How could she possibly seduce a man who was more like a robot? Unemotional. Wedded to his purpose. Oblivious to reason. His brief glimmer today of a human hidden beneath that shell of concrete completely and utterly snuffed out.
How did anyone, let alone her, seduce a man made of stone?
It was impossible.
Millie caught her arm on her way back. ‘What’s going on?’ she whispered. ‘Are you sure you don’t need help? I can call the policeman now, if you want.’
Izzy shook her head, running a hand through her hair. ‘It’s a long and boring story, Millie. You really don’t want to hear it.’
‘You’re wrong there, but I guess if you can’t tell me, you can’t tell me. And if it’s an easier question, let me know how you’re placed for shifts next week.’
‘I wish, but it looks like I’ll be leaving the island tomorrow if the airport reopens, so tonight looks like it’s goodbye. One day I hope to be able to explain it all.’Although she very much wondered when that might be possible.Izzy wrapped her fingers around Millie’s hand. ‘Meanwhile, thank you so much for your friendship. It’s been fun working with you.’
Millie frowned. ‘Are you sure it’s all okay between you and—’ she glanced over Izzy’s shoulder ‘—him.’
‘It’s, uh, complicated. Trust me, and maybe one day I can tell you.’
‘I want that,’ Millie said. ‘I want to know all is good in your world.’ The two quickly embraced. ‘And know that whenever you come back, you’ll always have a job here.’
Izzy felt tears pricking her eyes. ‘Thank you. That means the world to me.’
Izzy was almost back to their table when Millie caught up. ‘Oh, I almost forgot to tell you.’
‘Tell me what?’
‘Apparently two guys came in today at lunch when I was off duty. It was weird because they said they were looking for someone called Erin but they showed a photo that looked a bit like you.’
Ice flowed through Izzy’s veins, fear stiffening her spine. ‘What were they told?’
‘That they didn’t recognise the photo. But apparently it really looked like you, Izzy. Apparently, now you’ve washed the colour from your hair, she looked like a dead ringer for you.’ Millie frowned. ‘Are they looking for you? Are you sure you’re not in trouble?’
‘What’s going on?’
Neither Isabella nor Millie had noticed that Theo had joined them. Millie started, as if afraid to confront Theo directly.
‘Someone was asking questions earlier today,’ Izzy said. ‘Someone looking for a blonde woman who looks just like me.’
‘But how did they get here?’ Theo asked. ‘The airport is closed.’
‘Apparently a private launch arrived this morning, mooring at the supply boat dock. People noticed it because it was so crazy to attempt making the crossing from the mainland in that weather. Nobody had seen either of them before. They must have been from the boat.’
‘Can you describe them?’
‘Only from what I heard. They were broad-shouldered and wearing suits. They didn’t look like tourists.’
Theo cursed. ‘Get your things,’ he told the Princess. ‘We have to go.’
‘Should I call the police?’ Millie asked.
‘No. No police.’ He dropped a stack of bills on the table. ‘That should take care of the bill and a tip for you.’ He nodded. ‘Thank you. In case anyone asks, we weren’t here.’
Millie was still chewing her lip as Izzy squeezed her arm. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.’
Izzy wished she believed her own words as Theo headed the car for the apartment. He was angry, she could tell, no doubt at the accursed weather for delaying their departure, no doubt at knowing that whoever else was tracking her was getting close.
But his anger in no way matched hers.
‘Well played, Theo. You were the one to demand I wash the colour from my hair.’
