leave whenever I want. It’s just for safety."
"Is that what he told you?" His voice had a sharp edge to it, like he didn’t quite believe her.
Her smile slipped. “Let me show you around.”