Chapter 11
ITwas nearing midnight when the guys returned to Fleur and Jani’s cabin. The kids had fallen asleep ages ago, after consuming the better part of a pan of pink and green rice squares. Elaine and Fleur had had their share as well. Lia hadn’t wanted any due to an upset stomach, and she’d fallen asleep around the same time as the kids.
The guys grabbed their clothes and quickly dressed, keeping quiet so as not to wake the sleepers. Elaine glanced at Connor. His grim face distracted her from ogling him.
What happened?She asked the question telepathically, just as she used to do with Lloyd. It took her a second to realize he couldn’t hear her. For some reason, the realization was disappointing.
Once he was dressed, she walked over, curbing the urge to touch him in some way. “How did it go?”
“I’ll fill you in when we go home. Why don’t I carry the kids?”
“Leave them here,” suggested Jani.
“Yeah.” Fleur said. “It’s cold out, and they’re already asleep.”
“I think the kids have had more sleepovers with everyone else than with me,” said Elaine.
“We’re all family here. Don’t worry.” Fleur ran a gentle hand over Layla’s hair. “Besides look at them. They’re so peaceful, like little angels.”
“As long as you don’t mind,” said Elaine.
Ryland crouched next to where Lia had curled up on the couch and rubbed his mate’s back. “Lia? It’s time to go home, baby.”
Lia opened her eyes. “Ry?”
“I’m right here.”
“I don’t feel so good.”
Ryland frowned. “Want me to carry you?”
“God, no.” With his help, Lia pushed herself to standing position. “I’m the size of a house. I’d break your back. Could you help me with my boots, though?”
While Ryland ministered to his wife, Connor put a hand on Elaine’s back. Her bear lit up like a Christmas tree, but she resisted showing it on the outside. Swallowing hard, she threw on her boots and puffy winter jacket. After dropping a kiss onto her kids’ heads and saying goodnight to the others, she left with Connor.
As they walked home, he grabbed her hand. She didn’t pull away. As much as she told herself not to look at him, she snuck a couple of glances. His jaw was set, and he constantly scanned the woods around them.
“What happened tonight?”
“Do you mind if I fill you in at home? I want to keep my wits about me.”
They walked in silence. His concern made her worried, and she found she was looking over her shoulder as well.
Connor noticed. “Don’t worry, Elaine. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
They reached her cabin and went inside, removing their winter outerwear. She headed straight for the kitchen. “You must be frozen solid. Can I get you something warm to drink?”
“I’m fine.” He sat on the couch and patted the seat next to him. “Sit with me.”
She did, and he told her of their discoveries and of Ryland’s belief Page might be the shooter.
“Have you ever met this guy around the resort?” asked Connor.
“Sure. Come to think of it, he’s always been chatty with me. You know, asking me how my day is whenever he sees me. That sort of thing.”
“Is that so?”
“They’ve been ordinary conversations, Connor. Although, come to think of it, he did make me a little uncomfortable when I saw him last. He was asking about the layout of my cabin. Said he wouldn’t mind seeing it. He said he was considering using a cabin on the island when he was at work and wanted to get an idea of what they were like.” Her throat grew thick with disgust. “Oh God. I was too distracted to pay attention to my feelings at the time, but now that I think about it, I can see how weird it was.”
