“You want me to go?” She couldn’t believe it, not after the way they’d just groped each other.
“As I said, only because I don’t trust myself.”
She shrugged, doing her best to appear unaffected. “We could just … hang out.”
He shook his head. “It’s safer that you go.”
She knew defeat when it faced her. For now, she’d give up. She’d have to find another way in.
“I don’t need your bodyguard to drive me. I can walk. I think after that steamy, sadly unsatisfying performance I can do with a long stroll along the beach.” She gave Tim a smile. “Or maybe I’ll head into town and find a vent for my frustration.”
He moved so fast she didn’t see it coming. He curled one hand around her nape while he fastened the other on her hip to hold her in place. “Don’t make empty threats. You don’t know the kind of fire you’re playing with. If anyone touches what’s mine, that man is dead.” His gaze drilled into hers, his eyes having taken on a very dark tint. “Is that clear?”
She was faster than any of her male combat partners because she was light on her feet and good at predicting moves. Tim was the first exception.
“What I meant was finding a bar and having that drink since I’m not going to finish this.” She waved her hand at the warming cocktail.
He released her. “At least we’re clear on the matter, and I’d feel better knowing you’re home.”
She could only stare at him, even more confused than before. What wasn’t confusing, was the look on his face. He was dead serious. It was safer to dodge the subject of what Tim presumed to be his. For now.
“I still prefer to walk.”
“Humor me.” Without waiting for her answer, Tim walked to the front door and called for Cesar.
The bodyguard appeared a second later. He seemed uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. No doubt he’d overheard their conversation.
“Take Maya home, please,” Tim said, his voice gruff, “and see that she enters her house before you leave.”
Cesar’s answer was to stroll past them to the buggy and open the passenger door.
All right, she’d humor him, but Tim was going to learn she was her own boss. The only reason she’d dance to his tune now, was because she needed to avoid conflict.
As she turned to leave, Tim grabbed her and pressed her against him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tenderly, as if she was fragile, and then he planted a kiss on her forehead. From over Tim’s shoulder, she saw Frida standing in the doorframe with a smirk on her face.
Maya broke from Tim’s embrace and got into the buggy. Even if she felt eyes on her, she didn’t look back. She didn’t trust herself to. If she did, she was going to jump out of the vehicle and wipe that smug grin off the Swedish ice princess’s face.
Thankfully, Cesar took off fast, not giving her time to simmer in her annoyance. He said nothing as they drove, his back rigid and his hands clutched around the steering wheel. He only spoke when he’d parked in front of Maya’s tree house, leaving the engine idling.
“You don’t want to defy him.” He looked her straight in the eye for the first time since Tim had introduced them. “You don’t want Tim for an enemy.”
“Don’t get your balls in a knot. Whatever you saw, or heard, it wasn’t going to be more than a shag, and I’m not the one who bailed.”
Cesar’s face turned red. “I’d watch my mouth if I were you. It isn’t as simple as a shag. So you better be sure you want it.”
“I know what I want, and it doesn’t include your advice.”
“Go on,” he said with a nod toward the house. “I’ll wait until you’re up safe.”
“I’m a big girl, Cesar. I don’t need a babysitter.”
He looked her up and down. “Maybe not before, but everything has changed. You need a lot of things now.”
She jumped out of the buggy. “Changed, how?”
“Everything changed the minute Tim decided you were his.”
“That kind of decision concerns two people, and I haven’t decided anything.”
“Like I said, it isn’t as simple as that. Now get your ass into that tree before I carry it up there.”
The only thing saving Cesar’s nose from getting broken, was that it would blow her cover. “Fine, Tarzan, but just so you know, I won’t be bossed. If I go up there, it’s because I want to, and not because you told me to.”
“I have my orders. The first was to bring you home. The second was to see you enter it. Just so you know, I don’t take my orders lightly.”
Maya regarded Cesar thoughtfully. How much information would he share?
“You want to make sure I get safe inside? You and Tim make it sound as if I’m in danger.” She tilted her head. “Am I? Is that why Tim told you to wait until I’ve closed the door behind me, or is Tim just a gentleman?”
Cesar rolled his eyes and said under his breath, “I’m glad I’m not Tim.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” He huffed. “Are you going up, or am I carrying you?”
With a scoff, she made her way up the ladder. Only when the door shut behind her did she hear him take off.
She leaned against the door. What was that all about? Was Tim referring to his criminal side, meaning she had to know what she was getting herself mixed up with? She’d hoped for his interest, but she hadn’t bargained on all this serious talk. It was crazy, for one, and secondly, it could complicate her mission. Tim hadn’t joked when he’d said that he’d kill any man who touched what was his. She was streetwise enough to recognize that look when she saw it and the truth in it. She got to know it all too well amongst the gangs of Cape Town. No matter how many lies she told Tim in the name of this operation, telling him she’d be his would be a huge mistake. It was the kind of vow a man like Tim wouldn’t let a woman break, no matter what, no matter under what conditions it was made. She wasn’t going to tie herself to him with a false promise, not even for her job. She’d make this work, complete this mission, on her terms. A part of her knew that Cesar was right. Tim wasn’t a man she wanted to cross, and it wasn’t because she was scared of him. It was for reasons she didn’t care to explore.
She opened the fridge and shut it again with an exasperated sigh. Today’s visit to Tim’s condo was a golden opportunity she had nothing to show for. She thought about what to do, and made up her mind. She changed into torn jeans and a figure-hugging, red T-shirt. Then she headed for Mango.
From the outside, the place actually looked better. Inside was worse than what she’d expected. She stood in the door and scanned the room with a sweep of her eyes. It was only sunset, but already the men at the bar acted the kind of rowdy that came from being intoxicated. They were laughing and slamming their hands on the counter, beer spilling everywhere. Another group played cards at a table in a dark corner. The girl she’d spotted with Tim was nowhere to be seen. An older woman behind the bar watched Maya with mistrust.
Catching her eye, Maya approached her. “Hey, I’m Maya.”
“I know who you are.”