Guardians of Stone (The Relic Seekers) by Anita Clenney Read Free Book Online Page A

what would happen behind closed doors. He would be disappointed at the lack of action. Jake would definitely be.
    “Let me give you a quick tour of the downstairs,” Roberto said.
    Of course, loud Loretta tagged along, giving her opinion on everything. The inn was more Jake’s speed than the fancy hotel. It had wide plank floors and clean walls, except for those frolicking paintings. He studied the people they passed—all old as far as he could see—while Kendall and Loretta commented on the furnishings and décor. Some of the guests were still lounging over lunch, the heaviest meal served.
    “Have you eaten?” Roberto asked.
    “We grabbed something on the way,” Jake said.
    Roberto nodded. “I’m sure you’re anxious to get settled. Most of the shops are still closed. They will reopen later in the afternoon. Dinner is at eight. Some of our guests eat in town, but for those who stay in we have a variety of food choices. There should be several of the tour group dining in before the tour this evening. I warn you, it gets a little noisy.” He tapped his ears. “Some of the older guests are hard of hearing.”
    “Me and Gilbert are gonna grab a quick snack in a few minutes,” Loretta called. “Why don’t you join us?”
    “We’ll probably be
occupied
,” Jake said, pulling Kendall close.
    Roberto led them to a room on the second floor. It was a corner room, with one window facing the front and the other near the trellis on the side of the inn. As soon as the door closed, Kendall turned to Jake.
    “Why did you tell them we were honeymooning?” she hissed. “Of all the stupid things to say.”
    “I got distracted by your perfume.”
    “I’m not wearing perfume.”
    Then she had the sexiest smelling skin known to man.
    She surveyed the room, eyes lingering on the bed.
    “You can sleep on the sofa if you’d prefer,” he said. “Looks small but you could curl up.”
    Her eyes narrowed, accusing. “Roberto said he just gave the last room to someone else, so why didn’t you book two rooms instead of one in the first place?”
    “He didn’t have it when I called. Don’t worry, I won’t attack you. I like my sex friendly.”
    “This is insane,” she said, looking at the large bed.
    He left her stewing and went to check the room. He was inspecting the lock on the window when a blue car rolled up the drive and pulled to a stop. He was vaguely aware of Kendall moving toward the bathroom as the car door opened and a leg appeared. Female. There was something about that leg...Before the rest of the woman could exit the car, Kendall cried out, and Jake ran to the bathroom.
    Kendall stood in the middle of the floor, smiling. “Look at the tub.”
    “You’re admiring a bathtub? I thought you’d been attacked.”
    “Sorry.” She squatted beside the tub, gazing at it like a mother looking at her newborn. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”
    It was a tub. It was white. What was the big deal?
    She reached out and ran her hand along the edge. “It’s old, like one I had before...” She flinched and jerked her hand back. She stood and wiped her hands on her jeans. “How’s the rest of the room?” she asked, her voice shaky.
    “Secure.” Jake frowned at the tub, expecting a tarantula. “What just happened?”
    “What do you mean?” she asked.
    “You looked like something bit you.”
    “No. I’m fine.”
    She wasn’t fine, but it was his job to protect her, not sort out her quirks. “You ready to go downstairs?”
    “You told Loretta we weren’t coming.”
    “I changed my mind.”
    “Why?”
    “I want to check out the other guests. I like knowing who I’m sleeping under the same roof with.” That leg troubled him. He wanted to see its owner. Someone had followed them to the hotel, maybe even to Saint Peter’s Square. In spite of precautions, it was possible that they’d been followed here.
    “I need a few minutes,” Kendall said.
    “Don’t leave the room without me.” While she did whatever