to a dog, let alone a human being. As though reading my thoughts, the blue-eyed guy's gaze shifted toward me and for a moment my breath caught in my throat. His sudden smile seemed out of place for someone who was being lectured by his boss, and yet I knew it wasn't addressed at Gael. It was for me. He knew I was there, hiding in the shadows.
I straightened my back, ready to dash for the house before the blue eyed guy betrayed my presence, but Gael beat me to it.
"You have twenty-four hours to get the job done. Better not waste my time," Gael called over his shoulder as he stomped past, unaware of my presence, his arrogance mirroring in his stride. Holding my breath, I waited until I heard the backdoor open and close behind him. Only then did I dare to turn around and my heart jumped in my throat.
He was standing right next to me, peering down with the same unnerving smile.
"Looking for something?" His voice was deep and low, barely more than a whisper. "I'm Kieran." He reached out his hand and I grabbed it, for some inexplicable reason trusting him.
"Sofia," I said, pointing at the bag in my hand. "I was throwing out the garbage."
"That's not the only thing you should be throwing out." Even in the darkness, I could see the twinkle in his eyes.
Ignoring his remark, I moistened my lips. "What was that all about? What's Gael looking for?" I knew it was none of my business, and yet I couldn't keep my curiosity at bay. His loyalty or work ethic would keep him from answering anyway, or so I thought.
"He's looking for a blade," Kieran said.
"You mean like a knife?" I stared at him dumbfounded.
Kieran shrugged. "Sort of an oversized one. Let's just say it could do more than prick your finger."
He couldn't be serious. Yet, his expression remained earnest. No flicker of a smile that he was joking. What would Gael need a blade for, unless it was a collector's item and worth a lot? I didn't ask because in my head I already had my explanation.
"Have I answered all your questions, Sofia?" The way he spoke my name almost made me giggle. His gaze regarded me up and down and then up again, settling somewhere below my chin. The telltale heat of a blush crossed my cheeks.
"You have. Thank you," I said, my voice surprisingly calm.
"Good. Then I hope you'll take my word of advice and go away from here as fast as you can. Far, far away. This is no place for a girl like you." He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my cheek, then turned on his heel and…disappeared. Literally. I stared at the empty space where he had just stood a few seconds ago. My pulse gained in speed. Was something wrong with my head and I had just imagined things? First the man in the club, and now this one here. No one just dissolved into nothing. That was the stuff of action hero movies. It didn't happen in real life because it wasn't possible, not real. And yet I knew I had seen him and he had talked to me. Maybe he had a trick up his sleeve, like being pulled up in the air by invisible cords.
The breeze whipped my hair against my cheeks, jolting me out of my thoughts. Even though I didn't want to, I returned to the safety of my room, still holding the bag with the rest of our dinner in my hands. Kieran's words rang through my mind over and over again. He had advised that I leave, but my vacation had just started. I wondered what he had meant by 'no place for a girl like you'. Was this part of Rio dangerous? That certainly made sense. But I figured Gael wouldn't risk our lives if he knew the place wasn't ideal for tourists.
I entered my room and let out a shriek when I noticed the figure sitting on my bed. It took my brain a second to realize it was Gael. His face was contorted with rage, his brows were drawn together.
"I told you to stay inside." His voice dripped with accusation.
"Had to take out the garbage." I shrugged, forcing myself not to roll my eyes.
"The garbage bins are behind the house." His gaze fell on the bag in my hands, and he cocked a brow.
"That explains why I didn't find them."
"When I