This doesn’t have anything to do with trusting Gabriela.
He’d let himself be deceived by the people closest to him, blinded by his love for Valeria and his faith in his SEAL brothers.
It was himself he didn’t trust.
He finished his drink, handed it to a server, got to his feet. “I’m going in.”
Gabi smiled from behind new sunglasses. “Have fun.”
He ran out to the water, dove into the waves, swam against the tide as hard as he could, ignoring the pain in his bruised ribs, until he was maybe a half-mile offshore, alone with the gulls. He stayed there, bobbing on the swells, trying to control the maelstrom of emotions inside him.
You’re an idiot if you let what happened with Valeria and Kruger rule your life.
Yes, but how could he be sure this was real? They hadn’t even known each other for two weeks. When they got back to the real world and the adrenaline wore off, their feelings might fade, too. Getting caught up in her too soon was risky.
Too late for that,cabrón. Besides, you take risks for a living.
But could he take a risk on Gabriela?
Having found no peace in the water, he swam back to the shore, where some blond guy in blue trunks stood talking to Gabriela, drink in his hand.
She waved to Dylan. “There’s my boyfriend.”
The dude took one look at Dylan, mumbled something, and moved on.
Gabriela removed her sunglasses, her gaze moving over Dylan. “Water running down muscles—I think that’s my new favorite art form. Go back, jump in the water, and come out again. Pretty please?”
He appreciated the compliment, but his gaze was still on the jerk in the blue trunks. “Was he hitting on you?”
“I was about to tell him I’ve killed men, but you scared him off.” She sipped the last of her drink. “Every woman on this beach is staring at you, including me.”
Dylan grabbed his towel, dried off, and ordered another drink for each of them, trying to find his courage. What was he going to say? He didn’t know.
He took hold of Gabriela’s hand. “When we get back…”
“Cruz.” A shadow fell over them. “We’ve been busting our asses to get the two of you to safety, and I find you on the beach sipping umbrella drinks.”
Tower.
Dylan stood, as did Gabriela. “Glad to see you, too, sir.”
Tower held out his hand. “Ms. Marquez, it’s a pleasure to meet you at last. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Gabriela gave him that smile of hers. “Thanks for all you and Cobra did for the hostages and me. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Dylan.”
Was she campaigning for him now? That was sweet.
Dylan couldn’t imagine he needed her help. He’d gotten the job done. Yeah, Tower had caught him holding Gabriela’s hand just now, but Dylan knew what to say if Tower got his boxers in a twist over that.
“I’ve got lots of questions. You two finish your drinks and get your gear together. The jet is refueling. We’re wheels up for Miami in two hours. There will be a flight waiting there to take you to Langley, Ms. Marquez. Cruz, we’ll head on to Denver for a formal debriefing. Meet me in the lobby when you’re ready to go.”
Gabriela watched Tower walk away. “He seemsveryprofessional.”
“Former Green Beret.”
“Aha.”
Back in their hotel room, Dylan stripped out of his wet trunks, rinsed the salt off his skin in the shower, and dressed. Gabriela had changed into the black sundress he’d bought her, her other belongings in a shopping bag.