He strode over and handed me a blue cup with a white string dangling from the side. “Let it steep.”
I stood up and turned my chair around while he took his seat again.
Matteo lifted the string on the tea bag and dunked it repeatedly. “I’ll be your guide.” He said it with absolute certainty, as if it were fact.
I tugged on the string that dangled from my cup. “I have to warn you, it could be dangerous.”
His dark lashes fanned down. “And now it’s you who’s worried about me?”
“I just think a man should know what he’s getting into before he agrees to something.”
Matteo lifted his cup and blew the steam. “I didn’t say I would do it for nothing.”
“And what do you want in return?”
When he took a sip, his nose glistened from the steam. After he set down the cup, he touched his lips thoughtfully. “I haven’t felt a woman’s touch in decades. You always think you’ll remember the last kiss, but you don’t. Not the one that counts.”
I got cold feet and sat back. If this guy thought I was going to sleep with him…
“I want to remember the last kiss I ever have. That’s all I ask for.”
“You want a kiss? Nothing else?”
He pinched his bottom lip, and though Matteo had a formidable presence, it seemed like he had folded himself up and become invisible. He was lost in his thoughts and didn’t answer.
This was about saving lives, and it seemed like a harmless request. Chances were he’d quickly forget about the promise or change his mind and ask for money.
I lifted my cup and let the steam warm my nose. “Be my guide. Take me to the lions, and I’ll promise you your last kiss.”
His expression softened. “Drink, female. My kiss awaits.”
Chapter 20
Iscooped up a handful of damp earth. “Is this really necessary?”
Matteo shined his light on me. “If I can smell you a mile away, so will they. Put extra on your armpits and anywhere you sweat.”
Still on my knees, I proceeded to rub dirt, leaves, and forest litter on my sweatshirt. Matteo would point to places he wanted me to pay special attention to. It smelled like earth and decay, and I sneezed when dust from the crushed leaves floated up to my nose.
Matteo tossed me a small bottle.
“What’s this for?”
“Pour it in your hand and rub it through your hair and neck. I can smell your shampoo.”
I popped the lid off the bottle. “What is it?”
He twirled the flashlight. “You don’t want to know.”
No. I didn’t.
“We’re close,” he said. “Their scent is stronger.”
“Ugh! This isawful.” I wrinkled my nose and flipped my hair forward to rub it all in.
“Where’s your jacket? The temperature’s dropping.”
“It stays in the bag. I’ll be damned if I’m getting this pungent cologne of yours all over my good leather.” I shot to my feet and scowled. “Happy?”
