The neighbors had gotten a symphony of classical music. Now they were getting a symphony of passion. Her breathy moans echoed across the marina, filling the night air.
We went at it hot and heavy.
Our passion crescendoed in a tempestuous surge. We collapsed beside each other, gasping for breath, slick and sweaty, hearts pounding, heads full of wine and dopamine.
“I couldn’t be happier than I am right now,” she cooed, snuggling up, our bodies intertwined. “It was the perfect evening. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You can tell that to the feds.”
“I think I’ll keep this night to myself.”
The unspoken subject hung in the air like fog. It needed to be discussed, and we both knew it. After a long, thick silence, she said, “As you already know, Diego Navarro is my father.”
A twinge of disappointment knotted my stomach. I’d been living in a fantasy prior. “Are you part of the family business?”
“I design and manufacture high-end jewelry for exclusive clients.”
“The feds say that’s a front.”
“Can the feds prove that?”
I said nothing.
“If they could, I’d be in jail. But I’m not because they can’t.”
It wasn’t really an answer. Or maybe it was.
I took a deep breath. “I’m going to operate under the assumption you’re a legitimate businesswoman until proven otherwise.”
“And what will you tell the feds? That I don’t wear underwear?”
I chuckled. “No. I don’t think I’ll tell them that. But if I find out you’re not a legitimate businesswoman, don’t expect a pass.”
She kissed my cheek with her full lips. “I admire your principles.”
Then she kissed my chest and slid her tongue down my abs. Soon, she made a compelling oral argument for me to shut the hell up and enjoy the moment.
Which I did.
But this was a train wreck in slow motion.
39
Iwoke the next morning to an empty bed. Catalina had slipped out during the night.
I’m sure the feds had been keeping tabs on her and knew about our evening. It wouldn’t be long before they got in contact, wanting information.
My phone buzzed the nightstand.
I reached a sleepy hand for it and swiped the screen. “This is Deputy Wild.”
“Is now a bad time?” Sarah Dalton said in a tentative voice. “I can call back later.”
“No, this is good. What’s going on?”
"I don’t want to get anybody in trouble," she said. "But I wasn't with Greg. Not when he said I was. I mean, not until later.”
