“The hotel is there.”
“I see it.” He drew his hand away, fighting to quash his irritation with himself—and with her.
She must have had a reason for keeping up the nun ruse and not telling him the truth. She had her mission parameters just like he did. It wasn’t personal.
You’re just pissed off that she played you.
He didn’t like being deceived.
Dylan had only met one person with her skillset, and that was Holly Andris, a former Agency officer who now worked for Cobra, often alongside her husband, Nick Andris. Holly had used her physical beauty and brains to get close to men—and sometimes women—who were deemed a threat to the homeland to set them up for surveillance. If Gabriela was as good as Holly, she would know every thought in his head and every damned emotion he felt.
At least now you know what you’re dealing with,cabrón.
In a way, it was a relief.
Sister María of the Innocent Eyes was defenseless.
Gabriela? Not so much.
They crossed the street, Dylan keeping an eye out for police,Guachimanes, or anyone who might have followed them from the park.
Hotel Euro was twenty-one stories tall with security at the door. They checked in, Dylan giving the woman at the front desk the same story about their bags being lost on a flight back from Paris, while Gabriela stood close beside him like any happy newlywed, playing her part, the floral scent of her hair teasing him.
“We should call your mamá and let her know we made it.”
Dylan nodded. “Don’t let me forget. She’ll worry.”
“Here are your key cards, Mr. and Mrs. Rojas.” A woman in heavy makeup handed them to Dylan. “Your WiFi password is written on the back. I’ll let you know when your bags arrive. Enjoy your stay.”
They walked to the elevator, stepped inside, neither of them speaking because of the likelihood of surveillance.
Their room was on the ninth floor on the corner and overlooking the street. It gave them quick access to the stairwell as well as a view of what was happening below. The only downside was the single king-sized bed.
Dylan let the weight of the backpack slide from his shoulders to the floor. “You can have the bed. I’ll take the floor. I’m going to lay in some supplies.”
He went down to the concierge desk and bought some basics at ridiculous prices—toothbrushes, toothpaste, a brush for her hair. Back in the room, he found Gabriela checking for listening devices.
She put the cushions back on the chairs. “I think we’re clear.”
He dropped the small bag of supplies on the bed. “Okay, Sister María Cuss-A-Lot—or is it Our Lady of Krav Maga? Or maybe Saint María of the Tinder Date? Who thehellare you, and what are you doing in Venezuela?”
* * *
Gabriela hadn’t expectedanger from Dylan and was surprised to find that it stung. She did her best not to react. “Our Lady of Krav Maga—I like that.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw set. “Answer the question.”
“I’m Gabriela Marquez. That is truly my name. I’m here on an undercover assignment for the Agency. I can’t tell you more than that.”
“Okay, Gabriela. Why didn’t you drop the act and tell me the truth last night?”
Gabriela couldn’t understand this reaction. “Why does it matter? You thought you were rescuing a helpless religious sister, and you just found out that I’m not so helpless after all. I just saved your leg—and maybe your life.”
The glare in his eyes softened slightly. “I’m grateful for that, but Idon’tlike being deceived.”
“That wasn’t my decision.” She sat on the bed, exhaustion getting hold of her. “When you introduced yourself, it was clear you didn’t know I was an undercover officer. I took that to mean that I had to maintain my cover. I figured they were scrambling to protect assets and my family here in Venezuela. I certainly didn’t do it to trick you. Like you, I have to follow orders.”
The hard line of his jaw relaxed, and he uncrossed his arms. “So, you were just keeping to your mission parameters.”