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

women did in the bathroom, Jake checked out the inn. After eavesdropping on guests and learning more about bowel movements and ghosts than he wanted to know, he slipped outside and walked the perimeter. When he came back, he ran into Roberto in the hallway.
    “The room? It is fine?”
    Jake nodded. “Yes, it’s fine. Thank you. We decided to grab a quick snack and then look around the area. Maybe go for a hike or visit some castles. Kara loves castles. There’s my lovely bride now,” he said through clenched teeth as Kendall appeared on the stairs. Couldn’t she follow any damned instructions? She had changed into khakis and a shirt that hugged her breasts. Perfect breasts. Firm. Just the right size. But he didn’t need to be focusing on her breasts no matter how perfect they were.
    “There are several castles in the area,” Roberto said. “A few within walking distance or a short ride.”
    Jake pulled his eyes from Kendall’s perfect breasts. “Anything haunted? She likes ghosts.”
    Roberto tapped a manicured finger against his cheek. “We have the haunted tour in town. It runs for the next three nights.There are reports of ghosts. Like the graveyard down the street, but—”
    “We were hoping to find something...darker,” Jake said. “Have you heard of the Protettori?”
    Roberto froze. “Where did you hear about them?” he whispered.
    “From a friend who’s interested in old legends.”
    Roberto took a quick breath, his eyes wide. “You don’t want to go there, even if you could find it. The place is cursed.”

CHAPTER FOUR

    K ENDALL RAISED HER eyebrows and looked at Jake. “Cursed? You’ve been there, Roberto?”
    “No. But I’ve heard stories since I was a boy. Whispers about
them
. There was a family in a nearby village who claimed an ancestor had helped build the castle.”
    “What stories?” Jake asked.
    “That there were ghosts and strange lights, and if anyone went there, they disappeared, never to be seen again.”
    “Do you know where the place is?” Kendall asked.
    Roberto looked wary. “Beyond the hills.”
    “Which hills?” Kendall asked.
    “Those.” He pointed out the window at the rolling hills dipping harshly across the landscape, covered in thick trees that gave way to mountains. “I don’t know exactly where. I was forbidden to go near as a child. Please stick to the tourist sites. Let me get you a brochure.” He hurried to the lobby and returned a moment later, opening a brochure. He pointed to a church. “This church and graveyard is on the haunted tour. It has catacombs and everything.”
    “I love catacombs,” Kendall said.
    Of course she would.
    Jake started to usher Kendall toward the dining room, where he could hear some lingering diners talking and laughing. Hestopped and turned back to Roberto. “I saw a car arrive after we got here.”
    “Yes. The guest who was supposed to get your room. Another American. Lots of Americans. Lucky I speak good English.”
    When they neared the dining room, Loretta spotted them immediately. “Hello honeymooners,” she called, and every head in the place turned.
    “Come join us,” she said, patting a chair next to her.
    Jake would’ve bolted right then and there, but Kendall gave him her warning glare and put her hand on his arm. Before Jake knew it he was seated next to Gilbert Jenkins, who was as quiet as his wife was loud.
    “Oh look, there’s Brandi,” Loretta said. “She’s the last to join the tour group.”
    A redhead entered the dining room. She was midtwenties and pretty, with curves toned to muscle and hair fiery enough to make a man wonder if she ran hot in the bedroom. She glanced at their table and looked like she wanted to turn around and leave. Jake wondered if she was trying to avoid Loretta or them. Curious. She must have been the one who arrived in the blue car. She was wearing a green skirt that gave him a good look at her legs. Nice. And familiar. The nice part didn’t bother him. The